In only five minutes – the same amount of time it takes to respond to a text message, make a to-do list, or brew a cup of coffee – 26 innocent lives were lost. In just a matter of minutes, dozens of families across Newtown, Connecticut, were forever fractured. In just five minutes, the nation as a whole was forced to face a grim new reality—one with 26 bright, innocent lights extinguished far too soon.
Because of the violence that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Olivia Engel, a girl who loved to laugh, never got to share another joke with her little brother.
Avielle Richman, an adventurous girl who rarely missed out on a chance to have fun, never got to embark on another adventure.
Jesse Lewis, a boy who loved spending time with his grandmother, never got to make the gingerbread house he had been looking forward to making with her for months.
Daniel Barden, who loved spending time at the beach with his family, would never ride another wave again.
And Rachel D’Avino, a beloved teacher at Sandy Hook, never got the chance to say yes to her best friend’s proposal.
Image showing some of the beautiful lives lost at the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in 2012.
All this happened in under five minutes. Yet, the warning signs were visible long before the first shots were fired. In the days leading up to this tragedy, something could have been done to prevent these 26 lives from being cut devastatingly short. In less than five minutes—the same fleeting amount of time it took for the shooting to occur—a warning sign could have been identified, an insight been reported to a trusted adult, or the National Crisis Center been notified. But this intervention did not occur, and the result was the loss of these innocent lives.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting took place on the morning of December 14th, 2012, and left the world to face a reality plagued by this brutal act of violence. However, instead of allowing this tragedy to define them, several family members whose loved ones were lost in the shooting united to turn “tragedy to transformation” in an effort to ensure such a catastrophe would never happen again.
Officially founded on January 14th, 2013, exactly one year and one month after the shooting, the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation was created. This nonprofit organization pledged to protect the children of America from gun violence in honor of the lives lost at Sandy Hook. With a staff of more than 100 people, including co-founder and CEO Nicole Hockley, as well co-founder Mark Barden, who both lost their children in the shooting, this foundation is dedicated to spreading its message to communities nationwide, starting at the student level.
This past March, our school was visited by Keeley Rogers, a presenter from Sandy Hook Promise, who shared the foundation’s powerful and inspiring message with students. One of Rogers’ most important points was how to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred at Sandy Hook before they even begin. In over 80 percent of school shootings, according to the organization, at least one other person had knowledge of the perpetrator’s plan but failed to report it. This highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs of violence and the true value of reporting these threats to a trusted individual.
One of the most common warning signs of violence includes isolation or sudden withdrawal from social interactions, including communication with friends and family, Rogers said. This is concerning as it shows that this person no longer finds the same comfort in engaging with the people they had once enjoyed spending time with, hinting that something greater is occurring internally. Another warning signal is extreme mood changes, such as excessive irritability, hostile behaviors, and bullying. This can also include the expression of thoughts of harming themselves or others, which suggests that the person is suffering severe psychological distress and needs immediate intervention. The last warning sign is an interest in school shootings, guns, and other forms of weaponry, as it demonstrates that this person may be truly considering committing an act of violence.
These warning signs can be witnessed in person, on social media, or through other online platforms, Rogers shared. According to Sandy Hook Promise, if you witness any of these signs, there are three important steps you can take, the first being to tell a trusted adult. A trusted adult is defined as a reliable and caring individual over the age of 18. This can be a teacher, a parent, a coach, a relative, or any other person whom you trust to make you feel safe, heard, and respected. The second step you can take, if you do not feel comfortable telling someone in person or wish to remain anonymous, is to use an online reporting system. On our Hanover Public School’s homepage, under the See/Say Something icon, you can report potential threats or dangerous activities that pose a risk to our school community. Once this form is filled out and submitted, it is sent to our School Resource Officer, Officer John Voelkel, as well as your school’s current principal. The third step you can take when witnessing a potential threat is contacting the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center, which offers 24/7 access to a trusted adult. This can be done by filling out a message in the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System that can be reached by clicking this link.
As a nation, Rogers said, we can come together to honor the victims of gun violence by preventing further tragedies like the one that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. If we all unite to protect innocent lives from being taken, we can effectively turn an instance of tragedy into a future of transformation.
To learn more about the Sandy Hook Promise or to get involved in the organization, click this link.
Over the past three years, DECA has had a profound impact within our community. The significant growth and achievement of the club, part of a global organization highlighting careers in business, is a direct reflection of the hard work of many students. Not only have these young leaders learned about business, but they have also developed valuable communication and critical thinking skills that apply to any profession.
In its first year as a club, 13 students signed up. Ready to register as one of about 4,500 chapters around the world, students discovered they had missed the deadline. Instead of feeling defeated, DECA members spent the year building a strong foundation through practice roleplays and fundraising.
“Starting a club as a sophomore can be very intimidating and scary at first, especially when people don’t know about it,” said Senior Katie Jones, who was part of those initial efforts and now serves as vice president. “It was challenging to grow awareness at first, but once we learned more and worked together, we became successful.”
In year two, the club grew to 24 members and officially registered as a chapter. The group took part in the District One competition, where students from the region who have studied a business topic are evaluated on their knowledge and professionalism with roleplays, case studies or presentations. Competitiors also must take a 100-question exam about business careers. In that first competition, six members placed and four students qualified for states. These awards were impressive considering the pool of highly qualified students competing; more experienced chapters such as Marshfield, Plymouth North, and Pembroke each have more than 100 members.
