All posts by The Hawk

Entertainment, News

Savoring Halloween Memories of Hanover’s Past

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By Sam Frattasio, ’27

Staff Writer

I am a third generation Hanoverian.  My grandparents built homes in Hanover in the early 1970’s and 1980’s, and both of my parents grew up in town. Hanover has changed quite a bit since my grandparents’ and parents’ youth, and Halloween has changed along with it.  I recently discussed Halloween in Hanover with my parents, aunts and uncles, and learned about traditions of the past.

Halloween has always been a special day of the year in Hanover.  When the Hanover Mall was indoors and a real “mall,” the stores would have indoor trick or treating throughout the complex.  Children would dress up and collect candy from places like Orange Julius, Friendly’s, Almy’s, Zayre’s and Sears.  The largest grocery store in town, Angelo’s, used to have its annual giant pumpkin raffle, which would routinely provide a 100 pound gourd to the winner for jack-o-lantern carving. Hosting its own haunted house in the fabled Sylvester School, Hanover was known as the scare capital of the South Shore long before Barrett’s Haunted Mansion ever opened its doors in Abington.  Perfectly suited to host the ghoulish affair, Sylvester School turned into the scariest building in Plymouth County.  Hanover High School upperclassmen ran the show, creating cauldrons of boiling brains in the kitchen, scary clown and skeleton jump scares from broom closets and numerous other spooky creations throughout the hallowed hallways. 

Another interesting thing about Halloween in Hanover back then is that children stayed and trick or treated in their own neighborhoods.  Those seeking pillowcases of candy did not drive to another part of town, or another town altogether.  Woodland Drive, Old Town Way, Brook Circle, Stonegate Lane, Larchmont Lane, Old Forge, Green Hill Road, Brookwood Rd, Old Farm Rd, Myrtle St, Broadway, Circuit St, Main St and many other streets served their residents perfectly well on Halloween. Today, the Stone Meadow neighborhood seems to be a popular area for trick or treating, receiving most children above 10 years of age and leaving other neighborhoods empty of kids in costumes. 

Halloween is a great American holiday filled with youthful energy.  Every town has its own celebrations and Hanover is no exception.  Each October 31st is its own unique tapestry, with new memories created each year.  We might, however, do well to consider the traditions of Hanover’s past, and how things were done once upon a time.  Maybe we can meld together the best of what makes Halloween so memorable today, with what made Halloween in Hanover of yesteryear so much fun?        

Featured image: Image: 2warpstoneptune.com from https://www.thatzhowiroll.com/home/2019/10/9/8-ways-halloween-has-improved-since-the-80s

News

Unique Class Pairs Teens with Young Counterparts

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By Norah Kelley, ’24

Staff Writer

Elementary school students have always looked up to the “cool high schoolers.” The younger students mimic what they do, what they wear, and how they act to be a little bit like the older ones that they see around town. This fall, Hanover High started sending students to work with their younger counterparts at Cedar School, and there’s no doubt that the younger students have loved every minute of it. 

About 130 HHS students take part in the Early Childhood Mentorship Program. High school students walk over to Cedar one period a day and go to preschool, kindergarten, or first grade classes. The job of the high schoolers is to assist the teachers in a variety of ways, from working with students one-on-one to being a companion for snack time or play. Sometimes, the high school students will help in teacher duties, like running a quick copy. 

Mrs. Rooney, HHS assistant principal and supervisor of the program, said this unique class was designed to “to hopefully spark the interest in becoming an Early Childhood Educator or a teacher in general, as we know there is a dire need for teachers. They look upon these ‘Big Kids’ as positive role models and in return it is providing our mentors with a sense of purpose.”

I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to work in two classrooms. I work with Mrs. Gill in the Mini Stars preschool one day and with Mrs. Weimman’s kindergarten class on the other. Both classrooms welcome me every day with bright smiles and a couple of hugs, and you can see the excitement on their little faces when the high schoolers walk in. It’s easy to see how much they look forward to us coming into their classes. I’m interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist or Special Education teacher, so this program has cemented my interest in this field and reaffirmed that this is definitely what I want to study in college next year. 

