This year's Underclassmen Awards Assembly will be held in the Maryknoll Community Center's Clarence T.C. Ching Gymnasium from 9:35 - 10:50 AM on Friday, May 31.  Parents are invited to watch a live broadcast of our Awards Assembly by logging on to the webpage and clicking here on this link.

On this day, the elected student officers for the next school year will also take their oath of office.  During this annual awards assembly, students are recognized for academic excellence in all subject areas as well as other areas of the co-curricular program.  In addition, special recognition is made in each grade level for Spirit, Leadership & Service.  This year, excellence in athletics will also be incorporated into our awards assembly.

Congratulations to all the students who will be recognized on this day for their accomplishments!

The rich culture of Argentina was on full display recently for Beginning Spanish students in Sr. Cramer and Profesora Bauer’s classes. The classes were treated to a special cultural presentation by Argentinians Alejandra Facchini and her son Juan Odeon. Alejandra Facchini recently returned to Hawai’i from Argentina and shared with the students the excitement at the new selection of Argentinian Pope Francisco.

Hearing about the wild and free lifestyle of the Argentine gauchos was another highlight. A collection of traditional weapons and tools used by the Gauchos were on display for the class. The students learned of the herbal tea mate, which is a favorite passion in Argentina. It is shared among friends and provides energy throughout the day. A special silver straw called a “bombilla” was passed out , along with authentic mate gourds lined with red carpincho fur. Alejandra explained that this unique animal is the largest rodent in the world and is similar to a giant guinea pig.

Juan and Alejandra are both talented musicians and lead the class in several traditional songs. Juan taught the class how to play the charango, an instrument similar to an ukulele. It is made from an armadillo shell and played in the Andes Mountains region. Sophomore Travis Baguio led the class in accompaniment on the Latin cajón.

The visit ended with the inspirational song “Solo le Pido a Dios.”  The song was written as a plea to God to not be indifferent to the injustice of the repressive dictatorship of the seventies and eighties. For Alejandra it had special meaning as she shared about life under the dictatorship and how her family  coped when one of the family members was kidnapped.

Gracias to the Familia Facchini for sharing your talents and culture with us.

Each summer, a select group of Maryknoll High School students participate in a service project tutoring teenagers and completing work projects at Assumption School on Majuro in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Maryknoll Sisters have now left Assumption School. However, our Maryknoll students continue their work by visiting Majuro each summer as part of an exchange, which is as much a cultural experience for the them as it is an outreach to the Micronesians. The program is an expression of the school's motto, "Noblesse oblige," which faculty and students translate as, "To whom much is given, much is expected." Please keep our students in your prayers as they make a difference in the lives of others around the world. 

Last year's Maryknoll Majuro Team created a video production of their experience in the Marshall Islands, serving the people of Majuro at Assumption School. Please click on the link below to see and hear that amazing story in their own words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlbmDjFUqYY

"The aim of ART is to represent not the outward appearance of the things, but their inward significance." ~Aristotle

On June 4, 2013, Mr. Miller's Ethics students performed music inspired by the art, poetry, and movies they analyzed in class. In particular, they gained inspiration from Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. The quote below by Vincent Van Gogh summarizes what they have learned.

"I tell you. The more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." ~Vincent Van Gogh

Thank you Mr. Miller for allowing our students to express themselves by utilizing their artistic abilities!

On May 1, 2013, Maryknoll High School Senior, Anthony Ng, was awarded a prestigious National Honor Society Scholarship by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Ng was chosen out of over 4,000 applicants for this honor. Out of 200 finalists across the country, only 53 state winners were selected.  Each winner will be awarded a $1500 college scholarship.

Participating high school National Honor Society chapters from across the country nominated two senior students to compete in this year’s program. Finalists were selected on the basis of their leadership skills, participation in service organizations, clubs and other student groups at school and in the community; and their academic record. As a regional winner, Ng is recognized as one of the top 53 NHS members in the nation this school year.

