Senior Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Highlighting Members of the Class of ’26

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By Bradlee Dowling & Sienna Lammond, ’26

Co-editor in Chief and Staff Writer

This year, The Hawk will profile some of the truly special students in the Class of 2026. Each issue, we’ll ask several seniors about their Hanover High School experience to get to know a little bit more about them before they head off into the world. The chosen seniors showcase excellence, whether as a team captain, award winner, club leader, or academic achiever. Read our previous profiles at Senior Spotlight.

Haley Ray

Haley Ray has been in Hanover schools since preschool, so she’s fully grown up here. One thing that has remained constant throughout her time here has been sports. Haley has been playing soccer and basketball since elementary school and has continued doing so throughout her entire time at Hanover High School. Although she does not do as much art and crafting as she did in middle school, one thing that she definitely learned in high school has been confidence. As she got older, she became less shy and more comfortable in class.

Her favorite class was history, specifically her sophomore year with Mr. Perry. Having it first period made it easier to wake up in the mornings, especially since Mr. Perry had such enthusiasm and excitement for the subject every day. Aside from her academic life, Haley’s favorite moments in high school involved attending pep rallies! She has enjoyed watching her classmates compete, cheering them on, and having school spirit. One of her proudest moments is when she made it into the National Honor Society this year.

Outside of school, Haley is currently working at Playa Bowls in Hanover. When looking ahead, Haley is planning on going to college and studying business. Haley’s favorite years of high school were her sophomore year and her senior year. If she had the chance to go back and do her high school experience all over again, she would take more challenging courses and join more clubs. The most important lesson from life so far is that you should not take your time for granted because high school flies by much faster than you think.

Jameson Bryan

Jameson Bryan has been in Hanover schools all her life! One thing that she has always done from elementary through middle school and even now is doodling on her papers. What has changed for Jameson from elementary to high school is how she feels about school. In high school, she has taken school much more seriously and studied much harder than she had ever before. She says she definitely misses not having to think about grades!

Her favorite teacher is Mrs. P because she is always so welcoming and encouraging, which has made a huge difference for Jameson’s outlook on the school environment. Outside of the classroom, Jameson’s favorite high school activity has been field hockey. She also plays lacrosse and works during the week, and something she is especially proud of is her ability to balance school, sports, work and life.

Planning to attend college next year, Jameson says she has learned a lot from high school, especially about the importance of hard work and responsibility. This will surely stick with her in the future. Jameson’s favorite year of high school has been senior year. If Jameson had a chance to redo her years at HHS, she would have done a few things differently. For example, she would have gotten more involved in clubs and would have tried a little harder in freshman year. Jameson learned one big thing from high school: not to take everything too seriously and to enjoy the little things in life.

Bryan Collins

Bryan Collins moved to Hanover from Weymouth just before starting kindergarten. Back in elementary and middle school, Bryan had a deep passion for Boston sports. Throughout high school he has stayed true to his favorite teams: the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins.

At HHS, Bryan found interest in business. “Before hgih school, the aspect of business kind of seemed boring to me. But after taking a couple of accounting classes with Mrs. P, I realized that there are so many interesting ways that business can be used.” This realization led him to DECA, a business club at HHS. There, his passion for business flourished as he competed at the district conference in January with his partner Leo Galvin and qualified fo rthe state competition in March.

Once he entered high school, Bryan let go of playing baseball. He shares that he misses it but never enough to pick it back up. “However,” he adds, “I did decide that this spring I will be managing our varsity baseball team to revive that old interest of mine.”

Bryan’s favorite class that he’s taken in high school is Sports and Society with Mr. Molloy. “This has been my favorite class because one of my biggest passions is sports and every single day our class goes into deep conversation about what is going on in the sports world and how sports everywhere are affecting our society.” His favorite teacher is Señora Curtis. He has taken her Spanish classes the past three years, from college prep Spanish 3 to AP Spanish 5. “I was not the best Spanish student going into her class a few years ago,” he confesses, “but the confidence she had in me to keep improving by far makes her my favorite teacher in the whole entire school.”

Bryan’s favorite high school activities he’s taken part in  have been football, basketball, DECA, “and Bible Club with Sam Light.” After high school, Bryan will attend Xavier University. There, he will major in finance and minor in sports management. “High school has influenced my choice of a future career path because of the many business opportunities I have engaged in here, along with the strong sports atmosphere we have at the school.” His proudest accomplishment thus far? “Advancing to states in the DECA competition,” he says.

One thing people may not know about Bryan is his active community engagement with IMPACT Sports. “With IMPACT, I have been able to teach children with disabilities how to play basketball.” He explains that this is one of his favorite out-of-school activities, “since mentoring these kids always brightens my week.”

