WILMER JOEL

8/12/20

Marshall Islands High School (MIHS) staff and guest celebrated the inauguration of the new dormitory. MIHS history goes back to the 1963 and is known to be the biggest school with the highest numbers of student enrollment, not only from Majuro but the neighboring islands as well. MHIS has this long-standing issue on accepting students from other islands because there was no dormitory at school. Students enrolled from neighboring islands have had to stay with relatives or close family friend in Majuro.

In order to improve such situation, MIHS constructed a new dormitory through the funding of Japanese Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP). The project was launched in 2018 to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relation between Japan and Marshall Islands.

The dorm will be hosting 108 students from Enewetak and Mejjato. The dorm is equipped with bunk bed, bathroom, showers, a big kitchen and a laundry room. The dorm have warm homey feeling to it and it was very windy, student doesn’t need to worry about sleeping without fan when power goes off but maybe on days with no wind whatsoever.

Witnesses at the ceremony includes, Minister Kitlang Kabua, President David Kabua, Japan Ambassador Norito Saito, Mayor Laddie Jack and Taiwan Ambassador Jeffrey Hsiao were present at the ceremony.

Minister Kitlang gave thanks for the people and government of Japan on behalf of the government of the Marshall Islands and MIHS for the support to the students coming from the neighboring islands and said that the new dorms will help with the attendance. “Education is a necessary tool to equip ourselves for our future,” said Ambassador Saito. He also said in the ceremony “ we are very happy to contribute to education.” Majuro Ladie Jack describes the dorm as “incredible and magnificent.”

Witnessing guest and staff got to tour the dorm in amazement of how simple, homie and beautiful the dorm is, as they also grab refreshments on the way of of the dorm.

M.I.H.S. Class of 2020 didn't get the graduation they expected when senior year began back in August, but they still got a send-off Wednesday that they'll never forget. The float parade had no involvement and aid from the school, P.S.S., and the Ministry of Education

Nearly all of the 197 graduates partipated in a parade from Maan Rita to the airport picnic site for a celebration hastily organized by senior counselor, Mr. Marson Ralpho, PTA Officers, parents and students trying to make the best of a challenging situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of RMI COVID-19 Contingency plan.

The 12th graders' councelor, Marson Ralpho, worked along with the students behind the scenes to organize the event, held on the day virtual graduates were scheduled. "They were really wanting to be able to celebrate somehow, and this is a great tribute to them," Marson said.

Cars carrying graduates with their families and friends waved, shouted, danced and threw candied as they drove from Rita to the airport picnic grounds. Many of the students wore their caps and gowns. The parade was concluded with speeches and danced off. The party lasted till late night.

"Under the circumstances, this is something we wanted to offer our students," said the councelor.

It was an assembly like any other, for it was the final assembly to greet the seniors of M.I.H.S., class of 2020. The 2nd period of the day was the start of the assembly where all the Seniors gathered to be commemorated for their journey to college and so on. It was celebrated with a simple token of gratitude of bubble gum necklaces.

The Classes of 9A and 10B also sang to the seniors in front of the assembly as a farewell. Few speeches from the staff and officials were given during that time. Lastly, at the end of the assembly, the seniors were congratulated by the students, and given their farewell, but the classes resumed after lunch inorder to prepare for our finals.

With loads of changes to this school year, one of them was the SBG elections. This came as a surprise to most and quite entertaining to some. If you were one of the students who walked by the office or the Library on Wednesday 27 of April, you would've seen the nomination list for each position of the SBG filled with all kinds of names of people. Sure enough, most of the names weren't even written by candidates but by friends. And when it came to the election day, the candidates for president and vice were longer than any type of government election. After the election, the former president respectably stepped down . So the position was given to Asena Ketedromo, who then became the new SBG president. Though it was not the people's first choice, it was still the next right thing because she is also capable to lead this school into the next school year. Vice president went to Wilmer Joel, Secretary went to Almira Matayoshi, and Treasurer was given to Cladysa deBrum. As for the rest of us, lets wait and see what is installed for us next year with this new Student Body Government.