This program is a great addition to Hanover High School and I would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue teaching as a future career or just looking to meet some new little buddies. 

Entertainment, Opinion

Don’t Judge a Movie By Its Reviews

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by Owen Pierotti, ’27

Staff Writer

I recently watched a movie called Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, which was released in June. Despite not performing well financially, I found the movie to be well-made and engaging. The animated film follows the story of Ruby, a 16-year-old girl who discovers that she is descended from an ancient Kraken warrior, and can transform into a Kraken (a giant sea monster, for those who don’t know). The movie explores themes of growing up and overcoming adversity, and I found it to be both thought-provoking and inspiring. While some reviewers have criticized the movie for being too generic and predictable, I believe that it offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre. Overall, I would highly recommend Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken to anyone looking for a heartfelt and engaging movie experience. And even though this movie says “for kids,” that doesn’t mean a thing; it can be for anyone. 

Ruby Gillman is a great example of the many films that may not be hit in theaters but are still worth watching. Another that was fun and upbeat this year was Super Mario Bros. A movie based on the hugely popular Nintendo game should be a hit, right? False. This origin story of the classic video game, which dates back to 1983, was rated among the top 20 worst movies by IMDB.com. One review read, “It’s brightly colored. It’s energetic. It’s got the characters. There’s the gameplay. The story is fairly simple. It’s pretty much what I expected. I wish there was more heart to it.” But as I watched the movie, memories from playing the game as a kid flooded my brain. I loved it! I grew up with these brothers; shouldn’t everyone else feel likewise? I believed this movie had a certain character to it that others did not.

So when you’re browsing cable or streaming services for something to watch, don’t be so quick to pass by ones that weren’t hits in the theater or ones that have terrible scores on IMDB.com or Rotten Tomatoes. Sometimes the terrible reviews are right. But other times, the movies feature bright characterization, relatable themes, and phenomenal viewing experiences. Checking out these movies may bring a sense of happiness or a sense of change, so why not give them a try? 

Entertainment

Sci Fi/Fantasy Books Explore New Worlds, or the End of Ours

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By Mrs. McHugh

HHS Librarian

Science fiction and fantasy are often grouped together in libraries, but they can feature a wide range of stories. From knights fighting dragons, to stories of magic, to real science taken a step too far, sci fi/fantasy books bring new worlds to life. Here are quick reviews of a few new titles in the HHS library:

Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi – Inspired by the Godzilla and Jurassic Park movies, this is a story about a delivery man down on his luck who is offered a job caring for animals. But he soon finds out that the animals are not of this world. The nuclear-powered, dinosaur-like creatures roam a human-free world in another dimension. If they find a way to Earth, millions could die. Unfortunately, some people are willing to make that sacrifice for the profit they could make. Recommended for readers fascinated by the science behind the “monsters.”

Briarheart by Mercedes Lackey – In a new take on Sleeping Beauty, Miriam has no interest in ruling the kingdom, but is determined to protect her younger sister Aurora. When she discovers she has magical powers, Miriam begins training to control them. But all the powers in the world may not be enough to save the people she loves when dark forces approach.

Survive the Dome by Kosoko Jackson – This dystopian novel tackles real-world issues of violence and abuse of power. When a Black man is murdered by Baltimore police and protests erupt, the city enacts a new safety protocol, enclosing the area in a dome that no one can enter or escape. Jamal finds himself trapped, but with the help of two friends, he’s determined to break free of the dome and expose the corruption behind it.

Cruel Prince by Holly Black – In this first of a four-book series, Jude is a human who was kidnapped by fairies after her parents died, and she is desperate to fit in. But Prince Cardan hates humans, and Jude’s efforts to defy him bring consequences upon herself and the kingdom.