His favorite year of high school has been senior year. He describes, “the best part of senior year has not even hit and I have been having the most fun!” If given the opportunity to do high school over again, the only thing he would change would be procrastinating much less. And finally, one lesson Bryan has learned during high school is that, “overthinking can ruin any aspirations you have if you don’t just go for it.”

Entertainment

‘Sinners’ and the History Behind the Horror

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By Dynaziah Hampton, ’27

Staff Writer

The movie Sinners, directed and produced by Ryan Coogler, became an instant hit after its 2025 release. It won multiple awards, including four Critics Choice, two Golden Globes, and two Grammys. It has been nominated for a record-breaking 16 Oscars including Best Picture, Director and Actor. The movie blew up for its plot, ambition, and unique blend of horror with history.

Sinners is set in the 1930s in the state of Mississippi, focusing on twin brothers played by Michael B. Jordan who return to their hometown and open a ‘Juke Joint’ with the aim of providing music, happiness, and community to the segregated town. What begins as an opening night of celebration turns into a fight for survival as the supernatural descends on the scene, and the movie dives into the themes of community, cultural identity and resilience.

The movie had the audience speculating about its true meaning, with different opinions surfacing on the Internet. Some viewers thought it was a spooky interpretation of how people of color survived under the Jim Crow laws; others thought it was a play on greed and the hunger for power. I think these are true, but I especially think this movie really matters because it reflects on Black history. This movie is an outline of what we should think about during Black History Month in February.

Celebrated since 1926, Black History Month is a chance to remember the history of people of color in the United States and their contributions to building our country despite oppression and racism. It is also a month to mourn those who were lost in the fight for equality, from the days of slavery to modern times.

Sinners shows scenes of people of color in their everyday lives, working mostly as sharecroppers, formerly enslaved Black farmers working the land for a share of what they grew, and often staying trapped in cycles of debt. Despite the end of slavery 60 years earlier, it was very hard to be free as a Black person at this time. The movie shows a time when laws aimed to restrict Black Americans’ freedom, known as Jim Crow laws, enforced racial segregation and kept Black communities apart from white society in nearly every part of daily life. It was a system that was totally unfair and made to keep Blacks from success.

The ‘Juke Joint’ is an important part in the movie. It represents more than just having fun, because it was a place where blues music – a genre created by Black Americans – allowed them to express their pain, hope, and struggle. In the Joint, they could share their stories and keep their culture alive. Through music and celebration, the ‘Juke Joint’ became a unique space where they could be their true selves and feel a sense of freedom, even if it was only for a night.

Another part of the movie that reflects history was the tension between Stack and a white woman named Mary. In the movie, there was an important scene where they were together, and Mary finally opened up to Stack that she never wanted to be married to a white man, and how she wanted to be with Stack. “I didn’t want no white man, I didn’t wanna be white, I wanted to be with you,” she said. This scene especially shows how hard it was for whites and Blacks to connect without judgement, and even harder to fall in love while you were different races.

Sinners connects past to present, and films like these definitely matter during Black History Month. It’s more than a horror film; it’s a reminder of what real people endured during the 1930s. Were the movie’s real villains the vampires that attacked the ‘Juke Joint’ or the injustices set by mostly white Americans to uphold their image while destroying lives of innocent people? These are things to remember not only during the month of February, but for everyday life.

Entertainment, Opinion

Top Places to Celebrate Your Valentine in Boston

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By Emma Leonido, ’27

Staff Writer

There are so many beautiful places to visit this time of year, especially during Valentine’s Season! Here are five places you can take your sweetheart or crush to experience a memorable February 14th.

Ice Skating at Frog Pond – Since it is still pretty cold this time of year, this would be the perfect outing to enjoy with your significant other! Located in Boston Common, Frog Pond provides a romantic atmosphere in the heart of the city, as well entertainment such as artists, musicians and dancers surrounding the area. In addition, there are plenty of food trucks and stands to visit when you get hungry. Cost of admission is based on height, with those over 58 inches tall asked to pay $12; skate rentals are available too.

Museum of Fine Arts – For a chance to warm up, the museum caters to couples with a multitude of different events including specially curated tours showcasing the romantic backstories of works of art. On Valentine’s Day, the museum hosts live musical performances as well. Tickets for students up to age 17 are $14.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – During this special season, take a stroll through the Renaissance and Medieval-inspired museum which features beautiful old paintings, murals and pottery. Then head to the courtyard’s Venetian-inspired gardens filled with statues capturing a romantic, picturesque environment. An added bonus: visitors under 17 are free.

Charles River Esplanade – Bundle up for a scenic walk along Boston’s signature river. Stretching for three miles of riverfront, the Esplanade includes 64 acres of green space, incredible views and the ability to access several Boston neighborhoods. Enjoy the beauty of nature right in the city, and then cross one of the park’s eight bridges over Storrow Drive in search of hot cocoa.

