McKinley High School JROTC "Tiger Battalion"

Have a safe Halloween.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) is encouraging families who have experienced a change in income due to furloughs or job losses from the federal government shutdown to apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits for the current school year.

Application and program details are available at https://go.hidoe.us/FRPM

(Note: Federal employees who have been furloughed or are not receiving pay should input ‘0’ for income).

JROTC Volleyball Tournament. Mahalo to Waipahu HS for hosting this event. Our Tigers tried their best to retain their title from winning last year, but ended the tournament with 2nd Place. It was a close and intense game against Aiea H.S. Congratulations to all the students who played their very best in this tough tournament.

📸: LTC Rivera, DAI

Check out this Pinion article about our very own CW3 Burke. It's remarkable and she is making an a tremendous impact to all McKinley students.

"New JROTC Instructor Empowers Women"

New JROTC Instructor Empowers Women After more than a century of JROTC instructors at McKinley High School, Chief Charletta Burke has broken new ground as the program’s first female instructor. But what makes her story noteworthy is not just that she is the first woman—it’s the impact she is making on the program and the lives o...

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11"
— Barack Obama

Tigers roared into action this morning! Our Cadets were up before dawn manning the Finishline Hydration Station for the AHA Heart Walk, showing that service starts early when hearts are in the right place. Special shoutout to our first and second-year cadets who stepped up big time - proving that Tiger spirit runs deep from day one! Mahalo to all our volunteers for making a difference!

Our Cadet Leaders seized the moment and conquered the Lanikai Pillbox hike - turning sweat into memories and challenges into victories. Sometimes the best classroom is the one without walls, where courage meets breathtaking views. Adventure awaits those bold enough to climb!

# The Mystery of the Oval: Uncovering a McKinley High Tradition

Ever wondered why we don't walk on the grass around President McKinley's statue? We did some serious detective work to find out!

**THE DISCOVERY:**
After digging through dusty yearbooks and old school newspapers, we've cracked the case! The tradition of avoiding "the Oval" (named for its distinctive shape) began during the 1969-1970 school year.

**THE EVIDENCE:**
✅ Interviewed alumni from 1955-present
✅ 1950s & 60s grads confirmed: "We walked freely on the grass and sat on the statue's base!"
✅ Found the smoking gun: a 1969 Daily Pinion article

**THE ORIGIN STORY:**
It all started at the beginning of the school year when a vice principal announced over the PA system that students should stay off the grass "out of respect for the statue." Students being students... they ignored it completely! 😅

When the walking continued, the school newspaper published an opinion piece reminding everyone to "keep off the grass."

**THE RESULT:**
What began as administrative guidance somehow evolved into the sacred tradition we know today. A rule that was initially ignored became the respected custom that's defined McKinley culture for over five decades!

Sometimes the most enduring traditions have the most unexpected beginnings. Who knew our beloved Oval tradition started with rebellious students doing the exact opposite of what they were told.

This we'll defend!

THIS. WE'LL. DEFEND.

After 250 years, it still comes down to three words. THIS. WE'LL. DEFEND. #Army250 Reel: GoArmy