A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher – Instead of focusing on how society falls apart, this dystopian novel explores what the world is like for the survivors decades after. The story is told by Griz, a teen whose family is immune to the condition that caused the human race to lose the ability to reproduce and die out. When a trader comes to their remote island home and steals one of the family dogs, Griz jumps in his boat and gives chase. The pursuit takes him and his remaining dog to the mainland, where he tries to reconcile what he’s read in old books with the ruins he sees. Recounting the story in a journal at the lowest point in his life, Griz draws us in with his tales of danger and wonder; we want to know how he got into trouble, if he’ll find a way out, and whether he will ever find his dog. When Griz finally catches up with the trader, the story enters more familiar dystopian territory, exploring issues of morality and individual freedoms with a few unexpected reveals.

News

HHS Shows its School Spirit

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By the Hawk staff

The dress-up fun of Halloween came a little early to Hanover High this year as students celebrated Spirit Week and Homecoming Oct. 23-28. The five days of themes saw students in grass skirts and leis, red-white-and-blue, their brightest neon, construction vests and hard hats, and the shabby chic made popular by actor Adam Sandler. The pod decorating contest was won by the Jolly Juniors, who decked out the math wing for a visit from Santa. The Sleepy Seniors display in the social studies pod featured an array of photos showing students caught mid-nap. Sweet Sophomores turned the English wing into Candyland, and the freshmen transformed the world language pod into a fiesta. The Friday afternoon pep rally, organized by the Student Council and advisor Ms. Mathison, featured a thrilling performance by the competitive cheer team and epic games of tug-of-war.

Despite the football team playing an away game Friday night, a student section turned out to cheer a 42-13 win over North Quincy. The week culminated in a Homecoming dance Saturday with a cornhole tournament, photo booth and food donated by dozens of local restaurants. Senior class officers and advisors Mrs. Mann and Mrs. Corbett put on a great event. Before the night was through, the Homecoming King and Queen were announced: Marvin Felix and Kate Baldinelli.

The one negative of the week was controversy with students wanting to leave the Homecoming dance long before its scheduled end. As a result, administration plans to meet with class advisors and students in coming months to determine how to best hold that event in the future.

News

School District’s Email Flagging Stresses Students

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By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

Students at Hanover High School deal with censorship and flagging of emails more often than one would expect, yet for reasons that might come as a surprise.

“I was joking with my friend about killing her pet inchworm if she didn’t Venmo me,” recalled senior Ian MacDougall. “I’m assuming the word ‘kill’ was what got flagged.” As a result, Ian’s message was blocked from going through, and he was called to the office for a warning about what is okay to send on school email.

Another student who asked to remain anonymous said an email she sent to her doctor about her mental health led to a call home and a meeting with the principal about the misunderstanding. “I will not be sending any more emails to my doctor through my school email,” she said. “When I was called down to the office, I started crying as it was an emotional and private email, and I was afraid of being in trouble when I was told to meet with the principal.” The HHS administration was very supportive of the situation and there were no consequences, the student reported.

These situations cause stress among students who have not been flagged as well. Senior Baylor Speckmann said he generally feels uncomfortable sending emails under his school account. “My information is personal and I do not need staff managing my privacy,” he said. “Although I believe school email management is beneficial to safety, there are phrases that I do not believe should get flagged, especially with context.” 

Thomas Nee, the Assistant Director of Technology Operations for Hanover Public Schools, explained that a third-party system from Google is responsible for flagging emails. “If there are any emails sent in foreign languages, or containing a term that could be harmful to the well being of our students, Google flags the account, and alerts the principal about the student email,” said Nee, who has dealt with the issue many times. “We cannot monitor every email, so there are many false positives that occur among student emails.”

According to an article from Everyday Health, “Censorship in schools seems to come from a desire to ensure that our children grow up making the choices and following the beliefs that we desire for them by removing any other options.” As Mr. Nee stated, student safety is the district’s concern. As a result, third-party artificial intelligence systems now ensure a close monitoring of emails sent by students in schools across the nation.

When asked how email flagging can be limited, Mr. Nee advised students to “Go slowly, take your time when sending an email, and, please, read before you send. You never know what information can be flagged out of context.” 