Beacon Hill and Acorn Street – Walking through these areas gives a sense of peace and serenity to the often busy and hectic streets of the city. Here, you can walk across cobblestone streets, see magnificent brownstone mansions, and view the quaint and picturesque scenes that scream New England! There are numerous stores and restaurants in the area where you can warm up and buy something special for your special someone.


News

Will It Be a Snowy Winter? What Forecasts are Saying

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By Gabriella DeLuca, ’27

Staff Writer

Every winter, students across the country find themselves asking the same hopeful question: Will there be any snow days?

Over the last weekend of January, towns across Massachusetts were buried in nearly two feet of snow. Following this powerful winter storm, schools across New England were closed, some even for two days. This was the first real snow day our school has had in years and has many students wondering if this past snow day will not be the last.

It is not hard to notice the similarities between this recent winter storm and the infamous blizzard of 2015, which initially hit New England on the exact same date, January 26th, and brought over two feet of snow. This resemblance has some people wondering if this season will mirror the winter of 2015, which covered towns across Massachusetts in a record-breaking 100 inches of snow, and led to relentless school closures where even the students grew tired of the cancellations. Yet, others are speculating that this past snowstorm may have been this winter’s last hurrah before giving way to an early spring.

In order to make an accurate predication about the forecast for this year’s snowfall, it is important to consider the scientific factors that influence the winter weather of Massachusetts.

Oceanic Nino Index

The Oceanic Nino Index is a dataset used by meteorologists to measure the differences in normal sea surface temperatures in the east-central Pacific region. La Nina is a climatic pattern that describes the periodic cooling of surface-ocean temperatures in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean. It is considered to be the counterpart to El Nino, which is the pattern of unusually warm ocean temperatures along the tropical west coast of South America. La Nina brings warmer, drier conditions to parts of the southern US, and colder, snowier conditions to the New England area, while El Nino typically brings warmer and wetter weather conditions.

This winter, meteorologists predict weak La Nina conditions, which are expected to be mild in intensity and fade later in the season. For New England, this suggests colder-than-average temperatures and an increased chance of snow in December and January, followed by milder conditions in February and March.

NOAA releases 2024-25 winter outlook, weak La Niña to return | Fox 59
When La Nina is weak, the northern US gets colder and wetter.

Eastern Pacific Oscillation

Another important aspect to consider when determining the weather trends for this winter is the Eastern Pacific Oscillation, often referred to as the EPO. The EPO is a pattern of atmospheric flow across the Eastern Pacific region and can have a strong influence on how much cold air reaches North America. This season the EPO is in a negative phase, which means that a high-pressure atmospheric ridge is building near Alaska and blocking the typical west-to-east flow of mild Pacific air. For the northern US, this ends up resulting in colder than average temperatures. Since cold temperatures are a key ingredient for snowfall, this negative EPO could indicate higher-than-average snow totals for the northern region of the US. However, the negative EPO does not always guarantee frigid temperatures for Massachusetts, as warm Atlantic waters near the coast can moderate the cold temperatures created by the negative EPO. This could mean that precipitation could fall as rain instead of snow. Overall, the impact of the EPO on snowfall in Massachusetts is uncertain; however if the cards align, there is a chance for some more significant snowstorms in the future.

Pacific Decadal Oscillation

The Pacific Decadel Oscillation refers to a long-term ocean temperature fluctuation of the Pacific Ocean. The PDO varies from a “cool” or “negative” phase to a “warm” or “positive” phase every 20 to 30 years. This year we are experiencing a strongly negative or “cold” PDO. This means colder-than-normal conditions in the Pacific Northwest, but means warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the country, including Massachusetts. In July 2025, the PDO reached the most negative value on record which was associated with record-breaking warm summer temperatures in New England. The last several winters had these same strongly negative PDO patterns, which likely played a part in the less snowy winters experienced in New England.

The Polar Vortex & The Jet Stream

The polar vortex is a wide low pressure area of swirling cold air located in the atmosphere of the polar regions. However, this year, the polar vortex is predicted to weaken. This means that this system filled with Arctic air can break off and flow south, bringing its cold air with it. When the polar vortex is strong and stable, it keeps the jet stream in its normal path. The jet steam is a band of strong wind located in the upper atmosphere that encircles the earth and plays a critical role in keeping colder air north and warmer air south. However, as the polar vortex weakens, the jet stream begins to wobble, causing cold shots of frigid air to travel into the mid-latitudes, including Southern New England. This favors a colder & snowier winter in New England.

What is the Polar Vortex? | The Weather Channel
The weak polar vortex causes the Jet Stream to become wavy.

Siberian Snow Theory

The Siberian Snow theory refers to the concept developed by climatologist Dr. Judah Cohen that the snowfall in Siberia can be used to determine the severity of winters in North America. Located in the northern Arctic region of Russia, Siberia experiences the Siberian High, a high-pressure atmospheric system that brings cool temperatures and snow beginning in early October. According to Dr. Cohen, an above-average snowfall in this region is likely to be followed by a colder and snowier winter season in New England. Last October, Siberia experienced a relatively average snow cover, which predicts average snow totals for the United States.

