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Stayson Isobe: Making The Grade
by Mike Yoshiura
Getting involved with extra curricular activities made Stayson Isobe a well-rounded student, and it even changed his attitude about school.
"I'm not someone that likes doing the work, but getting involved with sports and student council gave me a fun reason for going to school," said Stayson Isobe, a 2007 graduate of Pearl City High School. "When you're not having fun it will show in your grades. When you are having fun, time flies. I was someone that wanted to get out of here, but now, I wish I had more time left."
The 2007 Charger of the Year was the sports editor of his school newspaper, a member of the National Honor Society, a student council representative, and a four-year letterman in football. He even maintained a cumulative 3.8 GPA, which earned him the honor of summa cum laude.
Stayson credits his success in the classroom to the teachers that mentored him and encouraged him to reach for more. "As I was growing up, I had some really good teachers that inspired me. I always appreciate what teachers do. They are the reason I am where I am today."
Mr. Reid Nonaka and Mr. Mel Bicoy are two teachers at Pearl City High School that left an impression on Isobe. Nonaka, a senior class advisor, was someone that Isobe could count on for advice on dating, school, and life in general. According to the teenager, Nonaka was more like a friend than an authority figure.
Bicoy, the weight-training instructor and football coach, was someone that knew how to light a fire under his players. "He had this way of motivating his players. He taught us to take pride in what we do, and it really showed on the football field. He was more than just a teacher and more than just a coach. He was like a father to me, and it stretched beyond the football field."
Isobe is now a first-year student making his transition to college at Northern Arizona University. He will always remember his high school days as fast, exciting times, but now it is time to take what he has learned and apply it to bigger and better things. "It [high school] was definitely an exciting experience, but a real humbling one at the same time."
