Table of Contents
A Night in "Rio"
By: Rina Olsen
Keep on Rowing!
By: Bea Mariano
Ice Cream Party
By: Jeff Zheng
Spring Concert
By: Emily and John
Why you Should Have a Pet!
By: Mariko Brochon
By: Rina Olsen
Keep on Rowing!
By: Bea Mariano
Ice Cream Party
By: Jeff Zheng
Spring Concert
By: Emily and John
Why you Should Have a Pet!
By: Mariko Brochon
A Night in "Rio"
By: Rina Olsen
On April 13, the 2024 St. John’s School Junior~Senior Prom was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel. Themed “A Night in Rio,” the prom burst with color and lively music amidst vibrant clothes, careful flower arrangements, and lighting selections. Drawing on the hit movie Rio as well as Brazilian traditions such as Carnival for ideas, the Class of 2025 prom committee created an event that many have commented on as a highlight of the school year.
Early in the night, attendees enjoyed various activities such as a photo booth—with feathered masks offered as party favors to match—and Musical Chairs Scavenger Hunt, in which players rushed to find what the host, junior Isaac Campus, called out: car keys; a bilingual person; a hair tie; etc. The second round of this game was a sign-up round, in which juniors who had signed up beforehand played and, in a planned maneuver, lost one by one to leave the winner, junior Nina Taitano, ready to open up the dance floor with a flash mob set to the song “Hot Wings” from the film Rio. With the dance floor open, SJS students spent much of the rest of the night dancing to “Baby,” “Dancing Queen,” “Gangnam Style,” and more, and were joined by faculty chaperones such as Dr. San Nicolas, Mrs. McCormic, Mrs. Petra, and Mr. Flores.
Later that evening, the Royal Court was announced by Mr. Pineda: Best Dressed, Nico Flores (CO 2025); Most Glamorous, Emily Sauget (CO 2024); Prom Princess, Knessa Davis (CO 2025); Prom Prince, Kevin Choi (CO 2025); Prom Queen, Maeva Conroy (CO 2024); Prom King, Serenity Johnson (CO 2024). Congratulations to the 2024 Junior~Senior Prom Royal Court!
As a result of the prom committee’s hard work and commitment, “A Night in Rio” was a night that attendees find difficult to forget.
Early in the night, attendees enjoyed various activities such as a photo booth—with feathered masks offered as party favors to match—and Musical Chairs Scavenger Hunt, in which players rushed to find what the host, junior Isaac Campus, called out: car keys; a bilingual person; a hair tie; etc. The second round of this game was a sign-up round, in which juniors who had signed up beforehand played and, in a planned maneuver, lost one by one to leave the winner, junior Nina Taitano, ready to open up the dance floor with a flash mob set to the song “Hot Wings” from the film Rio. With the dance floor open, SJS students spent much of the rest of the night dancing to “Baby,” “Dancing Queen,” “Gangnam Style,” and more, and were joined by faculty chaperones such as Dr. San Nicolas, Mrs. McCormic, Mrs. Petra, and Mr. Flores.
Later that evening, the Royal Court was announced by Mr. Pineda: Best Dressed, Nico Flores (CO 2025); Most Glamorous, Emily Sauget (CO 2024); Prom Princess, Knessa Davis (CO 2025); Prom Prince, Kevin Choi (CO 2025); Prom Queen, Maeva Conroy (CO 2024); Prom King, Serenity Johnson (CO 2024). Congratulations to the 2024 Junior~Senior Prom Royal Court!
As a result of the prom committee’s hard work and commitment, “A Night in Rio” was a night that attendees find difficult to forget.
Keep on Rowing!
By: Bea Mariano
What a season it was for the St. John’s paddling team! With some students holding no experience, having just picked up a paddle for the first time, and others being highly skilled paddlers ready to take on the beautiful waves of Guam, the Knights of the 2024 paddling team have made great improvements over the past season.
The 2024 paddling season technically started for St. John’s on February 30th, when they held their first practice at the beach, though they did have some endurance training at school beforehand. While more experienced members of the team were in attendance, much of the team was composed of freshmen and others who had never paddled before. As the bright morning sun shone above the beautiful blue waters of Tumon Bay, the beginners learned the basic steps of paddling. Most players faced notable problems and difficulties in their first days of paddling, whether it be that their timing was off, their catch was not good, their posture was not great, their changes were bad, and a multitude of other setbacks that the Knights faced early on in the season.
However, as the season went on, progress continued. Eventually, many of the amateurs began to fix the issues they were having with the help of the coaches: Mr. Petra, Mr. Alves, and Ms. Reyes, along with the assistance of the more experienced members who some had been paddling for several years. The team even trained two new steersmen, Mikaela Ramos (9th grade) and Samuel Guo (9th grade), who sit at seat six and are the ones who turn, steer, and align the boat.