“We are proud to recognize Anthony for his outstanding achievements and contributions to our school and community,” said Darcie Kawamura, Maryknoll High School Principal. “Students nominated for the NHS scholarship not only demonstrate academic excellence, but also extraordinary dedication to service and leadership, traits that truly exemplify our school motto Noblesse Oblige, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ “

 Since 2012, Maryknoll School, in partnership with Punahou School’s Wo International Center, provides a study abroad program to Maryknoll sophomores and juniors each summer to take part in it.

This year, Maryknoll students are engaged in a variety of unforgettable activities and experiences that exposes them to different cultures found in a wide range of countries around the globe. This year, four of our Maryknoll School students were selected to attend the exchange program thanks to a generous scholarship provided by Jim Wo. Angelica Bustamante was selected to go to Costa Rica. Rachel Ramos and Nikka Sonido are traveling to Japan. Finally, Lorelei Zabanal is visiting Senegal.

 Here at Maryknoll School, we take pride in giving our students opportunities to become 21^st century learners, leaders and citizens of character. We are confident that Angelica, Rachel, Nikka, and Lorelei will share those skills with the many people they meet this summer throughout the world.

Student schedules can now be viewed on NetClassroom.  Mailings for each grade level are being mailed home.  In addition to student schedules, the procedure for schedule changes, course offerings and enrollment numbers, daily bell schedule, booklist as well as important class information are included in the packet.

Books can be purchased from Maryknoll School's virtual bookstore with MBS Direct beginning July 24. Free shipping on purhcases over $99 or more is in effect from July 24 - August 10, 2013.  Click here to check out the 2013-2014 booklist.

The mailing for each grade level can also be found on the 2013-2014 SY HS Information page.

If there are questions about the start of the school year, please call the front office at 952-7203 or email highschool@maryknollschool.org.  We look forward to seeing freshmen on their first day on August 20 and all students on August 21! 

Emerald Leong's film career continues to rise.  Her short film "Lemonade" was the only high school student film selected into the 2013 'Ohina Short Film Showcase.  With only two weeks before she leaves to attend Huntington College in Indiana, Emerald took time to give her alma mater an interview:

What is the story of Lemonade?

Lemonade is about a rivalry that started when a boy and girl were very young. Years later, they still try to one-up each other this time with lemonade.  They are always in competition between themselves.

How did you come up with the story idea?

I am not really sure how the story came about.  It was the end of junior year and the gang wanted to do another video for the summer.  Christianne and I were sitting in Mrs. Smitherman's room for an open. [Sidebar: Christianne is fellow graduate and 2013 Class Valedictorian Christianne Michel.]  It just came to us.  Sort of like, "Hey, we're doing a film in the summer. And the summer is hot and people drink lemonade during the summer...."  Christianne said something like "Oh, wouldn't it be cool if they were in a rivalry and were trying to see who would sell the most lemonade?"  Then we kept going at it.  The whole script was done in that period.  

How long did it take to film?

Filming took one hot day which amazes me.

How does it feel being the only high school student film selected for the showcase?

I really didn't think much of it because we wrapped up this project over a year ago.  Now that  it's soaked a bit, I am very honored that they would show something that we did just for kicks and giggles.  I think it's definitely an accomplishment, and we are all very excited.

Where can we see more of your work?

I have a YouTube channel called LastMinuteProductionsHawaii.  I might start a blog or something later.

What's next?

I hope to finish this summer a short film I've been working on, and I am going to Huntington University in Indiana this fall for film studies and production.

You can catch "Lemonade" at the 2013 'Ohina Short Film Showcase, August 23-24 at the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Does your child dream of flying? Exploring the skies? Here at Maryknoll, we’re about to turn that dream into a reality. This fall, all current and incoming high school students can enroll in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). This challenging and rewarding program is exclusive to Maryknoll students and is the only one of its kind in the nation.

As a cadet, your child will join a squadron that meets Monday through Thursday after school for one hour (4 hours per week). Upon completion of the course, the cadet will receive one-half credit. We are also offering a Friday night course, in the case that your child cannot meet Monday through Thursday. The Friday course is for two and a half hours after school, and all cadets are welcome to join that class to get ahead in the program.  Cadets will study and take written tests, maintain physical fitness and demonstrate their commitment to the core values of leadership and integrity. Upon completion of one year, a half credit elective will be awarded through the course for the student.

