By Sienna Lamond, ’26 and Bradlee Dowling, ’26

Staff Writers

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. This senior class is packed with incredible people with bright futures, so without further ado, let’s meet the seniors featured in our first Senior Spotlight!

Leo Galvin

Leo came to Hanover in the summer of 2016, starting third grade in Hanover schools. From elementary school to high school, Leo says he has maintained a consistent morning routine. In high school, Leo began to appreciate the little things rather than obsessing over them. One thing Leo misses now that he’s in high school is spending ample time with his family and friends, “which, with the busy schedule of a high schooler,” he says, “is extremely difficult to do.”

His favorite classes that he’s taken have been United States, World, and European History. Leo says he’s “always been interested in studying history, so the material within these courses was very intriguing.” All of Leo’s teachers have made a positive impact on him; he can’t choose a favorite! As far as high school activities go, Leo’s favorite has been participating in sports like Cross Country and Track and Field.

After graduating from HHS, Leo plans on attending college. He believes that taking those history classes, as well as AP Government and Politics in his senior year, has influenced his decision to pursue higher education in Political Science or Homeland Security. Leo is not only an accomplished student, but also an accomplished athlete. He is most proud of having the opportunity to be a captain for three Varsity sports at HHS! Outside of school, Leo works at Marathon Sports in Norwell.

Out of all four years in high school, Leo considers Junior year his favorite. If he could start high school over again, he says he “would’ve tried to invest more time in activities both in school and out of school.” If there is one lesson Leo has learned at HHS, he says, it’s to, “not to stress the little things, and to strive to be a positive influence every day.”

Abigail Kajunski

Abby has been a Hanover resident her whole life! She has played soccer from the time she was a little elementary schooler all the way to now, serving as a captain of this year’s Girls Varsity team. Since she’s been in high school, she’s joined several clubs and started working a job. Upon entering high school, Abby let go of doing gymnastics and playing basketball, but she doesn’t miss them too much as she’s contented by the activities she participated in now!

Her favorite class was sophomore year chemistry with Mr. Mitchell! She enjoyed the freedom and comfort she was granted while exploring this new subject. She recalls enjoying “being able to work at our own pace.” Despite her incredible academic record, Abby’s favorite activity, by far, has been getting to play her favorite sport: soccer!

After high school, Abby plans to become a nurse, or work in the healthcare field. Thanks to her time spent at HHS, she realized she’s more interested in the sciences than English or history. Her proudest accomplishment to date has been being inducted into the National Honor Society! Beyond school and besides playing soccer, Abby babysits and holds another job. 

If forced to choose a favorite year at HHS, she would assert that her sophomore year has been her favorite. If she had the opportunity to repeat high school, Abby would “take freshman and junior year more seriously.” Carrying one lesson away from high school, above all, Abby says, “to not procrastinate and get (your) work done on time.”

Ireland Cronin

Since transferring to Hanover Schools during sixth grade, Ireland has packed her life with dedication, energy, and balance. With athletics, school and three jobs combined, she is a master of staying active and satisfied.

Ireland began playing lacrosse during middle school and learned field hockey as an HHS freshman. “Field hockey is my favorite thing, for sure,” she says. “Every season has been so much fun, and I love all the players.” She did Irish dance for 10 years prior to high school, something she still misses today, though giving it up left her with more time to explore other things.

In the classroom, Ireland has enjoyed Accounting and Marketing the most, and has made some favorite teachers: Mrs. Pereira, Mr. Perry, and Mrs. Curtis. “They’re not just great teachers,” she says. “They’re also so funny and easy to talk to.”

Those courses also have influenced her career path. She was initially interested in the medical profession, but Ireland changed direction after she enrolled in an accounting course and now plans to major in Accounting in college. “High school definitely impacted my career,” she says.

Outside of class, Ireland juggles three jobs! She works as a barista, hostess, and babysitter, while still keeping up with school and sports. “One accomplishment I’m proud of is balancing it all and still getting everything done,” she shares.

Her finest year to date? Junior year. Looking back, she says she’d do a few things differently, if she could: “I’d be more involved in clubs and be more serious about school as a freshman.” Taking inventory, Ireland offers one simple lesson to underclassmen: “The effort you put in is what you get out, and your grades don’t make you who you are.”