Recently, the Knights have their final paddling race on May 18, 2024, which was also a celebration of the oldest members of the team. All team members were told to be at Matapang Beach by 6:00 AM as the races began at around 7:45 AM. Everyone worked especially hard for this race due to the fact it would be their last one for the year. And, for the seniors, it would be their last high school race. The teams are divided into junior varsity girls, junior varsity boys, junior varsity mixed, varsity girls, varsity boys, and varsity mixed. Although people definitely felt some nerves during this event, there was also an air of fun and excitement that encouraged everyone to make the best out of their day.
At the end of the race, the Knights held senior tributes. St. John’s had already given their senior posters during the previous race, but that does not mean there was nothing left to celebrate for the hardworking seniors. Following tradition, seniors from each of the schools got into boats and paddled one round. As they passed the crowd, they would be splashed with water by their underclassmen. After the celebrations, teams took the canoes back to the area where they are kept and disassembled them in preparation for the next paddling season.
At the end of the day, though the team faced many challenges and issues they could always improve upon, this season was one of great development and joy. It was a time to celebrate both the skill and devotion of the senior members, as well as the effort and improvement pursued by the novices. And, as the season went on, the team not only kept on honing their paddling skills, but also formed great connections with each other and learned to coordinate amongst themselves. In the words of freshman paddling member Rika Herman: “At first, I thought I would never have gotten better. However I kept on practicing.But as time went on, I felt like I built a bond with our team, and paddling itself. Now, I am very grateful for all the experiences I have with paddling.”
Overall this was not only a valuable experience for playing sports, but also an opportunity to learn important life skills such as teamwork, patience, and perseverance, which the members will hopefully keep and use for the rest of their lives.
The 2024 paddling season technically started for St. John’s on February 30th, when they held their first practice at the beach, though they did have some endurance training at school beforehand. While more experienced members of the team were in attendance, much of the team was composed of freshmen and others who had never paddled before. As the bright morning sun shone above the beautiful blue waters of Tumon Bay, the beginners learned the basic steps of paddling. Most players faced notable problems and difficulties in their first days of paddling, whether it be that their timing was off, their catch was not good, their posture was not great, their changes were bad, and a multitude of other setbacks that the Knights faced early on in the season.
However, as the season went on, progress continued. Eventually, many of the amateurs began to fix the issues they were having with the help of the coaches: Mr. Petra, Mr. Alves, and Ms. Reyes, along with the assistance of the more experienced members who some had been paddling for several years. The team even trained two new steersmen, Mikaela Ramos (9th grade) and Samuel Guo (9th grade), who sit at seat six and are the ones who turn, steer, and align the boat.
Recently, the Knights have their final paddling race on May 18, 2024, which was also a celebration of the oldest members of the team. All team members were told to be at Matapang Beach by 6:00 AM as the races began at around 7:45 AM. Everyone worked especially hard for this race due to the fact it would be their last one for the year. And, for the seniors, it would be their last high school race. The teams are divided into junior varsity girls, junior varsity boys, junior varsity mixed, varsity girls, varsity boys, and varsity mixed. Although people definitely felt some nerves during this event, there was also an air of fun and excitement that encouraged everyone to make the best out of their day.
At the end of the race, the Knights held senior tributes. St. John’s had already given their senior posters during the previous race, but that does not mean there was nothing left to celebrate for the hardworking seniors. Following tradition, seniors from each of the schools got into boats and paddled one round. As they passed the crowd, they would be splashed with water by their underclassmen. After the celebrations, teams took the canoes back to the area where they are kept and disassembled them in preparation for the next paddling season.
At the end of the day, though the team faced many challenges and issues they could always improve upon, this season was one of great development and joy. It was a time to celebrate both the skill and devotion of the senior members, as well as the effort and improvement pursued by the novices. And, as the season went on, the team not only kept on honing their paddling skills, but also formed great connections with each other and learned to coordinate amongst themselves. In the words of freshman paddling member Rika Herman: “At first, I thought I would never have gotten better. However I kept on practicing.But as time went on, I felt like I built a bond with our team, and paddling itself. Now, I am very grateful for all the experiences I have with paddling.”
Overall this was not only a valuable experience for playing sports, but also an opportunity to learn important life skills such as teamwork, patience, and perseverance, which the members will hopefully keep and use for the rest of their lives.
|
|
Ice Cream Party
By: Jeff Zheng
Photos taken by: Mrs. Render
Photos taken by: Mrs. Render
The freshmen gathered together and threw an Ice Cream Social on April 23, 2024, inviting all of the seniors to join them in the Parish Hall. This occasion not only served as the freshmen's farewell to the seniors, but also served as a token of gratitude to all the seniors who had planned Freshmen Initiation at the beginning of the school year. The freshmen, returning the favor back to the seniors, kindly provided ice cream with all kinds of toppings and planned fun ice cream-related activities. Just like Freshman Initiation, both seniors and freshmen were approved to hold their own Spirit Day, in which seniors dressed as babies and freshmen dressed as elders. The celebration helped the freshmen and the seniors bond, bringing them closer as they enjoyed the festivities together.
