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National Recognition for MPI Math & Science Program
Mid-Pacific Institute has received the 2007 Siemens Foundation Award for excellence in math and science advanced placement (AP) programs. As math and science play such an integral role in leading technological progress, the Siemens Foundation created this award. By getting this award, the Siemen’s Foundation recognizes Mid-Pacific Institute as being one of the schools that lead the nation in AP participation and performance in science, math and technology. Only one school is chosen in each state, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, commitment to students’ achievement and leadership in their AP program. Mid-Pacific Institute was recently announced as a winner in USA Today.
Mid Pacific Institute’s math and science AP programs have shown steady growth in recent years, as more and more students are taking and passing AP math and science courses. Mean scores and percentage pass rates are consistently well above the national average.
As well as the recognition of academic excellence in math and science, Mid Pacific Institute will receive a $1000 grant to use for math and science education.
“I thank Dr. Gareth Russell who directs our Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs at Mid-Pacific,” said MPI President Joe C. Rice. “Thanks also to the faculty who prepare our AP students academically and in their preparation for AP exams. We commend Candace Kanja (AP Calculus) Judy Dill (AP Statistics); Lyle Chee (AP Biology); Alison Ashford (AP Environmental Science) and Art Merserau, retired (AP Physics) for contributing to making this award happen."
“I am thrilled to hear that MPI has been nationally recognized for its AP program in math and science,” said Dr. “Russell. "To be one of just 50 schools nationally is quite an honor. We are the only school in the state to receive this award. This is great news for Mid Pacific's Math and Science AP programs!”
Posted at 4:01 PM| Permalink
Puppet Show a Hit!
CoCo Wiel's 8th grade class presented a puppet show performance for the 4-year-old MPI preschoolers Thursday, March 15 in Bakken Auditorium. The 8th graders presented themes such as sharing, patience, dreams coming true, counting and cooperation, behind the puppetry scenes, and dealing with strangers.
"The children loved the puppet show," said parent Colleen Otsuka. "I saw so much laughter, excitement and involvement from the pre-schoolers. The themes that you presented were wonderful... great life lessons! Thank you so much for gearing your show towards them."
"CoCo Wiel and her students NEVER cease to amaze me," said Pua Kaai, middle school principal "She truly has a gift that we are all blessed to receive! The kids were awesome. I am proud of them, and that they exemplify the school motto of honoring one's school. Those pre-schoolers will always remember the energy, whim and hope you brought to them."
Posted at 5:36 PM| Permalink
Once on This Island
The Middle School musical Once on This Island opens this weekend, March 9-11 in Kawaiahao Recital Hall.
Tickets are already sold out for March 9. Call 973-5066 to reserve your seat!
Posted at 3:00 PM| Permalink
Mid-Pacific takes state paddling championship
The Mid-pacific boys varsity canoe paddling team won The First Hawaiian Bank State Canoe Paddling Championships in Hilo Saturday. The winning teams all set state meet records. The Mid-Pacific boys won its first state title in 3 minutes, 37 seconds. The ILH champion Mid-Pacific girls placed second in 4:13.34.
Photo by Tom Kualii (www.extremeimageology.com) for HHSAA
The members of the crew were Sammy Agsen, Jon-Michael Grindle, Ryan Harrison, David Markle, Travis Niederhauser, Arthur Simpson, Reyn Halford and Kody Rieh.
"They worked hard to peak at the right time," Hines said
Sara McKay-Hines: "Paul 'Bear' Bryant said, 'It is not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.' This team had that will, and then some. Every run, biathlon, every 4040 sprint when the coach would yell, "again!" This team would lead with their best effort, every time."
"Preparation, planning, and perseverance led this team to the State Championship. Every team member did their job; they followed the plan and it was their hard work and mental toughness that helped them execute that plan. There was a palpable excitement and tension in the air at Hilo Bay, but the team did not allow anything to distract them from their goal of doing what they had prepared for: doing their best."
“This team shared a dream. We knew the secret, but it was only in winning that final race that it was there for everyone else to see, and what a dream it was!”
Mark Hines: “Finishing first was a testimony to focus, setting goals and working hard. The boys had set a goal back in November to push themselves to try and win the state championship. We set up workout schedules that could give them the strength and fitness they needed, but ultimately THEY chose to sacrifice, work hard and work together to achieve the goal. All nine paddlers were part of the winning season and our depth became one of our strengths."
"We often worked with the boys on how you lay a foundation and you plan and execute so that on race day, nothing is left to chance. They continued to improve all season and that allowed them to smash the state record. The had great support from their families, the school administration and athletic department and the M Club in attaining this championship."