This year, DECA has seen its most significant growth due to the dedication of the executive board of seniors Jones, Hope Miller, Grace Gilligan, Dylan Poirier and Bella Ciccolo. The club grew to six times its previous size and now has more than 80 members. At an informational meeting in September, the crowd overflowed the room.
“It was so exciting to see the growth and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished with this club,” Jones said.
“I loved being able to be a part of a community where I was with my close friends but also a place where everyone wants to thrive and work their hardest,” added Gilligan.
Club members pose before heading to the district competition.
The club participated in the District conference in January and the results were outstanding. Hanover earned 13 medals and 11 trophies! Ciccolo and Poirier took 1st place in Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making, seniors Brianna Adams and Sienna Lamond won 2nd place in Marketing Management Team Decision Making, seniors Marina Khalil and Anna Parker earned 3rd place in Hospitality Services Team Decision Making, junior Jolie Coviello won 3rd place in Principles of Entrepreneurship, seniors Bryan Collins and Leo Galvin earned 4th place in Travel and Tourism Marketing Team Decision Making, sophomores Luca Ciccolo and Grant Miller placed 5th in Financial Services Team Decision Making, junior Audrey Martin and sophomore Allie Waterman medaled in Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making, and sophomore Matt Farrell medaled in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism.
The students who earned trophies also earned seats at the state conference in March. DECA’s advisor, Mr. Ciccolo, an HHS business and computer science teacher, worked to secure sponsorships so students could attend the state conference for free rather than paying the $600 fee. “We have networked significantly, gaining sponsorships from local businesses and fundraising to reduce financial barriers in this year’s district, state, and national competitions,” said Poirier, the club’s treasurer.
Adams and Lamond after their win at states
At states, the team of Adams and Lamond earned 5th place in Marketing Management Team Decision Making and a trip to the international competition April 25-28 in Atlanta, Ga. This is an incredible accomplishment not just for these two students, but for a club in just its third year.
“For the past two years, we have been able to improve our presentation and communication skills as well as our general knowledge about marketing, economics, and the field of business as a whole,” Adams said. “These are skills we will truly carry with us forever, and we have DECA to thank for that.”
“DECA gave us the space to explore our business interests, and now we’re suddenly going to compete at internationals,” Lamond added. “We’re excited to compete with students from across the country who are also passionate about business, and have the opportunity to network and prepare ourselves for whatever future career we may seek.”
One of the goals set for – and met – this year was to involve as many underclassmen as possible so the club would last beyond the graduation of many of the original members. With such a strong showing at the district competition by sophomores and juniors, the executive board is confident that the club will continue to thrive in the future.
“Being a part of DECA these past three years has truly been one of my favorite aspects of high school,” said Poirier. “This success is attributed to the dedication of the many growing student leaders of DECA, and the organization’s expansion is something I am immensely proud to be a part of.”
Enjoying some of the fun events at districtsDistrict winners!Preparing for states
This year, The Hawk has profiled some of the truly special students in the Class of 2026. Each issue, we’ve asked 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.
This is the final issue of Senior Spotlight! For this issue, you’re getting to meet the students who have been behind this series: Sienna Lamond and Bradlee Dowling. Additionally, two outstanding senior students, Class President Ava Khouri and likely Valedictorian Alana Cole, are featured as well. It has been a joy to write about these incredible seniors. It’s no surprise that these exceptional students are just a few of many outstanding academics, athletes, and performers. Every single one of the graduating seniors deserves admiration for their accomplishments throughout their distinguished high school careers. We at The Hawk are so proud of you and all your future endeavors. We know you have so much to offer this world, and we are excited to see you fly the nest.
Ava Khouri
Ava Khouri is no stranger to Hanover schools and has had years of experience in making an impression on the community. Whether it was cheerleading or student council, Ava has remained a part of the same activities she once loved to be a part of as a child. She joined student council in fifth grade and was class president starting in eighth grade.
“One of my favorite parts of student council has been planning our senior week events this year,” she said. “All of our hard work fundraising has finally paid off.”
Cheerleading has also played an enormous role in her life, starting from the third grade! A team captain, she said that her favorite memories have been made on Friday nights during football games when she ran with her flag along with her best friends, Natalie and Morgan.
Although she transferred a lot of childhood activities to high school, she also left her comfort zone to join Debate Team. This helped her in building confidence and communicating more effectively.
“It taught me to be a much better communicator and strengthened my public speaking skills exponentially,” she said.
Beyond the academic environment, another achievement that few seniors can claim is that she is an aspiring author. Her upcoming children’s book titled “The Apple of My Pie” will see the light of day in 2026. It draws on a writing project from elementary school that her father kept and her work promoting tolerance with the Playbook Initiative in Hanover. This program, which Ava counts as one of her greatest successes, promotes discussions on topics such as racism and discrimination among middle schoolers.
“This experience has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I’ve seen students feel more empowered to lead as upstanders and bridge builders for inclusion.”
She intends to enroll in the University of Notre Dame and major in Business Management at the Mendoza College of Business. She added that through leadership roles, community service, and internship programs, high school helped form her career objectives.
When she talked about her experience in high school, she mentioned how much she loved being a senior because of all the memories she made with her peers. There is only one thing she would carry with her beyond high school, which is the idea of taking chances by leaving her comfort zone.