In summary, forecasts for this year’s winter season offer a mixed outlook:

  • A weak La Nina is predicted to bring a snowy December and January, followed by a milder February and March.
  • A negative Eastern Pacific Oscillation suggests the possibility of colder temperatures and snowstorms.
  • A negative Pacific Decadel Oscillation points toward a milder winter overall.
  • A weak polar vortex predicts a colder and snowier winter.
  • Finally, the Siberian Snow theory forecasts an average winter.

Based on this information, while a definitive prediction is hard to make, there is a real possibility for more snow on the horizon! Whether it will amount to more snow days, though, is anybody’s guess.

Sports

Maye-Day in NE: Drake Maye Deserved MVP

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By Greyson Potter, ’29

Staff Writer

New England Patriots fans might be the most spoiled people on the planet.

For nearly 20 years, their team was led by the best quarterback of all time, Tom Brady. He was coached by one of the winningest coaches in NFL history, Bill Belichick. It was around these two legends that New England built its decades-long run of dominance. The Pats won 17 AFC East titles in Brady’s 19 years, went to 9 Super Bowls, and won 6 of them. This was a stretch of utter domination the likes of which the league had never seen. But after the 2019 season, Tom went down to Tampa to get a title without Bill. He succeeded, winning the Super Bowl that very year.

New England has not enjoyed the same level of success since. Their next two QBs, aging veteran Cam Newton and draft flop Mac Jones, both failed, and Belichick lost his job after 24 seasons. Jerod Mayo, the former Patriots linebacker whom owner Robert Kraft had chosen to be Bill’s successor, took over. He and general manager Elliot Wolf now had possession of the third pick in the 2024 draft. The team was one of the least talented in the league and needed a quarterback. So they chose Drake Maye from the University of North Carolina.

Out of college, Drake Maye was viewed as a young, raw prospect who needed to work on some things, especially his footwork. Most, including the Patriots, thought it would be best for him not to play most of his first season to perfect his technique. Veteran Jacoby Brissett was brought in to teach Maye the ropes and play while he learned. Maye was brought in to start after five games, with the team at 1-4. He showed promise, but the team was so talent-depleted that we ended up with the fourth pick in the draft.

We came out of the 2025 draft with left tackle Will Campbell, running back Treveyon Henderson, wide receiver Kyle Williams, interior offensive lineman Jared Wilson, and safety Craig Woodson, among others. In free agency, we gave defensive tackle Milton Williams, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the largest contract in franchise history, a 4-year, $104-million deal. Along with Williams, we added wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, edge rushers Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson, linebacker Robert Spillane, center Garrett Bradbury, and right tackle Morgan Moses. New England spent the most of any team in free agency, hoping it would turn things around.

Not only that, but coach Jerod Mayo was fired and replaced by another Super Bowl-winning linebacker with the Patriots: Mike Vrabel. Vrabel previously had been the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, but had been fired before last season and spent that year as a front office assistant for the Cleveland Browns. When he came to the Patriots, he brought Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator, back for his third stint at that position with the Pats. Drake Maye credits a lot of his development to Josh and his attitude. Vrabel was brought in to change the culture and set this new-look New England team on the right track.

It worked. Vrabel made this team a band of brothers, with everyone buying into his message. New England finished the regular season 14-3 and is playing for a Super Bowl. And a lot of it can be attributed to the MVP-level play of Drake Maye. At only 23 years old, Maye was neck and neck with Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams in the MVP race, reportedly losing by just one vote before Stafford was announced Feb. 6 as this season’s winner. Maye has shown maturity beyond his years, so despite the official vote, I think the young signal-caller deserved to be named MVP.

In a vacuum, Matt Stafford has better surface numbers. He threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, both good for first in the league, as well as the same number of interceptions as Drake Maye (8). Comparatively, Maye threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns, both top five in the NFL, but less than Stafford. But the National Football League is not a vacuum.

Matthew Stafford’s top receiving weapons are First Team All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua and future Hall of Fame candidate Davante Adams. Drake Maye’s top option was a 32-year-old Stefon Diggs, fresh off an ACL tear at the end of last season. Some might argue that Drake Maye had a cakewalk of a schedule (a valid point-the Patriots this season had the easiest schedule of any team in the 2000s). But his QBR (Total quarterback rating) is 77.2 compared to Stafford’s 71.1. QBR factors in the strength of schedule, and Maye still outperformed Stafford and everyone else in the league.