Speckmann suggested students use school email just for school-related purposes. “If you are sending a personal message through email, use a personal account.”

Entertainment

New Realistic Fiction Titles Tackle Sickness, Secrets, Going Viral, Finding Your Place

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By Mrs. McHugh

HHS Librarian

Realistic fiction stories provide readers with “windows and mirrors,” a look into others’ lives and a reflection of their own. In addition to providing engaging stories, these books validate readers who see themselves and help us build empathy for others. Some of the library’s newest realistic titles tackle illness, family secrets, going viral, healing and finding your place in the world.

Fear of Missing Out by Kate McGovern – When a teen learns her cancer has returned, she sets out on a road trip with her boyfriend and best friend to investigate a possible new technology that could freeze her body until a cure is found. If you liked The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon, check this one out.

The Silence that Binds Us by Joanna Ho – May’s brother seems to have everything going for him. So when he commits suicide, her family is turned upside down. Their pain is made worse when a local businessman blames the Asian-American family for the death and several other suicides, saying the culture puts too much pressure on teens to achieve. May strikes back with her writing, but speaking up has consequences she doesn’t expect. It also makes her realize that the racism she’s struggling with is nothing new to her Black best friends. This is a sad story with a hopeful, empowering ending as May and her friends work to ensure everyone has a voice, no matter their background or struggle.

The Kids are Gonna Ask by Gretchen Anthony – When Thomas and Savannah’s mom dies, they are desperate to learn who their biological father is. They decide a podcast could help them track down mom’s friends and help tell their story. Aided by their quirky grandmother, their efforts go viral; as they draw more listeners, they also draw controversy. Everyone from feminists to men’s rights advocates to First Amendment activists begin to weigh in. Is finding their dad worth all the mayhem that comes with it? And will the guy be worth finding? A story of siblings, family secrets, finding yourself and growing up in a world when everything is shared on social media.

The Words in My Hands by Asphyxia – This is one of several books we have that see Deafness as something to celebrate, not to pity or fix. The author uses a combination of text, paint, collage and drawings to tell the story of Piper, a smart artistic Deaf teen who is so busy trying to survive that she doesn’t know what it’s like to live. When she meets Marley, Piper begins to see that her Deafness isn’t something to hide, and she’s determined to use her voice to help others. The story veers into the dystopian genre because it’s based in a near-future with environmental collapse and political corruption. If you’re interested in this topic, you can also try True Biz by Sara Novic, The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais and The Sign for Home by Blair Fell.

An Appetite for Miracles by Laeken Zea Kemp – Danna struggles to reconnect with her ailing grandfather, hoping his favorite foods will ease his dementia and restore some of his memories. Raul has been lost since his mother went to jail for a wrongful conviction several years ago. When they meet at a nursing home, they feel an instant connection and team up on a journey to heal themselves and those they love.

Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Reyes – Yamilet is one of the few Mexican-American students in her affluent religious school, but, she tells herself, at least no one knows she’s gay. She’s determined to keep it that way — and protect her brother, make her mom proud and not fall in love. But it’s not so easy when the school’s only openly queer student catches her eye. A funny, honest story about growing up and finding yourself.

Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman by Kristen Lee – When Savannah gets a full scholarship to an Ivy League school, she expects to meet other students who have worked just as hard as she has. She’s dismayed to discover the racism, hypocrisy and entitlement on campus. When the statue of the school’s first Black president is vandalized, she’s outraged. But speaking up could put her scholarship and future at risk. Recommended for readers interested in social justice or anyone who’s been torn about speaking out.