Alana Cole
Alana has lived in Hanover her entire life. In elementary and middle school, Alana always used to dance . . . and she still does! “I started dancing when I was two and a half and have been ever since.” Out of all the styles of dance Alana does, her favorites are contemporary and hip-hop. In high school, Alana joined Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). Throughout elementary and middle school, she disliked science, often preferring English, Math, and Social Studies. “I was convinced I would become a lawyer,” she shares. Years later, however, she’s discovered a real passion not just for STEM but for helping others. Through HOSA, she has been able to explore her budding interest in STEM/Health careers. Her favorite elementary and middle school activity was the annual school musical. Since she was in 2nd grade, Alana has taken part in each school production, including Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book, and Frog and Toad. She loved performing onstage so much that over the summer, she would do shows with FACE, and even took the opportunity to sing in talent shows like Hanover’s Got Talent. “As I got older and busier, I stopped participating in theater,” she says, “and I definitely miss it so much!”
Alana’s favorite high school class was AP Chemistry with Mrs. Parry. “It was one of the first APs I took, and it was hard, but I loved learning about the subject so much, and Mrs. Parry quickly became one of my favorite teachers due to her kindness and helpful nature,” she explains. The course made her realize that she wanted to major in biochemistry. She says she formed great friendships through AP Chemistry that continued through her other AP science classes.
Her favorite high school activity has been being a Delegate on the Southeastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (SEMASC) executive board. “When I campaigned last year, I had no idea I would actually be elected into such an incredibly collaborative and encouraging group,” she says. She describes how working together with other board members from across southeastern Massachusetts has been a wonderful experience that she’s loved every second of. After high school, Alana plans on majoring in Course 5-7 (Biology and Chemistry) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After college, she hopes to go back to school to earn a PhD in Cell Biology and Genetics so she can work as a cancer researcher. “I realized I wanted to be a scientific researcher in 8th grade, but high school really solidified my career goals as I took classes like AP Biology and AP Chemistry,” she adds.
One accomplishment, beyond being accepted into the best university in the world, is winning the Southeastern Massachusetts Debate League finals. She has competed on the Debate Team for the past four years with her partner, Abbey Corbo, as an affirmative team. “During my freshman year, I lost every single debate,” she recalls. “Each year after, we kept improving until finally this year we won the entire competition! As the top varsity debaters in the whole league, I was so proud of how far we’d come since our very first season!” Something people may not know about Alana is that she is still a Girl Scout! Since kindergarten, she’s been in a Girl Scout troop, and now she is the oldest and last Girl Scout at her level in Hanover. “As I’ve gotten older, I don’t earn badges anymore. Instead, I spend my time volunteering with other troops when I can and keeping traditions like the Flag Ceremony alive.”
“Although it’s probably cliché, my favorite year of high school has been this year, my senior year,” she confesses. She explains how this year has been the best way to conclude her high school career. She finally joined Vox, made friends across the region through SEMASC, and worked hard on her schoolwork while also prioritizing hanging out with her friends. She admits that she is excited to move on from Hanover High School, but extremely happy that she’s had such a phenomenal final year. If Alana could go back and do anything differently, she would’ve joined a vocal ensemble as a freshman instead of as a senior. “Music has always played such an important role in my life, and while I took piano and guitar classes as an underclassman, it still took me three years to join Vox, and that’s probably what I regret the most.” Above getting the opportunity to sing in a choir, Alana loves how the HHS Music Department is the most kind, supportive, and welcoming community. She is so grateful to have spent this past year getting closer to and making new friends through music.
One lesson Alana has taken away from high school is to, “be uncomfortable” whether that means you take rigorous classes, have extremely overscheduled weeks, or find opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. She has learned that sitting with feelings of discomfort is what has enabled her to grow into the best version of herself. And, “it enables you to be the best version of yourself.”
Sienna Lamond
Sienna Lamond has attended Hanover schools from the first grade and has centered her high school career on creativity, music, and performance. She has been involved in theater all her life, and maintained this passion during her time in high school.
She said some of her favorite classes were Vox, AP Music Theory, AP Environmental Science, and AP US History.
“Mr. Perry is the most enthusiastic teacher I have ever had,” she said. “His presence will be so missed when he retires at the end of this school year.”
Sienna has worked for The Hawk newspaper for several years and has been active in the business club, DECA. In fact, she will be competing in the international competition with her partner, Brianna Adams, later this month. Among all of these activities, her favorite has been Vox, which is the selective choir at Hanover. “Starting the morning off with a group of girls who love to sing and make music has made my senior year beyond enjoyable,” she said.
Aside from music and theatre, she also found new interests in her high school life, such as volleyball and rugby. She admits that she never thought she could play those two sports when she was young.
Outside of school, Sienna takes care of children. She also takes dance classes and acts with Onstage School of Performing Arts; performs backstage work for Anderson Anderdaughter Children’s Theater; and even participated in children’s theater rehearsals for her NHS senior service project. She is truly one of Hanover’s most community-centered individuals.
Combining both of her interests, her plans after graduating include both these aspects as she pursues her BFA in Musical Theater at Syracuse University!
“Do things for you,” she said. “Take classes separate from your friends. Do extracurriculars you care about. This is the time you need to discover who you want to be.”
She said one of the things she is most proud of is becoming President of Tri-M and Vox, along with all of her accomplishments in DECA.
Reflecting on past years, she believes her junior year was the best since she got to take classes she enjoyed and made lifelong friendships. She said she would only wish to tell herself that she didn’t have to be perfect at everything.
Bradlee Dowling
Bradlee came to Hanover Public Schools from Weymouth in the 6th grade. In elementary and middle school, Bradlee loved taking pictures of everything. “Documenting my life has been one of my favorite hobbies for as long as I can remember, and it’s something I’ve definitely carried with me into high school,” he shares. When Bradlee got to high school, he started writing for the school newspaper, The Hawk. This was a new experience for him, and he has enjoyed the time he’s spent as a writer and Editor in Chief. In middle school, Bradlee used to read much more than he does now. “I definitely miss it,” he confesses, “and I wish I had more time to get back into it.”