Maye, with a 72 percent completion rate, was the only player in the NFL to have a rate over 70 percent. He set the Patriots’ record for completion percentage, an impressive feat given that Tom Brady played quarterback for the Patriots for 20 years. He also led the league in adjusted completion percentage (completion percentage minus drops, spikes, and intentional throwaways) at 78.8 percent, and completion percentage over expected (CPOE) at plus-9 percent. These are very important numbers because they show he can place the ball where it needs to be with accuracy, and his CPOE shows that he is making the tough throws that other QBs can’t.

It’s not like he’s just checking the ball down and throwing small-gain completions, either. Drake leads the league in yards per pass attempt at 8.9, air yards per pass attempt at 8.7, and yards per drop back at 7.7. He was second in the league in pass plays of 20+ yards. These metrics show his finesse when throwing the deep ball. If he can throw the deep ball with accuracy, then he can move his team down the field more quickly and score faster.

Stafford put up some great numbers of his own, but numbers alone don’t win you the MVP. When it comes down to it, “MVP” stands for “Most Valuable Player,” not “Best Player,” and Maye’s Patriots went from 4-13 last year to 14-3 division champions this season. Stafford’s Rams went from 10-7 to 12-5, which is an improvement, but not the historic 10-game turnaround that Maye led. The Rams also clearly had a better roster at the start of the season, with their aforementioned Pro Bowl-level receivers, a proven offensive line, and a running back with consecutive 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown seasons. Meanwhile, the Pats had an inconsistent offensive line, their best receiver is 32 and coming off an ACL tear, and their running back room consists of veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, who has fumbling issues, and rookie Treveyon Henderson, an explosive back with injury concerns. Both teams had solid defenses, with the Patriots’ unit being a bit better. But the Patriots finished with a better record than Stafford and the Rams, and it is safe to say Drake Maye made the pieces around him better. Stefon Diggs was a 1,000-yard receiver, former 6th-round pick Kayshon Boutte was one of the most improved players in the league this season, and nearly everybody else on the offensive side of the ball contributed.

Along with all that, Drake Maye led the league in scramble yards for QBs, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Plus, he is a leader in the locker room and on the field, holding himself accountable while being in command of every game.

Maye has also developed a cult following here in New England. You can see shirts plainly stating “I (heart emoji) Drake Maye,” with one fan at a Patriots game even drawing that on their bare chest. The “Drake Maye Lover” account on Instagram has gone viral, and he has earned the simple yet slightly confusing nickname Drake “Drake Maye” Maye. Don’t ask what it means; nobody knows, not even Drake. There have even been songs written about him, such as the Drake Maye Anthem and a Drake “Drake Maye” Maye song.

All in all, Drake Maye is my clear pick for NFL MVP. He led the turnaround of this New England Patriots team from the cellar of the league to playing in a Super Bowl, all in a single season. He did it with his great arm, insane accuracy, situational play, and leadership. And when you ask what player was really the most valuable to his team, it, without a doubt, was Drake Maye.

Senior Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Highlighting Members of the Class of ’26

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By Bradlee Dowling and Sienna Lamond, ’26

Editor in Chief and Staff Writer

This year, The Hawk will profile some of the truly special students in the Class of 2026. Each issue, we’ll ask several seniors about their Hanover High School experience to get to know a little bit more about them before they head off into the world. The chosen seniors showcase excellence, whether as a team captain, award winner, club leader, or academic achiever. Read our previous profiles at Senior Spotlight.

Samuel Light

Samuel Light has lived in Hanover his whole life, and over the years he’s built a very impactful high school experience. Sam has always loved athletics; he started out playing basketball and baseball in elementary school, and those sports have stuck with him ever since. Even now, he’s just as involved and says that going to games or playing in them himself has been one of his favorite parts of school. 

High school also has given Sam the chance to explore other parts of his life. Over the past few years, he’s grown a lot closer to his religious beliefs and has become much more involved in church activities. In fact, he took that passion one step further by starting the Bible Club at HHS. 

Looking back, Sam says one thing he misses about elementary and middle school is simple but nostalgic: “playdates.” Beyond that, he’s found things in high school that really stick out. Academically, he’s loved engineering and names Mrs. Collins as one of his favorite teachers. “She cares, and she shows it,” he says.

Outside of class and sports, Sam has also developed some unexpected skills. He runs a lawn mowing business, which he says has helped spark his interest in the business world. His dedication to work – whether on the court, in class, or mowing lawns -has earned him recognition as well. One of his proudest achievements is winning the Wayward Award for Sportsmanship from the MIAA. That meant a lot to him, because it’s completely about how you carry yourself, not just the score or stats.

When it comes to reflecting on high school, Sam’s favorite year is either freshman or senior year. He says both brought different experiences that helped him grow. If he could do it all over again, he admits he would spend less time complaining and more time appreciating the moment. “I’d take my time with stuff,” he says. “There’s no point in stressing about little things. You just gotta enjoy it.”