“It’s not just about learning how to fly—that’s an addition,” says deputy commander Christopher Ugale. “The main focus of the cadet program is to advance you through leadership, self-discipline and community service. You’ll live out the core values of the air force, which is integrity first. It’s been two years of hard work and planning for Dr. John Henry Felix and President Perry Martin,” said Ugale, who is one of three CAP instructors. Dr. John Henry Felix, squadron commander and instructor, says, “[Students] are not obliged to join the military; they can become civilians or they may want to attend military academies. But we are in pursuit of excellence, making young men and women leaders.”

For information about the Maryknoll Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron, please contact Christopher Ugale at Christopher.ugale@maryknollschool.org or 952-7214. 

We are pleased to announce that Maryknoll School is implementing the use of K9-assisted search sweeps starting this fall at our high school. This is a proactive effort to keep your children safe. The canine searches will occur unannounced and periodically over the course of the academic year while students are in school. If a dog does track down narcotics, the findings will be dealt with as a school administration issue. 

Maryknoll is taking a stand and ensuring that we maintain a drug-free environment. Any drug or alcohol use on campus is strictly prohibited and we will continue to teach your children to be responsible citizens of character. The random canine sweeps offer our administrators a means to successfully locate and remove drugs from campus. Such sweeps also offer the opportunity to gather narcotics-related intelligence, while serving as a deterrent for students who may otherwise attempt to bring drugs into school. To complement this new safety effort, we are also in the process of installing security cameras around campus. We look forward to serving your families this school year and providing your children with the quality education and character development you have come to expect from Maryknoll School. If you have any questions, please contact our Vice Principal of Student Life and School Culture, Mrs. Toni Nishida-Chock, at toni.nishida@maryknollschool.org or 952-7318.

Welcome back to a new school year and the first day of classes!  The Student Senate is excited to kick off the year with the theme of "E Alu Like Mai Kākou: Let's Work Together!"  Throughout the year, the Senate and Grade Levels will promote activities and events that focus on this theme.

On this first day back, below is the special schedule for Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

7:45 - 8:40 AM               Advisory, Morning Prayer & Flag
8:40 - 8:45 AM               Transition 
8:45 - 9:20 AM               Period 1 (A)
9:20 - 9:25 AM               Transition
9:25 - 10:00 AM             Period 2 ( B)
10:00 - 10:05 AM           Transition
10:05 - 10:40 AM           Period 3 (C)
10:40 - 10:45 AM           Transition
10:45 - 11:20 AM           Period 4 ( D)
11:20 - 12:05 PM           Lunch
12:05 - 12:15 PM           Advisory
12:15 - 12:40 PM           Walk to MCC
12:40 - 1:40 PM             Senate Assembly
1:40 - 2:00 PM               Walk to HS & Dismissal

Students are reminded to bring their first quarter schedule with them. Books should already have been purchased from our virtual bookstore with MBS Direct, and teachers will inform students of any supplies needed for their courses.  If there are any questions, please call the front office at 952-7203.                          

Remember the old saying never judge a book by its cover? Franklin Gonzales, religion teacher at Maryknoll School, seems like your typical religion teacher at Maryknoll– faithful, well educated, highly intelligent, and a seasoned instructor. However, there is more to Mr. Gonzales than meets the eye.

During his high school years, Franklin earned the name “Speedy Gonzales” after running circles around Kamehameha School’s basketball boys who towered over him. His abilities as an athlete earned him a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. Unfortunately, Franklin was injured during his sophomore year with the Rainbows and was forced to stop playing basketball. Fortunately, Speedy Gonzales focused all his energy on studying by graduating in a little over three years as a double major with degrees in both Anthropology and Psychology. Impressive? Speedy Gonzales was just getting started.

Within a span of several years, Franklin received a graduate degree in Oriental Medicine, built his own home, and taught Religion and Social Studies at both St. Louis School and Sacred Hearts Academy. Moreover, he also worked in accounting, became a case worker for the Department of Human Services, a State Tax Office Tax Return Examiner and clerk, and even spent time as a Comptroller and Home Owners Warranty Administrator for the Building Industry Association. Finally, in 1991, Franklin found a home at Maryknoll High School and has been teaching religion here for almost 25 years.