"One of our refrains this year was the question: Who is your competition? And the answer was "we are own competition." The race was always about attaining personal best, not 'beating' other crews. They understood that distinction and it made all the difference!”
BOYS
1, Mid-Pacific (Sammy Agsen, Jon-Michael Grindle, Ryan Harrison, David Markle, Travis Niederhauser, Arthur Simpson, Reyn Halford, Kody Riehl) 3:37.00. 2, Maryknoll 3:37.78. 3, Kamehameha 3:40.11. 4, Kula 3:47.99. 5, 'Anuenue 3:49.70. 6, Baldwin 3:50.93. 7, Kalaheo 3:54.23. 8, Kealakehe 3:54.94.
GIRLS
1, Kamehameha 4:12.90. 2, Mid-Pacific 4:13.34. 3, Punahou 4:15.90. 4, Baldwin 4:18.29. 5, Konawaena 4:23.17. 6, McKinley 4:27.10. 7, King Kekaulike 4:28.16. 8, Mililani 4:13.07.
Posted at 8:25 AM| Permalink
500 attend M Club Gala
More than 500 people attended the M Club Gala fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Sheraton Waikiki.
The mission of the M Club is to foster pride in Mid-Pacific Institute Athletics and to enhance the competitive excellence of the Mid-Pacific Athletic Program. Through its service to the school, and through its club activities, the membership will encourage fellowship amongst all members of the MPI athletic community while promoting the highest levels of sportsmanship, character and service amongst MPI's current student-athletes.
2007 Hall of Fame Inductees
Norman Ching '58 and Carl Wheeler were inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame.
As a teacher, athletics supporter, counselor, administrator, coach and parent to MPI students, Carl Wheeler has been involved in every facet of Mid-Pacific Institute's activities. During his five decades of service, it is hard to imagine any living person associated with MPI who has not been touched by his commitment to the institution.
While a student at Mid-Pacific Institute, Norman Ching excelled in basketball and baseball. In baseball, he was named Interscholastic League Honorable Mention in 1957 and 1958. In basketball, he was named to the Interscholastic League All-Star Team in 1957 and 1958. He was also named MPI's Basketball MVP in 1957 and 1958, Most Outstanding Athlete in 1958, and Scholar-Athlete in 1958. He went on to play basketball at the University of Hawaii, and was named team captain his senior year. After UH, he played professional basketball for one year in the Philippines. Norman was also the Head Coach of the MPI Boys Varsity Basketball Team in 1968 and 1969.
Nurturing Success
The M Club exists as a support group for the Mid-Pacific Institute Athletic Program. It is founded on the belief that success in athletics can unite a school's community and inspire school pride. But success does not come without support, and the M Club is the vehicle for that support.
Membership in the M Club is open to anyone--alumni, parents, coaches, friends, faculty and staff--who has an interest in Mid-Pacific Athletics and in supporting our student-athletes. Club members will receive benefits that will connect them with others who share two things in common: a passion for MPI sports, and an interest in the success of our student-athletes, coaches and teams.
The M Club will...
Generate a broad base of support for the MPI athletic program;
Create more interest in MPI Athletics amongst alumni and the community at-large;
Honor old traditions and initiate new ones;
Provide needed resources that will serve as a catalyst for consistent competitive excellence in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii.
Guest Speaker
Marcus Allen
NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
Marcus Allen is considered one of the greatest running backs of all time. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1982 as the tenth overall pick, the former USC standout played 16 seasons in the NFL - 11 with the Raiders, and five with the Kansas City Chiefs. Widely regarded as one of the best goal line and short-yardage runners in NFL history, Allen was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
In Allen's senior year as a tailback for the University of Southern California, he had one of the most spectacular seasons in NCAA history. He rushed for 2,342 yards, becoming the first player in NCAA history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He also gained a total of 2,683 all-purpose yards, led the nation in scoring, won the Heisman Trophy, the
Maxwell Trophy, the Walter Camp Award and was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year.
In his 16 seasons as a pro, Allen gained 12,243 yards rushing, 5,411 yards receiving, and scored 145 touchdowns. At the time of his retirement in 1997, he held the single-season record for most rushing and receiving yards combined (2,314), was second in consecutive 100-yard games, and was third in career-combined yardage. Allen was the first player ever to gain more than 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards during his career. His long list of NFL honors includes six Pro Bowl appearances, an NFL MVP Award (1985), Super Bowl XVIII MVP, Rookie of the Year (1982), and Comeback Player of the Year (1993).
Posted at 9:23 AM| Permalink