His favorite high school class has been AP English Language and Composition with Mrs. Abban. He explains that, “every day felt different and engaging, and the class environment was both fun and thought-provoking.” He enjoyed that Mrs. Abban pushed him to think deeply while still maintaining a light and enjoyable class environment. His favorite high school activity has been going to sporting events, “being a part of the class that won the hockey state championship made those experiences even more special.”
After graduating high school, Bradlee plans to attend college, though he’s still deciding where to go. He wants to study nursing, and eventually specialize in aesthetics. He believes high school has influenced these goals; “being surrounded by motivated, curious students has pushed me to work harder and aim higher in my own future.” One accomplishment Bradlee is proud of is co-founding the Career Club with fellow senior Isabella Reed in their sophomore year. He describes how, “we were both unsure about our future career paths, so we created a space where students could explore different options together.” In the end, the club was a successful place where students could explore different interests and support each other as they discovered their passions. Outside of school, Bradlee enjoys watching movies. “I kind of wish I could watch every movie ever made,” he adds.
His favorite year of high school was by far sophomore year. He explains how it was a perfect balance of academic pressure and free time, “not as overwhelming as freshman year, and without the pressure of SATs or college applications that come later with junior and senior year.” If he could do high school over again, he says he “would put [himself] out there more from the beginning.” He began opening up to people later on, and formed meaningful relationships that he wished he made earlier. To conclude, Bradlee’s high school takeaway is, “be mindful about what you share and who you share it with. Not everything needs to be said, and being more intentional with your words can save you from a lot of unnecessary drama.”
Every spring, the community comes together to celebrate the Hanover Schools Annual District Arts Festival. This year’s celebration, which took place on April 7 at Hanover High School, presented the artistic and musical talents of students across grades K-12. Mr. Michael File, an HHS art teacher who helped coordinate the event, said, “The Arts Festival gave students of all ages the opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate their unique artistic journey with their families, teachers, and peers.”
During the festival, students from the elementary to high school level shared the spotlight as they presented their artwork and musical performances to the community. On the main auditorium stage, large-ensemble performances included “Joy Revisited” by the HHS Symphonic Band, “900 Miles” by the HHS Chorus and Vox, several songs by the Cedar/Center Combined Choir, and a rousing set by the HMS Jazz Ensemble. The HHS rock band Altitude closed out the night with a cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin.” On a second stage in the HHS media room, small collections of student musicians came together to perform. Highlights included a performance by the cast of Shrek Jr. and the band To Be Determined’s rendition of “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis. Another unforgettable performance was presented by junior Finn McCabe, who played his own original piano piece, titled “The Least of These,” which was inspired by his Christian background and love for the B-flat major.
In the school gymnasium, student artwork was displayed for all to see in various styles. Among the exhibits were egg carton animals created by Cedar School kindergartners with Ms. Leanne Malfa, paper mache masks made by Mr. Aaron DiGaudio’s sixth grade art class, and the sophisticated ceramic pieces of the high school 3D art class. Featured as well were the expressive 2D and 3D art portfolios of the high school’s AP Art students, showcasing the artists’ dedication to creating meaningful thematic art.
One AP Art student, junior Jenna Clasby, devoted her work to the people who have a special value in her life. Made from a mix of colored pencils and oil pastels, Jenna’s self-portraits showcase her childhood journey and values. Junior Siena Oliver, another AP Art student, created a portfolio with a similar emphasis on childhood memories and nostalgia. One of her favorite pieces is a painting of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, featuring a frame she made with her grandfather using wood fragments taken from the monument’s old fence.
Siena Oliver’s painting inspired by the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown.Jenna Clasby’s colored pencil art piece, showing her and her cousin.
Many artists also explored existentialism and the human relationship with nature. Senior AP artist Elizabeth Winnie used acrylic paints to express how the ocean can evoke varying emotions in people based on their individual perspectives. Senior Bella Telepak depicted the duality of death and the absence of consideration for nature’s creatures using her expressive mixed media artwork.
Bella Telepak’s AP Art display that explored the duality of life.Elizabeth Winnie’s AP Art portfolio inspired by the emotions of the ocean.
Another impressive display was presented by Owen Cleary, a junior in AP Art. Owen captivated viewers with his hyperrealistic depictions of supernatural creatures, having spent days perfecting each piece to the most minute detail. These pieces were inspired by some of his favorite video games and horror films.
A piece of Owen Cleary’s artwork displayed in his AP Art portfolio.Owen Cleary’s detailed pencil sketch of a supernatural creature won a Scholastic Art Award earlier this year.
The artwork and musical creativity of the students of Hanover were the highlights of the night; however, what made it truly unforgettable was seeing the meaningful connections the students formed with one another through their shared love for art and music. Caroline Heaney, a junior in the high school’s Vox chorus, described the group as being a “close community of friends who bonded over their shared love for singing.” A similar sentiment was expressed by junior drum major Sophie Bunar, who said that being a part of the high school band is not only about performing on stage, but about meeting new people and forming authentic friendships that will last a lifetime.