For Sam, the biggest lesson from his time at Hanover is clear and straightforward: “Hard work actually does pay off, working hard is actually worth something.” With college on the horizon and plans to study business, Sam is taking that lesson – and all the skills, friendships, and experiences he’s gathered – with him into the next chapter of his life.

Shane Mahoney

Shane Mahoney has been part of the Hanover community since first grade, when he moved here from Rockland, and much of his time in school has been shaped by the activities and interests he has stuck with over the years. 

One of the most prominent activities in Shane’s life is hockey, a sport he began playing at a young age and continued throughout high school. His dedication to the sport paid off when he became a hockey captain, an accomplishment he says he is especially proud of. While hockey has always been important to him, Shane also discovered a new passion in high school – lacrosse – which he says became one of the best activities he has participated in. 

Academically, Shane’s favorite class has been English, particularly with Mrs. Cotter. He explains that he enjoyed the class because “I always find it interesting,” and because it allowed him to focus on writing, research, and open-minded discussions. He appreciated being able to “come up with your own answers and be able to argue,” which made the class feel really engaging and meaningful.

Outside of sports and academics, Shane has interests that many people may not know about. One of these is playing the guitar, which he completely taught himself. Looking back at his four years of high school, Shane says senior year has been his favorite (so far), because it has allowed him to feel more comfortable and confident. If he could go back and do high school over again, he says he “wouldn’t stress about little things,” explaining that “in the grand scheme of things, enjoying yourself is much more important.”

After high school, Shane plans to attend college in the Midwest, where he hopes to study management. Reflecting on his time at Hanover, Shane says the biggest lesson he has learned is to stay true to yourself. “Be yourself, express who you are,” he says, adding that he “would like to see people try to be themselves more.” As he prepares to graduate in a couple months, Shane leaves Hanover with lasting friendships, meaningful experiences, and a mindset focused on confidence and enjoying the moment.

Charlie Campbell

Charlie Campbell started school in Hanover in kindergarten and has lived here his whole life. Throughout middle and elementary school, he played hockey and lacrosse. He says, “they are my favorite things to do,” and still plays them today.

In high school, Charlie started playing football. He has played now all four years, “which has been awesome to be part of.”

In elementary and middle school, Charlie’s grandparents used to pick him up from school, “and I miss that a lot.”

His favorite classes have been history with Mr. Perry, video production with Mr. Patch, and precalculus with Mr. Boutin. “[Mr. Perry] made history fun to learn and that was something I didn’t love before,” Charlie says. “[Mr. Patch] gives us the chance to be creative,” he explains, “and…math is my favorite subject and I like the way [Mr. Boutin] teaches it as he helps a lot.”

Charlie’s favorite school activity has been playing for the lacrosse team.

Charlie plans on attending college to study business. He believes that high school has influenced his choice, “by recommending colleges to me that I could succeed at.”

One accomplishment he is proud of is being named captain for the lacrosse team for his senior year. Congrats, Charlie!

Outside of school, Charlie referees for youth lacrosse and youth hockey games. He used to work at Brothers Bar and Grill as a busser as well, though he doesn’t anymore.

His favorite year in high school has been sophomore year, “because of the teachers I had that made the year fun, the seniors were a great group that year.” And perhaps the biggest detail from that year, “my (football) team made it to Gillette Stadium that year which was an unreal experience.”

If he could restart high school from the beginning, Charlie, “would try much harder in my classes.” He also wishes that he spent more time not worrying about things that truly didn’t matter in the end.

If he had to take away one lesson from all of high school, it would be, “to always live in the moment and cherish every moment because high school goes by very quick.”

Opinion

Should We Still Use the Death Penalty?

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By Ryan Costello, ’27

Staff Writer

The death penalty is one of the most controversial and troubling punishments in modern society. While some argue that it provides justice to victims’ families or prevents future crimes, a deeper look shows that capital punishment fails in many ways.

One of the strongest arguments against the death penalty is the possibility of executing innocent people. Courts and juries have made mistakes. The Innocence Project, a nonprofit that works to exonerate people who are wrongly convicted, claims that since 1973, more than 190 people in the United States have been sentenced to death, often after spending decades behind bars for crimes they did not commit. DNA testing and improved investigative techniques have proven there can be many errors in the legal system. Once someone is executed, there is no way to correct such a mistake. No judicial system can reverse such a permanent punishment.

Another argument is that it is more expensive and more time consuming to use the death penalty than to sentence someone to life in prison. The death penalty is more expensive than life in prison because death penalty cases require longer trials, more lawyers, and years of appeals. Housing inmates on death row also costs more due to higher security needs, ultimately costing an average of $1 million taxpayer dollars per inmate. An inmate can sit on death row for as long as 20 years.

Some people believe that the death penalty is beneficial because it holds people accountable for their heinous actions and provides justice to victims and their families. While there may be some truth to this, the negatives hold more of an impact.