Andrew Sanchez

During the M.I.H.S. assembly, an early spring break was announced by the principal of the school “Barbara Bobby Ned”. The spring break will start from March 30 until and will end on April 3. It was said to best stay at home and not roam around during the spring break. This way, people of the Marshall Islands will be safe from any disease or other virus that can provoke COVID19. This spring break was given early because the M.I.H.S. will be closing early this year due to the corona outbreak. While M.I.H.S. students are having their early spring break, M.I.H.S. teachers and staff are to stay in work and clean and disinfect the school. The government said it is best to close the school early as possible just in case the airport opens for travel. This way, students are safe at home from any possible disease brought by people from outside the country. As the Marshall Islands heard the news about corona outbreak from other countries, the people of the Marshall Islands are now more cautious about what they touch and get close too. One M.I.H.S. student by the name of Emil Resurreccion quoted, “I am excited about the spring break because i can do anything without worrying about school, although i can’t roam around because of what the principal said".

Wilmer Joel

4/20/20

Marshall Islands Marine and Resources Authority(MIMRA) Representative Barab and David, came to our school to display a stunning presentation concerning our ocean and climate change. When the presentation reach it's conclusion, the whole student who were there had tons of questions. One by one till there were no more. "It is was an honor to have come and present these students about our job here in MIMRA. And we hope to come here someday to spread this helpful information," said MIMRA representative Barab Harris.

Wilmer Joel

The largest high school in the country, Marshall Islands High School, will have a graduation unlike any other in its over 50 years of existence.

As a preparation for the coronavirus pandemic, M.I.H.S. has implemented a contingency plan as a preventive measure. One of the goals in the contingency plan is to setup the graduation this year online to avoid crowds gathering, which is a known way of spreading illness.

This means M.I.H.S. won’t see the normally large gathering for this year’s graduation ceremony. Instead, parents, friends and schoolmates can watch it live on the Internet. Although this has become a great idea for the administration, it also is disappointing news for the 198 graduates of 2019-2020, who were expecting to have their graduation as a big event like the others before them.

"Who would have thought that it would be like this," said senior and one of the graduates of this year Tony Kabua. "No Prom, no graduation, and not even a farewell party. Even though this has been great disappointment to us, we rather have an online graduation, than to have none."

Julius Muertetgue

2/10/20

This is the final quarter of the year for the last PPBL project for M.I.H.S.. These past few weeks have been a lot of work for the students in each grade level. This month's PPBL project differ for each grade level, ranging from 9th to 12th grade.

A 9th grader from section A says, "Our topic for PPBL in 9th grade is about Taro," confirms Goodwind Silk. He also mentioned that there are 5 groups in each class, and 1 person is the leader to create the best poster to be picked for their presentation. "I also learned a lot from PPBL, like how to make Taro Milk, and lots of other things pertaining unto it", according to Mr. Silk.

Each group had different plants to research about, and that was for 9A's group.

A 10th grader from section A, whose topic is about Non-biodegradable said, "our product is made up of recycled plastic bottles that is converted into a recyclable plastic chair", explains Veianga Silk, "It was an easy project to make, it took about 1-2 weeks, it's made by taping carefully modified bottles together to form a seat, and was covered with cloth sewn together," she further explained. "The PPBL projects was a 50/50 experience, it was very good but at the same time, it was very tiring to do." Veinga Silk explained for how she felt about her PPBL project. 10th grade's topic was all about Bio and Non-biodegradable products, and how they could show ways to improve in the environment.

An 11th grader from section C says that "our project is about coastal erosion, and is mostly talking about the coast and how it is being eroded by the ocean. In each subject, we need to have measurements according to distance between the ocean to our buildings", Rimeal Heran says as an example. He felt mutual towards the PBBL. "It's just as any other research as it involved a lot of researching to do. However, it wasn't as hard as it seems and we got to learn new things." he explains. The 11th Grade's topic for the PPBL is about Coastal erosion, and they did research of ways to prevent coastal erosion.

A 12th grader from section A says that their topic is about Population Diversity in the Marshall Islands. According to George Sale, he said, "We have to find out the population here in Majuro, we have to research, and go around Majuro in each town, such as Rita and Uliga, and so on to conduct surveys", George explains. George also mentioned that this year was better than last year's PPBL project. "It's more easier and less complicated than last year because we just have to research, and collect surveys and put the information on PowerPoint. So I'd say this year's PPBL is better." So the 12th grade's PPBL topic, Population Diversity, was to see how the people of the R.M.I. contribute to Majuro and why they're important.