Click on a photo to enlarge. Photos by Gabriella DeLuca and Luca Ciccolo
One of Owen Cleary’s 3-D sculptures.Finn McCabe’s digital art creation.Danny Campbell’s artwork inspired by the Sonic video games.Bella Telepak’s art piece created using gel and acrylic pens.Live artwork being created by the HHS art students.Black and white drawings in the art show.Avery Bridson’s AP display influenced by cultural legends.Billy Hersey’s 3D clay sculpture.Jenna Clasby’s mixed media artwork, exploring the pressure to be perfect.Finn McCabe’s watercolor painting of a snowy mountain.JJ Molina-Parri fronts a band playing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana.Dan McAvay shows his live drawing.Jeremiah Gonzales-Aponte plays the drums with Altitude.James Mastrangelo plays with AltitudeRock group Altitude closes out the Arts Fest with Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin.”
When my mom asked me to see this movie with her, I was not expecting the stunning cinematography or the absolute emotional rollercoaster that I was sent on while watching. Now I am among the many who are rushing to buy the book and experience this story again and again.
Music had a huge impact on this movie’s success, from the film score by Dainel Pemberton to songs from artists including Harry Styles, The Beatles, Ike & Tina Turner and Prince. The music was absolutely breathtaking, and incredibly important to one of my new favorite characters Rocky; he communicates through echolocation that sounds like and is music. This was not just a small detail to the book’s author Andy Weir. In a recent interview, he explained that he chose to have Rocky communicate with echolocation because of Rocky’s home planet’s relative location to a star. “Since the atmosphere is so thick, light doesn’t reach the surface so there’s no need to evolve vision,” he explained. “If you cannot evolve vision, I’ve got the obvious answer — echolocation.”
Even though the book Project Hail Mary only came out in 2021, the rights to it had already been sold in 2020 to MGM. Ryan Gosling, who stars as Dr. Ryland Grace in the movie, saw this book as an amazing opportunity to pursue a passion project, and he helped develop the film before the novel’s release. Unsurprisingly, the book was an immediate success upon its May 2021 release, debuting at #3 on the New York Times bestseller list and quickly becoming a popular and critically acclaimed sci-fi hit. Since its release, this bestseller’s popularity has only grown. As of today, Project Hail Mary has sold millions of copies and become one of the most-read books on Goodreads.
Another factor of Project Hail Mary’s success is the work of its clever marketing team. Synchronizing the movie release with the Artemis II launch was a great marketing strategy. Using the buzz around the Artemis II launch prompted multiple companies such as Lego to hop on this opportunity and make a couple new sets inspired by the Artemis II launch and Project Hail Mary. The timing of both events created more revenue for both Lego itself and the Project Hail Mary franchise. Lego developed the Project Hail Mary set rapidly after the film team showed designers a 10-minute preview. The Project Hail Mary set, an 830-piece model focusing on the spaceship’s rotating gravity configuration, was released in March. The Artemis II set, scheduled to be available in May, features 3,601 pieces.
Speaking of the Artemis II, NASA was quoted saying “amaze amaze amaze” to commander Reid Wiseman during the mission. This echoes a line that Rocky says when he is overjoyed in one of the scenes from Project Hail Mary. Before they left, the crew of Artemis II had a private viewing in their homes with their family members of the movie team. And just like the rest of us, their hearts were captured by the pure joy that Rocky emitted throughout the movie.
This movie is one of my personal favorites so far this year and I know a lot of people would certainly agree. The film had a wide range of scenes from heartwarming moments with Ryland Grace and Rocky to action-packed moments where we were left on the edge of our seats. If you were going to go to any movie in theaters, and not wait for it to stream, Project Hail Mary would be the movie to see.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, when we promote the understanding of alcohol use and abuse. This month offers an opportunity to develop knowledge of the struggle that is often faced when people misuse alcohol. Researchers have estimated that each year there are more than 178,000 deaths due to alcohol. Misuse affects the lives and health of many teenagers as well, diminishing their everyday abilities. Additionally, there are more than 200 disease- and injury-related conditions associated with alcohol misuse, including liver cirrhosis, various cancers, heart disease, strokes, and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Misuse of alcohol is dangerous, especially for the body. Some short-term effects include trauma, alcohol poisoning, violent tendencies, and reproductive issues. Examples of trauma from acute use include injuries from motor vehicle crashes, falls, burns, and drowning. When individuals are under the influence of alcohol, they lose awareness of their actions, leading to potential trauma and violence.
Studies show that there is a higher risk of becoming a perpetrator or victim of physical or sexual violence when alcohol is misused. Excessive drinking commonly leads to acute poisoning, which can lead to comas, convulsions, or death. Reproductive and prenatal problems can also easily arise in those who abuse alcohol. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), miscarriages, and stillbirths are seen in those who misuse alcohol before or during pregnancy. Other risks include severe alcohol withdrawal syndromes requiring emergency medical care.
Deaths due to alcohol from 2019-2021, during the COVID 19 pandemic, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Short-term abuse affects the user greatly; however, it does not impact health as much as long-term abuse can. Long-term abuse damages the brain, liver, immune system, and digestive system. Conditions from the prolonged misuse of alcohol include liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, digestive and endocrine issues, neurological/brain damage, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Liver diseases can include cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis. Drinking alcohol affects the liver by forcing it to prioritize the metabolism of ethanol in the alcohol over its hundreds of other critical bodily functions — causing the organ the most immediate and severe damage. The risk of cancers of the liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, and bowel increase with more consumption. Alcohol abuse causes cancer by breaking down ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that damages DNA and prevents cells from repairing themselves. It induces chronic inflammation, increasing hormone levels such as estrogen and lowering nutrient absorption, particularly damaging the mouth, throat, liver, and breasts. Additionally, high blood pressure, strokes, and weakened heart muscles can arise from alcohol abuse through toxic damage to heart muscle cells. Excessive consumption induces oxidative stress, causing strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure.