That is why the 27 states where capital punishment remains legal should do away with the procedure. The cost, in terms of taxpayer money and potentially life-ending mistakes, is too high to pay.

Featured image: https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/326540/rtr3hrgi.jpg

Sports

Fall Sports Roundup: Cheer and Golf Make History

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By Luke Curran, ’27

Sports Editor

The fall season of Hanover High sports was one to remember. Every team qualified for post-season tournaments, with all seeded high enough to host home games. All teams earned MIAA Academic Excellence Awards, and the Athletic Department secured the MIAA District 9 Sportsmanship Award. Notably, our Golf Team captured Hanover’s first-ever MIAA Division 2 South Sectional Championship — a historic accomplishment for the school. And Competition Cheer won the state title for the second consecutive year, the first back-to-back titles since 1976.

Read on for more about the outstanding achievements of our fall teams. Photos are courtesy of HHS athletics.

Competition Cheer

This year, our competition cheer team had significant success. Led by senior captains Morgan Curtis and Natalie Frank, the team won the state title for the second straight year, the first back-to-back titles since 1976. In addition, they earned first place at the Pumpkin Patch Invitational on Oct. 18 and the Think Pink Invitational on Oct. 25. They also won the Patriot League Fisher Division Championships on Nov. 6. They placed first at the South Regionals on Nov. 16, earning the grand champion title and achieving the highest score in school history. Finally, they attended States in Worcester on Nov. 22 and won for the second consecutive year.

Golf

The Hanover golf team was the champion this year, posting a 14-3 regular-season record. They won the MIAA D2 South Sectional Championship on Oct. 14, with the team +36 in very challenging conditions and solid scores from their four captains: senior Joe DaCosta (+7, T6), senior Cam Melone (+9, T10), junior Owen Crowley (+9, T10), and senior Cole Madden (+11, T19). This was Hanover’s first sectional Golf title; the team finished second in 2014. The team excelled all season, with Madden carding an 80 (+9) for a T17 finish.

Football

Led by senior captains Brandon Errico, Sebastian Brown, Peter Clarke, and Max Johnson, the team went 5-3 in the regular season and earned the No. 3 seed in the D5 tournament. In the round of 16, they faced the Weston Wildcats on Nov. 17 and won at home, 46-14. They advanced to the round of 8 on Nov. 14 against the No. 6 seed, Archbishop Williams, where their season ended in a close 28-26 home loss. Finally, they played their 59th-year Thanksgiving game on Nov. 27 against Norwell, achieving a blowout win with a final score of 49-8.

Boys Soccer

The boys soccer team also had great success this season, earning the #12 seed and posting a 9-6-3 regular-season record. Senior captains Ryan Mutschler and James McDermond led the team and beat #21 Blackstone Valley RVT 3-0 in the round of 32 on Nov. 4. Following this win, they advanced to the round of 16 on Nov. 8, losing 4-1 to Chicopee.

Volleyball

The girls volleyball team advanced far this season, led by senior captains Tess Madden and Dylan Poirier. They finished the regular season 17-3, with setter Sadie Chadwick recording her 1,000th assist. They entered the MIAA Division 3 round of 32 on Nov. 1 as the #6 seed, facing the #27-seeded Medway and beating them 3-1. They then advanced to the round of 16 at home on Nov. 4, where they lost 3-2 to Newburyport.

Field Hockey

Field hockey posted a 13-3 regular-season record, with senior captains Katie Jones, Jameson Bryan, and Grace Gilligan leading the #7 seed team to a 5-1 win against the #26-seeded North Reading in the round of 32 at the MIAA Division 3 playoffs. On Nov. 4, they advanced to the round of 16 at home against Lynnfield, where they lost 2-0. The team showed dominance this season, finishing as Patriot League Fisher Division champions.

Girls Soccer

This year, the girls’ soccer team, led by senior captains Anna Egan, Maelyn Foley, and Abby Kajunski, dominated in the regular season with a 13-3-2 record. They entered the round of 32 as the #5 seed on Nov. 5 and lost at home to East Bridgewater, 1-0.

Cross Country

The cross-country team performed well this year, with the boys finishing 1-4 and the girls 2-2. The boys’ team was led by captains Leo Galvin, Joe Lynch, Dean Gomes, and Drew Keith, while the girls’ team was led by Sawyer Bradford. At the all-league meet on Oct. 25, Ben Willis finished 18th out of 100 varsity runners and was named league all-star, and runner Mae Evans finished 15th out of 79. In their final meet on Nov. 8 at the Division 2 state tournament, Hanover competed at the challenging Northfield Mountain course, with the top seven boys and girls on the team competing. Seniors Leo Galvin (18:47.2) and Willis (18:50.93), and juniors Bradford (23:50.09) and Hazel Blum (24:16.05) were HHS’ top finishers. The team achieved significant success and strongly represented Hanover this fall.