Since joining Maryknoll, Franklin has coached every level of girls and boys Spartan basketball teams. In addition, he has a passion for playing Brazilian music on the guitar, piano, and especially on his baritone ukulele. He can be found strumming his ukulele today in his classroom, the faculty workroom, and at our monthly All School Mass.

Our motto at Maryknoll School is summarized in the classic French phrase “Noblesse Oblige.” Simply put, it means “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Franklin has and continues to live by this principle and inspires his students to do the same by fully utilizing their talents.

Join us in welcoming our newest faculty and staff to the Maryknoll School 'ohana:

 Mrs. Chanel Asagi is the new art teacher. She studied at the University of Hawaii and received her bachelor's degree in arts. She is a fixture at many craft fairs, displaying her plush dolls for sale. This is her first year teaching, but she was a substitute for the Art Department last school year. Mrs. Asagi also enjoys attending the theatre, relaxing at the beach and spending time with her pet dog, Bear. She believes "Every student is capable of achieving greatness."

Mr. Carl Berger comes to Maryknoll via our partners in the Manoa Punahou Catholic Community, Sacred Heart Church and Saint Pius X Church, of which he has been a member for over twenty-five years. He also serves as catechist, instructing minors seeking the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation, first holy communion and confirmation for full initiation into the Catholic faith. Mr. Berger graduated from Our Redeemer Lutheran School and the University of Hawaii-Manoa and is currently pursuing his master's in pastoral theology from Chaminade University. He joins our Religion Department.

Ms. Keiko Burgess joins our World Language Department teaching Japanese language. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Japanese literature from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo, Japan. She is certified by the Intercultural Institute of Japan and the Hawaii Department of Education to teach Japanese language to grades K-12. Ms. Burgess is also a former television and radio reporter for the Tohoku Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. Karl Honma was born and raised on the Big Island in the town of Waimea. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Hawaii-Hilo and his master's degree in educational foundations from the University of Hawaii-Manoa. Mr. Honma was the first educator from the state of Hawaii invited to grade Advanced Placement (AP) examinations in the field of psychology. As an athlete, Mr. Honma won two NAIA district 29 cross country championships while at the University of Hawaii-Hilo and was inducted into its hall of fame as well as the Big Island Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Joseph Laszlo joins the Science Department teaching biology. He is the 1999 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching for High School Division. He also wrote the popular Dr. Gadget's Science Machine column appearing on the KidNews page of the Ohana section in the Sunday Honolulu Advertiser. Dr. Laszlo earned his master's degree in teacher education and curriculum studies and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in science education.

Ms. Danielle Miller joins our Counseling and Guidance Department as a school counselor.  She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-Manoa earning a bachelor's degree in sociology. She also has a master's degree in marriage and family therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Ms. Miller has a background in social services, mental health and school counseling. Ms. Miller recently worked as school counselor with St. Ann's School in Kaneohe. When not working, Ms. Miller enjoys participating in outdoor activities, water sports and traveling.  

Dr. Sean Moroney holds a master's degree in physics from New York University and doctoral degrees in engineering mechanics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College. He has extensive teaching experience at the college and secondary level primarily in physics and mathematics. Dr. Moroney joins our Science Department teaching physics.

Mrs. Kristie Nourrie is a graduate of Maryknoll School and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii-Manoa. She recently graduated with her master's degree in secondary education with a focus on language arts from Grand Canyon University. This is Mrs. Nourrie's first year of teaching at Maryknoll. She enjoys spending time with her family at the beach, in church and creating fun times with lasting memories.

Ms. Ashley Putnam is the head athletic trainer in Maryknoll School's Athletics Department. She earned a master's in kinesiology from the University of Hawaii. Prior to arriving at Maryknoll School, Ms. Putnam provided athletic trainer services to Le Jardin Academy. She joins our Physical Education Department as a part-time instructor.