Alcohol abuse affects people in many more ways than can be covered in a short article. It is a serious topic that has an underestimated potential to ruin lives quickly. Many teenagers and adults abuse liquor without knowing the risk and jeopardy they are putting themselves in. Alcohol Awareness Month was started in 1987 by the National Council of Alcohol and Drug Dependence to raise awareness among the general public about the dangers of alcohol misuse, reduce stigma, and provide treatment resources. This month is held annually to focus on community education, support for those in recovery, and encouragement of alcohol-free weekends. Campaigns emphasize preventing underage drinking, educating on the health effects of excessive drinking, and offering resources for families. It serves to reduce the discrimination associated with addiction, making it easier for people to seek help. To encourage care, look out for warning signs, including being unable to cut back, drinking to cope, or excessive consumption despite problems in personal or professional life. Recognizing abuse early not only helps the abuser but also the people around them such as their family and friends, as alcohol misuse can ruin relationships and derail a person’s professional and personal life.
April is not just a time to read statistics but a call to act. By engaging in open conversations about alcohol use and providing support for treatment, the cycle of addiction can be stopped, and communities can take a step in moving toward a healthier, more transparent future.
Osna, Natalia A et al. “Alcoholic Liver Disease: Pathogenesis and Current Management.” Accessed 9 April 2026. Alcohol research : current reviews vol. 38,2 (2017): 147-161. doi:10.35946/arcr.v38.2.01
Rachdaoui, Nadia, and Dipak K Sarkar. “Pathophysiology of the Effects of Alcohol Abuse on the Endocrine System.” Alcohol research : current reviews vol. 38,2 (2017): 255-276. doi:10.35946/arcr.v38.2.08 Accessed 10 April 2026.
Shivani, Ramesh et al. “Alcoholism and Psychiatric Disorders: Diagnostic Challenges.” Alcohol Research & Health vol. 26,2 (2002): 90–98. Accessed 25 March 2026.
Another debate season is in the books! The Hanover High School team made great individual progress and improved dramatically this year. Sure, our competitive spirit makes us want to beat our opponent in each match, and two of our debaters finished at the top of the league. However, standings and sheer results don’t tell the whole story of our growth as a team. The continuous development of each person’s skills, confidence and general understanding of how to prepare for each match progressed week after week.
It’s amazing to think about my freshman year, when the club was just a couple of seasons old and the group was still learning the basics of cross-examination and rebuttal. Five years after its founding, the program has become a well developed, accomplished and competitive machine. During the season, debates progressively strengthen in structure. As a result, we have to constantly enhance our ability to think on our feet in an effort to become more effective speakers. It’s gratifying to watch everyone’s success knowing how hard each teammate has worked and the effort put in to getting better.
People outside the world of debate may be unaware of how exactly the competition works. As one of 15 schools in the Southeastern Massachusetts Debate League, Hanover takes part in five meets each year. Each meet has two rounds, and debaters are paired up with students of similar abilities in Novice or Varsity divsions. Debaters are given a topic to resolve, with this year’s focusing on government funding of research and development in the Arctic. Two-person teams are designated as “affirmative” or “negative;” affirmatives write an argument and find data to back up their points, and negatives conduct research to anticipate and disprove those arguments. At each debate, an affirmative from one school faces a negative from another, and they engage in a series of arguments and rebuttals in front of a judge. The team that best delivers their case, based on several criteria, wins the debate. Debaters can earn individual speaker points for persuasiveness, organization, charisma and style. From one meet to the next, debaters strive to increase their knowledge and improve their performances.
Abbey Corbo and Alana Cole
This season, in particular, showcased our team’s progress through several impressive accomplishments. Seniors Abbey Corbo and Alana Cole competed in the league Finals, finishing in first place in the varsity division. Their accomplishments secured the 2026 debate league championship title for Hanover. I placed third in the league standing for the “negative” varsity speaker points, while freshmen Samantha Kwan and Avery Welch both had outstanding seasons.
Strong personal performances and consistency as a team throughout the season positions us well for next year! These achievements reflect not only individual talent but also our collective strength. As Mrs. Gately, advisor of the Debate Team, reflected on the season, she said she was proud of the team’s accomplishments and the way students worked hard to improve their arguments and debating skills. She also thanked seniors Cole, Corbo, Bradlee Dowling, Liam Anderson and Aine Scanlan for serving as talented debaters, leaders, and mentors to the novice members.
With each season, the debate program continues to build on its success, setting an even higher standard for the years to come. If interested in joining the team next year, when the resolve will focus on government-funded universal health care, please see Mrs. Gately in the World Languages wing.
Alana Cole and Abbey Corbo on their way to first place in the league championship.
With exams on the horizon, many AP Literature and Composition students struggle to define ‘literary merit.’
The AP Lit test has several components: a multiple choice section, two essays analyzing a given excerpt of text, and a final essay where students are allowed to choose a work of ‘literary merit’ to analyze based on a given prompt. It is this last essay which often sparks debate on which literary works ‘have merit,’ what that means and who gets to decide.
The College Board, the company which creates and administers AP exams, never directly defines ‘literary merit.’ The AP Lit syllabus encourages teachers to “select works of literary merit culled from a variety of genres and periods from the late 16th century to the present” as material for their classes, and emphasizes that students “get to know several works of literary merit in depth.” Because of the lack of formal definition for the term, teachers and students are forced to speculate and come up with their own standards.