Entertainment

Fall Musical Combines Improv, Audience for Unique Hit

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By Siena Oliver, ’27

Opinions Editor

Hanover High School’s 2025 musical production was a huge hit! Rehearsed during the fall, and performed three nights before Thanksgiving, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starred 19 Hanover High School students, with help from many more in the crew and the musical pit (cast, crew and pit lists in photo gallery below).

This musical, as its name suggests, is a comedic and highly dramatized take on an average school county spelling bee. Premiering on Broadway in 2005, it follows six children, each with different quirks and backstories, and three adults throughout the duration of the Bee. While there are several things that make this show unique, even in the world of musical theatre, one notable difference is its use of timing and setting. While many musicals have stories that span days or longer in just one show, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee seems to happen in real time. There are no time skips, set changes, or aging characters. The musical lasts just under two hours, and so does the spelling bee it depicts. This, along with the remarkable level of audience interactivity and cast improvisation, allow audience members to feel especially present when attending the musical.

In addition, and perhaps most uniquely, the show is always changing, and even includes volunteers who are participating the the Bee in real time. Every single production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will vary greatly, even those preformed by the same cast and crew from night to night. This is because the show relies heavily on both the actors’ improvisation and audience volunteers. At the beginning of each performance, four volunteers are called up to the stage from the audience. They, in many cases, have no formal acting experience whatsoever. These volunteers are welcomed to the stage, then treated like every other “contestant” (actor) in the Bee. As the show goes on, the characters, along with the audience volunteers, are given words to spell in front of the crowd. Improvisation is utilized by the onstage actors when the volunteers are called up to spell a word, and to determine their reaction depending on if the word is spelled correctly or not.

As a member of the cast for the HHS production, this show was a one-of-a-kind experience. Seeing the musical come together for opening night, and be received so well by each of our audiences, was such a treat. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious yet touching show that incorporates elements I had not previously seen in a musical. Being a part or this production and connecting with the amazing cast, crew, and pit members, is an experience I will never forget.

Maverick Langill, who has worked behind the scenes of many HHS shows and was part of this crew, shared a similar sentiment. “Even though at times it was stressful, it was an amazing show to be part of. I would work crew for this show every year if I could.”

Click on the images below to enlarge.

Mr Hutchison and Ms Doyle were among the audience participants pulled into the show
The cast poses after dress rehearsal
Opinion

Should Cell Phone Hotels Be ‘Closed’?

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By Danny Campbell, ’27

Staff Writer

Most likely, everyone has an opinion about the Hanover High School student cell phone policy by now, since we’re into its second year. To minimize distractions, the handbook restricts students from using cell phones in class without the teacher’s permission. Most teachers require students to place their phones in the classroom “phone hotel” (better known, in my opinion, as the “prison”), or keep them in student backpacks. This is enforced with varying levels of strictness depending on the teacher. The policy, implemented by district administration and approved by School Committee, is part of a state and nationwide trend toward restricting cell phone use in schools. I personally think the cell phone “hotels” are a waste of time. They not only show distrust of students, but also could lead to safety issues.

In the last few years, cell phones have become a major part of our lives, and nearly everyone in the United States now has a phone that they use frequently. I can almost guarantee that you – the person reading this page – have spent large chunks of time only on your phone, letting a platform like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or games consume hours of your day. Many have fallen victim to it, admit it! This is why school districts across the country started limiting or restricting cell phones in school. The Massachusetts legislature is considering a bill this year to ban students from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day. Most teachers think that getting rid of the phones in class will automatically make the students pay more attention to them during their lessons. Other supporters of the policies feel limiting phones will reduce bullying and improve students’ mental health.

But we need to note three things about these arguments. First of all, NOT every single student in the school is tied to their cell phone! This is a very big thing that I feel people completely ignore when discussing whether or not to restrict phones. There are students who only bring their phones to check the time, text important people during their downtime, or keep in contact with their parents during school hours. So restricting our only form of outside communication is very unfair for those of us who barely take them out.

Secondly, the policy can cause safety problems during an emergency. Imagine that a fire or some other catastrophic event happens that could lead to school being evacuated. If students are as attached to their phones as administrators seem to think, the first thing they’ll do in an emergency is try to get their phones from the “hotel.” This could cause injuries and a delay in getting students out of the building quickly.

Finally, having to put phones in a classroom “hotel” makes it possible for students to forget them when the bell rings for dismissal. This means students have to interrupt their next class to come back and retrieve them, or wait until the next day to pick them up if school is over. It could even lead to theft of the often expensive devices.

I think a better approach to the cell phone issue would be to teach students how to use the technology responsibly. This could be taught in a unit for middle school health class, during Mrs. McHugh’s library sessions, or through auditorium presentations like the ones we have about topics like drug abuse and lockdown drills. Students need to be taught the benefits of moderating screen time to take care of their mental health. If we can do this, there won’t be the need for phone “hotels.”