This is all for the General PPBL at M.I.H.S.. What we know is that these projects are important for students and their grades. It is one of the hardest parts of academic activity here. PPBL topics differ throughout the grades to make things more interesting and spread out more information.

Education week went well for Marshall Islands High School (M.I.H.S.), with a Career Day the highlight.

For Career Day, the school invited government departments and non-government organizations to showcase their responsibilities to the students — so that students may learn from them, and get inspiration to one day replace them in their seat. This was actually based on this year’s Education Week theme, “Reach, Educate, and Inspire.”

Many organizations came to the school, including the Marshall Islands Red Cross Society, NCD Coalition, Youth to Youth in Health, College of the Marshall Islands and many more. As the program began, emcee Chimako Anitok called upon the guest speakers of each organization to share their experience — as students of M.I.H.S. in the past. Most of the guest speakers were alumni. One of them was Stevenson Kotton who is the vice president of the College of the Marshall Islands.

“I used to walk on these school grounds as you do, I used to walk up and down the school steps as you do,” he said. “And I used to experience the school life as student here as well, as you do.” Many of these speakers gave wonderful and inspiring speeches that were uplifting to the students. From observation, the students even smiled and nodded as each speaker gave their speech.

Following the speeches, the event got more interesting when students and teachers performed songs and dances. Some were solo, and some were all together. After all the performances, the students were now able to go to the booth of all the agency and organization that were invited.

“Wow, I never knew how much contribution these people make to our country,” said M.I.H.S. DJ and sound crew Tony Kabua, a 12th grader. “Now I hope I could make my own contribution to his country from all this information I gained.”

Indeed lots of drills and demonstrations were shown to the students at booths, either how to cook or to save some one’s life. After that, lunch was provided and everybody went home with a full stomach and with plenty leftover.

A lot happened that day but from observation, seeing student smiles and having fun was interesting.

“I hope that I could become a doctor one day,” said Marynuia Lenja of 12A. “And from what I learned, I am inspired to reach towards my goal.”

Every student should have that mindset, to work hard, very hard, to reach their goals; “educate” themselves to be better and intelligent people and to “inspire” others to do the same. So that Marshall Islands can be well equipped through the hands of the future generation who will rise and replace the older generation, in becoming the leaders, the workers, and the facilitators of this county. And set the course for a brighter and prosperous tomorrow.

Surely, education week might be one of the most tiring moments of high school. But the prize that comes afterwards might be the reason why we enter in the first place, or maybe it was all part of our grade. With all the math and science competitions completed, the last day was for Debate. Our school's debate team worked late nights and early mornings for their speeches and not to mention the sacrifices made. Though they came third place, that didn't mean that they didn't achieved anything. Both teams made it to the semi-finals and annihilated any chance for CO-OP to make it to the finals.

"The debate was terrifyingly exhilarating ." claimed Victoria Kilma of 12C. "Although it was a very stressful , it was indeed a wonderful experience !" Who have would known that being a part of the debate would mean getting a more in-depth knowledge of the topic at hand ? It was evidently my first time and I'm glad I took the chance to do something out of my comfort zone . The debate was challenging , especially once we got to the competitions . Every group had different points of view and that's the most amazing part . But overall , the debate was educational . Wouldn't you agree ?" she asked after replying to our question on her the experience of the event.

We also asked her on how she felt about her being the best debater," Now, how do I feel about winning one of the top best debaters ? Proud . It's true what they say , "no pain no gain" and that recognition surely paid off for all the late night researches and hours spent with preparations . Not recognition , but achievement ." Truth be told, the feeling after the competition is amazing because after a hard week's work. You 'll feel like you accomplished something that not only be good for your future but it's a great opportunity to meet other people from other schools. And those are what most grateful for, not to forget the headaches and delicious food during, after, and before the event!