There are some books which are immediately discarded as not having ‘literary merit,’ like many children’s or young adult novels, simply due to the fact that they are written for younger audiences. The basic standard seems to be that if a book is not at a college reading level, it does not have sufficient ‘literary merit’ to be used on the AP exam. Contradictory to this idea, however, is the fact that Alice in Wonderland, a children’s literature classic, has appeared on the official College Board list of recommended books for AP Literature in past years.
Additionally, despite the fact that many books which apparently have ‘literary merit’ were written long ago, the age of a book is not a strictly defining factor. The College Board list of recommended books has novels written in the 1800s, but also works published as recently as 2016.
One example of a book that is not considered suitable for use on the AP Lit exam is Harry Potter,an extremely popular children’s/young adult book series that holds personal importance for many readers. These books, although lauded for their rich world-building, complex themes and character development, are not considered to have ‘literary merit.’ Critics say the writing is not sophisticated and relies on well-worn tropes such as the battle of good versus evil. Others say its commercial success, seven books followed by a wildly popular movie franchise, mean it cannot be taken seriously as ‘literature.’
So, without an official definition, how can someone determine a work’s ‘literary merit’? In terms of every day life, ‘literary merit’ can refer to a host of qualities about a work of literature, but mainly is qualified by a work’s ability to meaningfully impact readers and remain relevant over time. In contrast, for English scholars, and students taking the AP Lit exam, the best practice is to assume that a work of ‘literary merit’ is one that is complex enough to support in-depth analysis, has layered themed, nuanced characters, and uses advanced literary elements and techniques throughout.
In a moment that will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in American hockey history, both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams captured gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating rival Canada in dramatic overtime victories. The dual triumph marked the first time the United States has swept both Olympic hockey tournaments in the same games – a feat that underscores the nation’s rising dominance on the ice.
For the U.S. men’s team, the victory carried historic weight. Their gold medal was the program’s first since the legendary Miracle on Ice, ending a 46-year drought in Olympic play. Meanwhile, the women’s team delivered a powerful statement of consistency and excellence, securing another gold medal in a rivalry that has defined Olympic Women’s hockey for decades.
The celebration, however, was briefly clouded by political controversy involving President Donald Trump. Following the men’s victory, Trump congratulated the team and invited them to the upcoming State of the Union address, joking that he would “have to” invite the women’s team as well or risk impeachment. Some players laughed during the exchange, sparking backlash from fans and athletes who felt that the comment diminished the women’s achievement.
Saturday Night Live
Women’s team captain Hilary Knight described the remark as “distasteful,” emphasizing that the focus should remain on the historic accomplishments of both teams. Some members of the men’s team apologized, while others dismissed the issue by arguing that politics shouldn’t be injected into sports. The men’s team attended the State of the Union, but the women’s team declined the invitation. Captains of both teams appeared on the show Saturday Night Live to reiterate their mutual respect and unity, stressing that the shared gold medals–not controversy–defined the games.
While the men’s victory was historic, it is the sustained success of the U.S. women’s program that has long set the standard for American hockey. Since women’s hockey was introduced to the Olympics in 1998, the United Sates and Canada have dominated the sport, with Team USA consistently competing for gold and producing some of the most iconic moments in Olympic history. From their breakthrough gold in the Olympics 1998, and now another championship in 2026, the women’s team has built a legacy defined by resilience, skill, and leadership. The women’s team has won three gold, four silver and one bronze medal since 1998.
In the end, the story of the 2026 Olympic Hockey tournament is not one of controversy, but one of unity and achievement.
Two teams. Two gold medals. One defining moment for American hockey.
As the players left the ice in Milano-Cortina, Italy, they carried more than medals – they carried a legacy that reflects both the breakthrough of the men’s team and the enduring excellence of the women’s program.
On April 22nd, our country will celebrate the 56th anniversary of the world’s largest environmental movement: Earth Day. On this day, billions of people across the globe come together to honor the planet we call home. From attending protests to planting trees, and even contacting elected officials about environmental policies, this movement has inspired many to take action and promote environmental protection. Yet, how did this celebration begin? And how can the public support the environment and show appreciation to planet Earth?
The History of Earth Day
In the decades leading up to the first Earth Day in 1970, our environment was in a devastating state. In urban cities across the country, pollution from automobiles and factories filled the air with smoke, raw sewage and oil spills flowed down the streets, and pesticides threatened to end the life of Earth’s most beautiful creatures. Deforestation reached unprecedented levels, and dangerous toxins turned the once fresh and pure air into a dark, suffocating smog. Our planet faced a grim future.
Chicago in the mid 1900s on the brink of environmental disaster.
Despite these ecological tragedies, many individuals were largely unaware and detached from the environmental issue. Far too consumed by materialism and a desire for wealth, the majority of Americans became largely oblivious to the devastating impact their industrial endeavors were having on the planet. However, a few brave and dedicated individuals who recognized the need for action spoke out and inspired a movement for environmental change.
The Environmental Pioneers
Rachel CarsonSenator NelsonDenis Hayes
As industrialization in the United States accelerated in the mid-20th century, so did the use of chemicals and pesticides due to their ability to boost agricultural production. However, with this practice came a devastating cost to the Earth and its living creatures. This threat of environmental disaster inspired marine biologist and nature writer Rachel Carson to write her world-renowned book, Silent Spring, which exposed the dangers that pesticide use, specifically DDT, posed for the Earth and all its creatures. Silent Spring, published in 1962, emphasized the need to protect the natural world, arguing that instead of industrial pursuits and economic success, “the real wealth of the Nation lies … in the resources of the Earth: soil, water, forests, minerals and wildlife.” Her scientific work, which sold over 500,000 copies in more than 20 different countries, is widely regarded as the first foundational act of modern environmental activism, and is credited with galvanizing the conservation movement in the United States.