Dr. John Trowbridge joins the World Languages Department teaching Spanish. He previously taught Asian, Western and cross-cultural comparative philosophy courses at the University of Hawaii-West O'ahu, Hawaii Pacific University and Kapiolani Community College. He has also taught Mandarin Chinese to children in grades K-5 at Haha'ione Elementary School, as well as privately to adults and children of all ages. In addition to Mandarin Chinese and Classical Chinese, Dr. Trowbridge also has an extensive background in Spanish and Ancient Greek. In his spare time, he enjoys philosophizing, learning the guitar, science fiction and spending time with his four children.

The Long Journey Home

Kristie Nourrie is a first-year teacher at Maryknoll School, but she has been a part of the Maryknoll family for many years and believes she has come back home to stay.

Mrs. Nourrie graduated from Maryknoll School in 1991 and can still recall fond memories of events like Field Day and Shakespeare Day. Soon after graduation, Mrs. Nourrie attended the University of Hawaii to study art and literature. After graduating, Kristie was persuaded to enter the hotel industry by those close to her. After several years of working at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel, Mrs. Nourrie chose to raise her three children at home with the values she learned as a child both from her family and in school.

In time, Mrs. Nourrie discovered her passion for working in the educational field when she chose to return to the workforce as a substitute, youth leader, and choir director at Kailua Missionary Church and after also teaching at Pu’uhale Elementary School. Soon, Kristie made the decision to pursue her goal of becoming a teacher and attain a graduate degree in secondary education with the hope that she can fill her days doing what she loves best: spending time with children, studying literature, and utilizing her artistic talent. Teaching high school students was the perfect avenue for Kristie to be able to do all that and more.

When it was time to select a school to complete her certification requirement as a teacher, Mrs. Nourrie chose to go back to her alma mater and work under the tutelage of one of our very talented English teachers, Mrs. Sara Smitherman. During that period of time, Kristie displayed the potential to be an outstanding teacher. Based on her performance in the classroom, she eventually was offered the opportunity to teach at Maryknoll School as a full-time faculty member.

The picture above represents a teacher who loves being with her students and has finally found her way back home after several years of searching to share her talents in the spirit of noblesse oblige. Welcome back home Mrs. Nourrie!

Starting Monday, September 9, 2013, the H1 Punahou Street exit (east bound) will be closed to traffic turning left onto Punahou Street and going straight onto Bingham Street.

The H1 west-bound freeway entrance will also be closed between the hours of 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Construction will take place Monday through Friday during these hours, and is anticipated to be completed within two weeks. 

As part of Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children’s 15-year master plan expansion, overhead electrical lines are being placed underground. Part of this process includes upgrading existing electrical cable so that the State Department of Transportation drainage pump station (which keeps the freeway from flooding during heavy rain) will have a reliable power source.The contractors will have electronic messaging signs on the freeway to notify motorists of the detour and appropriate directional signs will also be posted on Punahou Street.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please call Kapi‘olani Medical Center’s construction information hotline at 808-535-7669 or visit their website at www.kapiolani.org/construction for the latest updates.Thank you for choosing Maryknoll School, and for your understanding in this matter.

Every teacher is a bit different when it comes to teaching styles, but what every teacher wants from their students is for these students to learn and succeed. This summer Mr. James Uy, math teacher at the high school, received insurmountable news/unprecedented news. A mixture of 21 juniors and seniors in his AP calculus classes all passed their AP exams (eight students received 5s, eight students received 4s, and 5 students received 3s). “The passing rate is so much dependent on how the students create their own desire to get the ‘5’. I instilled in their mind that desire. It took me a while to develop that mentality…it’s about motivating them,” Mr. Uy says. He and each one of his students dedicated five weekdays of Easter break as a study session, and from 8:30am to 3:30pm they studied. I would have to say this hard work and dedication paid off. Mr. Uy is living out our motto of Noblesse Oblige—“To whom much is given, much is expected.” Thanks for surpassing our expectations!

Spirit Week 2013 is a time for students & faculty to celebrate their school & class spirit.  To get students excited, each day of this week there are various lunch time activities and energizers to prepare the school for the Spirit Day Pep Rally on
Friday, September 13. 

Each day of the week there is a different spirit dress day.