|
Starting at the beginning of lunch break, seniors and freshmen streamed in one-by-one, excited for the party. They all enjoyed two servings of ice cream and helped themselves to many toppings, ranging from graham crackers to chocolate syrup. After enjoying the ice cream, the freshmen and seniors gathered to form different teams for the party games. These teams participated in various activities, from speed-eating contests to creative challenges, where they used their heads to form an ice cream cone with toppings.
|
|
The first of many minigames—and arguably the most enjoyable—was the speed-eating competition. Five freshmen raced to finish their ice cream cones as quickly as possible, while their senior partners cheered them on. In the end, Alwyn finished his ice cream the fastest, with Sujin and Tristan coming close in second and third place, respectively. Although the competition was messy, everyone felt like a winner because they all got to enjoy even more ice cream. Shared laughter and excitement filled the Parish Hall, with everyone savoring the moment until the very end.
|
In conclusion, the Ice Cream Social provided a chance for the freshmen to say goodbye and give back to the seniors for all that they did in the first quarter. With the new friendships that were forged between the freshmen and seniors, there was a sense of unity, no matter the difference in grade level. Even as the seniors leave, the freshmen hope to forever have a place in the seniors' hearts with the wonderful memories of competition and laughter. This occasion proves how simple acts of generosity can bring people together.
Spring Concert
By: Emily and John
On Friday, April 19th, the St. John’s School Spring Concert began in the Dale Jenkins Gymnasium, with crowds of students ranging from lower school to upper school entering through the gym doors to attend. It was held to bring the school community together to see the fantastic performances of its young talents and serve as a tribute to the seniors' long journey through St. John’s. The performers also worked to reenact hit musical favorites including songs from Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, The Greatest Showman, and more. But this could not have been done without the Tech Crew, as they spent days working to help provide and set up the whole experience.
|
It began with the St. John’s Middle School Band performing “I’ll Be There” by Marc Artero and Gloria Palomo Rhoden, which was then followed by “Under the Sea” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, sung by Megumi Taira. After the song finished, “Fly Red and White” was played as a tribute to the graduating seniors to commemorate their time at St. John’s. Following this was, the beginning of the main show, which began with prayers and then the song “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars, performed by the St. John’s Upper School Band.
|
|
Next was a performance by the String Stars, the student violin group that won gold at the 2024 Tumon Bay Music Festival. As a tribute to Mrs. Skanse, the group performed Rachmaninoff’s “Hungarian Dance Op. 6, No. 2" following the String Stars was a dance performance to the song “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, a rare ballet performance found at most St. John’s concerts. The Symphony Orchestra then performed Vittorio Monti’s “Czardas,” conducted by Mr. Babia.
|
Mrs. Skanse’s handbell group then performed “Fanfare” and “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music. After the handbell performance, Mrs. Skanse was shown a surprise video tribute, which displayed her dedication to teaching the students of St. John’s throughout the years she has been here. The String Orchestra performed next, playing Mozart’s “Amadeus.” An alumnus, Maya Sabian, also came to St. John’s to say her goodbye to Mrs. Skanse and perform with another faculty member, Mr. Cruz. Together, they sang “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera. The concert band then sang “My Shot” from Hamilton, whose performance was followed by Ms. Lee and upper school band students performing “The Greatest Show” from The Greatest Showman and “Fill My World” by Slash.
|
|
|
The Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture” followed shortly after, conducted by Mr. Babia. Afterwards, a upper school students featuring Alex Clark, Isaac Campus, Ocean Campus, Taisei Tagami, and Alex Shin performed for the seniors the song “Nothing Else Matters,” by Metallica. The concert then came to a close with its final two songs sung by the Glee Club—“Da Coconut Nut” by Smokey Mountain, “Mas Que Nada” by Sérgio Mendes, and “Fantasy” by Earth, Wind & Fire. From there, the closing remarks delivered by Mr. Kelley marked the end of the Spring Concert and the start of Spring Break.
|
|
Why You Should Have a Pet!
By: Mariko Brochon
Pets are incredible companions and they play a crucial role in encouraging a healthy lifestyle. They show unconditional love, which can be comforting during times of stress or loneliness. Since pets also need physical activity and outdoor time, as they require regular walks and playtime, these walks can also help their owners also become more physically active. Caring for a pet also involves a great amount of responsibility. Learning how to take care of an animal is an integral part of owning a pet. While many people may view pets simply as sources of enjoyment, they also serve as protectors and can provide a sense of security to their owners. Many pet owners also find that caring for a pet helps them commit to a daily routine. Pets contribute to our lives in numerous ways and hold great importance in many households as they spread joy and help entertain others. While some people may view pets as just animals, they hold a special place in the hearts and homes of their owners and provide invaluable companionship and support.