One of the most interesting activities that took place during the education week was the Quiz bee; it is one of the events held in schools to test the intellectual capabilities of students in different subjects such as science, mathematics, social science, current events, and general knowledge.

For this competition, all grade level from each different section were involved. Teachers picked each representatives for their respective classes from each of the grade level to be part of a team. The teams were divided into Science, Math, English Language Art, and Social Studies. Each team has either 3 or 4 members in their team.

So, each team were given 5 questions per round, for the easy questions, hard, and difficult questions.

"It was great because me and other students were able to communicate with the difficult questions and help each other to solve the problems.” said Julius from 10A, one the representative for 10 graders.

Rounds after rounds, questions after questions, each team member worked together side by side trying to make sure they got each answers correct. When the questions got even tighter and harder, teams after teams were starting to get eliminated. Till the very last one, the math team, which includes Ressmer Tallur, Judah Katwon, Edlina Felix, and Julius Muertetgue won the competition. Though the other teams lost, they are still winners in the their own way. But for this competition, the math team proved to be the real champion!

Wilmer Joel

2/10/20

Miss Marshall Islands, Billma Peter, who is known by everyone in the Marshall Islands as the beauty queen of this nation, was asked to come to our school and give a motivational speech concerning the education week's theme: "Reach, Educate, and Inspire". With her elegant grace and presence, she was able to catch the attention of the students and teachers alike. She emphasized the importance of education and teen pregnancy to the students. Informing them that good choices, leads to a brighter future. One male students said "She is very gorgeous and intelligent, I will follow her advice as a beacon for my educational pursuit." He concluded saying, " I love you Miss R.M.I., keep doing what you are doing and make our islands be known around the world." Miss Marshall Islands advice has a great deal of ideal and purpose of coming to school. Which is to is to receive an education that helps an individual throughout every phase of his or her life.

Wilmer Joel

November 13, 2019

Just last Tuesday, we witness an outstanding mini concert, by rising pop star singers and boy band phenomenon The Kazual. The Kazual are one the new boy bands in America.They just flew in just last Monday to do a one week performance across Majuro and Majuro's High school, including our school. There performance was had an outstanding responds from the Students and Teachers and Staff. With Screaming, shouting and even fainting. I was able to ask a few questions about them and their history. The Kazual started off as boys church choir with only 2 members Little Cape and E.J, later on Dmac and Playboy joined in and made it official to make a band. Alongside with Omar as manager. Music to them is like a universal language, no matter where u go. It gives love and healing to them. When I asked them about their first arrival to Marshall islands. They said it was absolutely stunning and Beautiful. Clear and Crystal water. The people are welcoming, nice, and have such a positive vibe. It is also their first time seeing real live fish here, since they only eat American Canned fish food. A great experience they said .Finally they advised the youth of the Marshall Islands to get enough sleep and live a healthy lifestyle. Education is also important in order to reach your goal and dream. And most importantly, they added that the youths must put God first in their Life. Because of him they are performing and because of him all is made possible.They will perform once again at Delap Park if you still are not enough of their performance. The price is of coming to the concert is 100 percent free! We are yet expect to the talent these men possess.

Bolden Elanzo

Oct 28-Nov 1 (Q2)

During the fourth week of October, the students of M.I.H.S. had their spirit week for the very first time. Spirit week consisted of fun activities form Monday 28th to Thursday 31st. On the very first day, which was twin day, students mirrored each other by replicating one another. Tuesday was career day in which students were required to wear something representing their future careers or interested work sites. Wednesday was crazy day; students were dressed up in wacky clothes and funny outfits that brought happiness and made others smile. The last day was costume day. Everyone willing to participate were asked to bring their own costumes and candies for the trick or treating event during the last two periods. There was shortened schedule and students went home with candies and unforgettable memories. "Best week out of all my weeks in school so far," gushes out 12th grader Benjamin Bernie.

September 23rd was the start of Manit(culture) week for most schools including M.I.H.S. Culture is the belief, customs, etc. of a particular group or society. During this week, different cultures were being taught and shared by each individual. Then on Thursday September 26th, half day was required so manit celebrations were able to happen after lunch time. During Manit Celebrations different dances and foods, according to their islands or countries, were being displayed for others. Manit Week not only celebrates Marshallese culture, but it also willingly reaches out to other nations to better increase our knowledge and respect for them.