• Monday, 9/09/13: Neon Day
• Tuesday, 9/10/13: Tourist Day
• Wedensday, 9/11/13: Career Day
• Thursday, 9/12/13: Twin Day
• Friday, 9/16/11: Class T-Shirt Day 

Other activities during this week include the Spartan Challenge and photo booth pictures by the Maryknoll Photography Club.  Spirit Week also concludes with the Senate sponsoring the "Welcome Back" dance on Friday night from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. 

Senior Shi Qin "Jerry" Su places among the nation's highest-scoring participants in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Competition.

"It's a pretty big thing to me," said Jerry. "It's a national honor and not too many people are getting it. I really want to thank a couple of teachers like Mr. Suzuki and my advisor including Mr. Donald who helped me a lot. Thank you to the school for such a good opportunity."

Born in Shanghai, China, Jerry enrolled at Maryknoll School in the ninth grade. From the start, his teachers realized his academic potential and fast-tracked him into upper level math and science courses.

Jerry's accomplishments include placing second in the State Math Bowl tournament and Economics Challenge, and recognition as a National AP Scholar. "Academically, I center on intellectual interests on social sciences in general, especially on political science and economics. I took related courses at school and self-studied a couple of AP's that intrigued me in this field."

During the summer, Jerry participated in a summer school program at Columbia University in New York. "Academically, my passion is really political science. I went to a summer school program where there were lots of European students, and I had an intense debate regarding if the modern dilemma of government and society could be resolved by high taxation."

Living Noblesse Oblige: An Amazing Race. An Amazing Teacher

A few seconds before the picture above was taken, Ms. Mizumura, standing in the middle of those two gentlemen, was awarded a gold medal as winner of Maryknoll High School’s Faculty Scavenger Hunt in Waikiki. Much like the popular television show Amazing Race, teachers were tasked with finding clues that lead them from one place to another, ultimately challenging them to cross the finish line first with the win going to the group with the most points earned along the way. This winning team had a secret weapon. Mrs. Mizumura has been on an amazing race around the world for many years and she continues to spread her aloha to others throughout the globe as Maryknoll School’s Japanese teacher since 1987.

Rie left Japan for Hawaii at the tender age of eight. When she arrived on Oahu, she did not speak a word of English. By the time she graduated from Leilehua High School, she not only spoke English fluently, she was also part of the Future Teachers of America club, knowing early on that one of her aspirations was to someday become a teacher.  Soon after graduating from high school, Rie attended the University of Hawaii. In her third year of college, she also attended Sophia University (Jochi Daigaku), a prestigious Catholic university in Japan. Eventually, Rie graduated from the University of Hawaii with her B.Ed. and M.Ed. Her ability to speak both English and Japanese fluently was in high demand within the travel industry at the time, so she moved to the island of Kauai to work there as an interpreter at the Coco Palms Hotel and taught Japanese language to flight attendants at Aloha Airlines. However, her desire to become a teacher began taking her career in a new direction.

Rie eventually was offered a position as an adjunct professor at Kauai Community College teaching Japanese. During her time there, she created KCC’s first Japanese language courses. She also spent time teaching Japanese at Kapaa High School on Kauai. She moved back to Oahu and taught Japanese to Outrigger Hotel employees and was an adjunct professor at Leeward Community College for several years. Finally, in 1987, Ms. Mizumura was able to find a home teaching at Maryknoll High School. She has been a Japanese teacher at Maryknoll for over 25 years. During that time, she has taken Maryknoll students to Japan on exchanges almost every year.

Although Ms. Mizumura has been around the world working for Aloha Airlines, going to school in Japan, and taking students on exchanges for many years, her fondest memories of Maryknoll School are the many visits she has received from her former students. Stephanie Lum, a former graduate of Maryknoll School, still looks up to Mrs. Mizumura as someone who made a major impact in her life as a student at Maryknoll School. There are many more alumni with similar stories about Ms. Mizumura. Nevertheless, Rie continues to travel the world each year on exchanges to Japan while organizing travel plans for visitors to Maryknoll from other schools. Rie works hard to keep students excited about learning Japanese language and culture and many of them excel in learning Japanese because of her.

Some may say that Ms. Mizumura has been on an amazing race since she left Japan at the age of eight. The good news is that her belief in Noblesse Oblige has led her to become a fantastic teacher at Maryknoll School and we are the real winners because she is a part of our team.