Largely influenced by Carson’s Silent Spring and the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was propelled to address the environmental crisis. Witnessing how both the public and the federal government were failing to address the environmental issue, Nelson organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. Nelson recruited Denis Hayes, a prominent American environmentalist, to coordinate the nation’s very first Earth Day in 1970. In order to maximize student participation in the movement, Hayes chose to hold the event on April 22nd, which fell between Spring Break and final exams. The first Earth Day inspired over 20 million people throughout the country to protest against the impact of industrial development and the government’s failure to address the present environmental destruction. This national demonstration resulted in unprecedented success, leading to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as legal mechanisms to protect the environment, such as the National Environmental Education Act and Clean Air Act. In addition, and due in large part to Carson’s profound influence, the usage of DDT was banned. Earth Day continued to grow and became a global holiday in 1990.
Over 100,000 people marched in New York City on the first Earth Day in 1970, making it the largest U.S. gathering that year.
Continuing the Legacy
We only get one Earth, one planet to support life today and for centuries to come, which is why it is vital that we protect it. Despite the remarkable success of environmental pioneers such as Rachel Carson and Gaylord Nelson, many activists argue there is still more work to be done to continue to honor the legacy created for us.
Today, global warming is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. With the increased emission of fossil fuels into the atmosphere, the future of our Earth is at stake. According to deputy executive secretary and climatologist Ko Barret, “Between 2015 and 2025, we experienced the hottest 11 years on record.” This rapid increase in global temperatures is only expected to increase in the years ahead, posing a significant threat to life and Earth’s biodiversity. This has caused activists around the world to urge the community to take action in order to reverse the effects of global warming and save our planet Earth. Below are some of the most effective ways of getting involved in our modern environmental movement.
Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
The “Three Rs” refers to the foundational principle of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This principle is crucial to protecting the Earth and is one of the easiest ways to take care of our planet. The first part of this principle is reducing the amount of material we use. Some of the simplest ways to do this include buying household goods in bulk to reduce the amount of plastic packaging used and choosing digital alternatives over paper options. By reducing the amount of material we consume, we significantly reduce the amount of waste that needs to be recycled and sent to landfills. The second step in this principle is reusing materials and products. This means opting for reusable alternatives over single-use options, such as using reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags. This actively conserves precious natural resources and protects wildlife habitats that are being threatened by the increased use of consumer goods. The last, and probably the most important part of this principle, is recycling. Recyclable materials include, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard, and glass containers. Recycling these discarded materials significantly limits the amount of waste produced, and thus helps to conserve Earth’s resources.
Plant a Garden
Considering how much we take from the natural world, planting a garden allows us to add something to it, and support the planet’s biodiversity. The addition of plants, flowers, and fruits to the natural environment significantly improves air quality, which is being increasingly threatened by global warming. Since plants take in carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, this reduces the carbon in the atmosphere and helps to mitigate global warming. The leaves of trees and plants also help to remove harmful dust particles from the air, which can be detrimental to Earth’s living creatures. Additionally, planting a garden helps to reduce runoff and conserve water, which limits harmful chemicals from entering bodies of water that are dangerous to wildlife. This also benefits the soil by adding moisture and nutrients to enhance its overall health and value. Planting a garden with plenty of fruits and nutrients helps support pollinators and other creatures, such as birds, bees, and butterflies, who rely on fresh vegetation to live.
Conserve the Earth’s Water Supply
Did you know that only about 3 percent of the earth’s water is fresh water? And that only about 0.5 percent of that fresh water is available due to a large majority being locked in glaciers and ice caps or highly polluted? As the population on Earth continues to increase, we need to be aware of the importance of conserving our planet’s water supply before it is too late.
In today’s society, with the rising usage of artificial intelligence, our water supply is facing a new threat. This is due to the fact that the data centers that control large AI models require significant amounts of power to run the advanced form of technology. In turn, this immense power causes the emission of large amounts of heat, which requires vast cooling systems to counteract the heating process. These cooling systems often rely on an abundant supply of freshwater, which threatens our environment’s water supply, which is already low.
Other than limiting AI usage, other great ways to conserve water include, turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shortening the length of your showers, and running the dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded. In addition, it is important to dump leftover ice from your drinks in the sink, rather than in the trash. This habit saves water by allowing it to re-enter the water supply and not be lost in the garbage.
Support Your Local Farmers Market
Another simple yet effective way to support the environment is by shopping at your local farmers market. Purchasing locally grown produce allows farmers to continue practicing sustainable agriculture, which is healthier for the environment than conventional farming. This is due to the fact that large-scale producers typically use an abundance of pesticides and chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Also, products sold at local farmers markets travel shorter distances compared to imported goods, and thus release less transportation- related pollution.
The Hanover Farmers Market in our hometown opens for its 6th season in May of this year. The market will be open from 10:30am – 1:30pm on the third Sunday of each month from May to October. This year, organizers are planning to hold this event on the green at Hanover Crossing. To learn more about our local farmers market click the link.
Join Environmental Clubs
If you are interested in more ways to help the environment, you should consider joining an environmental club. Our school offers Dirty Works Club, Eco-Club, and Green Team, which all make a positive impact on our community!
Supporting the environment can make a difference in our own lives and for generations to come. Considering all the amazing things our planet does for us, every day should be Earth Day!
Zewe, Adam. “Explained: Generative AI’s Environmental Impact.” MIT News, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 17 Jan. 2025, news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117.
The Hawk 