Paulini Maitokana

October 17, 2019

It is a tradition here to host a welcome party for transfer students, Pre-9, 9th grade, and new teachers. As the years go by, the SBG officers for each school year would always find a way to make this event fun and memorable. This year's SBG officers though outdid themselves with the preparation of the party. Not to mention how the school levels were split that day because of each assigned responsibility for the event. In Mrs. Melena's kitchen, food committee(11th grade) took over. Meaning they were the tasters and the providers. At the Assembly area, the senior boys along with others, were helping with the setting up of the tent and the rest were helping out in setting the chairs. Meanwhile, both students and teachers inside their classes were waiting anxiously and hungrily to be escorted to the breezeway where they will have their entrance dance. After all the dances from the escorts and their assigned section, everyone settled down while the SBG president(Bolden Elanzo) said a few words and with 9th grader Goodwind saying grace afterwards. Then the food was distributed to the students for lunch which consisted of different varieties of sandwiches and fruits. After everyone had something to eat, the time for the performances came. A lot of students performed that day in many ways such as groups, solo, and even freestyle. "I was really grateful and over filled with happiness because this event made me feel really special," states English teacher Jasmine Hicking. When it almost came to an end , some of the students started to dance like nobody was watching which made the event more lively. At the end, the principal said the closing speech and everyone went home while the clean-up committee stayed back and worked their stuff to make our campus look beautiful again.

February 22nd was chosen because it was the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell founder of the Boy Scout Movement & Olave Baden-Powell, who was the World Chief Guides. Girl Guiding & Girl Scouting values & respect each person for who they are, irrespective of their race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, appearance, gender, identity or experience.This year's World Thinking theme, Living Threads, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion" When individual threads are woven together they form something bigger & stronger. We are just like those threads, all unique and of equal value. Being able to come together with a shared purpose is our strength. We are Living Threads.

Diversity is what differentiates each one of us-a mix of many different dimensions including; identity, skills,appearance, abilities and other characteristics of any group including how we think, what we value & the backgrounds and experiences that shape our perspectives. It refers to the level of difference represented within any group. It's important to remember that while some of these dimensions are visible, many are not.

Inclusion is a belief and practice. Inclusive practices value that people of all backgrounds identities, abilities, perspectives, and beliefs should have an equal opportunity to belong, achieve, and contribute to their communities. Inclusion requires people to value, respect and accept diversity.

Equality means giving everyone equal access to rights and opportunities. Equality is only fair if everyone starts from the same place and needs the same things. Equality is a minimum, and while we should treat everyone the same (equality), we should also acknowledge that advantages and barriers exist for different groups (equity)

Equity refers to when there is fairness & equality in outcomes, not just in support & opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages & barriers exists for different groups of people. Over time, gaps in outcomes (related to examples such as education level or wealth) will continue to grow if those advantages & barriers are not addressed. A community or country's history, policies, and instructions often maintain these barriers, Equity is a process that begins by acknowledging individuals have unequal starting places & continues to correct & address the resulting imbalances. Equity is giving everyone what they need to be successful. Equality is treating everyone the same.

Equality is giving everyone a shoe.

Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.

(From : WAGGGS World Thinking Day 2020)

Happy World Thinking Day MIHS Guides & Guides All Around the World!!!

On the 27th of January,the madam principal Barbara Ned along with the vice-principal Kathy Digno selected those students who were chosen to represent MIHS for the Climate Change dialogue at ICC.Those chosen ones were Kimiko Mojilong(11B),Susan Ned(11A),Noslynda Minor(11A) and I.

The other students who joined us were from Assumption School,Kwajleen Atoll High School from Ebeye and some students from the College of the Marshall Islands.

During the first day of our climate change workshop,introduction was held at the beginning and one of the teachers from CMI named Max Sudnovsky informed us to introduce ourselves and our super powers if we had.

I was so impressed with all of the super powers that had been mentioned by the other climate warriors.Most of the super powers were all related to climate change.

The reason why we came and worked together was to improve climate services.Not just that but to shared our knowledge about climate change here in the RMI.