Entertainment

Book Review: ‘Orbiting Jupiter’ is Short, but Powerful

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by Siena Oliver, ’27

Staff Writer

Orbiting Jupiter, a novel by Gary D. Schmidt, is a heartbreaking story about hard, real life problems, told from the perspective of a 12-year-old boy. This book is labeled as middle grade or young adult, and although it is only around 150 pages long, it could be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 11 or 12. Orbiting Jupiter is a short and impactful story about a teen named Joseph, but is told from the perspective of Jack, the 12 year old in his foster family. Before coming to live with Jack, Joseph had a hard life. He became a father at age 13 and then was  sent away to a correctional facility with harsh living conditions after nearly killing a teacher due to circumstances that were not directly his fault. Joseph is a damaged teenager on a journey to find himself and his daughter, who he was never allowed to meet. A book about love, loss, and a search for family, Orbiting Jupiter is an easy read for anyone who has a few hours to spare and is looking to read something sad. It falls into the rare category of books that could be considered middle grade, but are probably more enjoyable for an older high schooler due to the mature topics it discusses. Adding on to this, the protagonist of this story is not the person whose perspective it is told from, which makes for a very compelling read.

Entertainment, Sports

Marching Band Adapts to Losing Home Field Advantage

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By Owen Pierotti, ’27

Staff Writer

As the Hanover High School marching band started the season, we were missing one thing: our home field. Harry Gerrish Memorial Field, the home stadium for football and other field sports, went under construction last spring. With the installation of the new turf expected to be completed in mid-October, HHS football was scheduled to play away games for the first half of its season, and the band’s practice and performance routine were upended.

Since summer, the band has practiced on a grass area behind the auditorium that was prepared by the town Department of Public Works. Band leader Mr. Harden said the creation of the practice field, and more storage to go with it, was a “blessing in disguise.”

The band practices on the grass behind the auditorium.

“We missed the turf but are grateful for the athletics department and DPW,” he added.

Mr. Harden put hours of work into the practice field, with the help of others, to get the band ready for its unusual season. Performers worked to perfect their halftime show, called “Soar,” which features Mr. Blue Sky, Defying Gravity and How to Train Your Dragon Part 3.  The band managed a debut performance on Sept. 21 at a home game actually played in Scituate, thanks to donations from the Hanover Football boosters that paid for a bus. Percussion section leader Brian Tawa, a junior, said moving the large drums and other instruments for that performance was “definitely an adjustment.”

Construction on the turf finished early, opening for HHS girls’ soccer on Sept. 28. But, with the football schedule already set, the band will have to wait until the Hawks play Quincy on Oct. 13 to finally perform on our home field.

“It’s definitely been challenging, but we persevered and it ended up being a great experience,” said brass section leader Aidan O’Connor, a senior.

The Pride of Hanover Marching Band performs at the Sept. 21 game in Scituate.

Dante Heffron, a junior who serves as drum major, noted there was probably never a  time that the construction wouldn’t interfere with something (In fact, the track was not redone along with the turf because of a rainy summer and will have to be closed in the spring). 

“But we’re going to get a couple of more games on the field, and it’ll be fun,” he said.

Alec Jewson, a senior who leads the woodwind section, noted that the band has shown its adaptability since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think we’re generally a very persevering group anyways, with all the stuff we had to deal with during and after COVID,” he said, “so I’m honestly not really surprised we’ve done so well this year, even without a field. All of the other leadership team had confidence in this new group, and we’re still seeing so much growth and improvement beyond what we had expected, so it’s pretty cool.”

Showing perseverance and adaptability as our home field was being redone, our band is ready for upcoming performances. We’re hoping Hawk nation packs the stands for the Oct. 13 return home. We’re also looking forward to next year, when hopefully there will be more home games!

Entertainment, News

Here We Go Again: HHS Drama to Present Mamma Mia!

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By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

“Where are those happy days?” 

Don’t worry, Mamma Mia! the Musical will be here soon, and those happy days won’t be so hard to find. As the 2023-2024 school year kicks into gear, clubs and after-school activities are entering full swing. This is especially true for the Hanover High School Drama Club, which has already started rehearsals for its fall musical, Mamma Mia! Based on the Broadway show and movie, with music from the Swedish pop group ABBA, Mamma Mia takes place on the Greek island of Kalokairi. It features Sophie, a young woman soon to be married, and her single mother, Donna, who runs her own hotel. Sophie wants her dad to walk her down the aisle, but first she needs to figure out who it is. From reading her mom’s diary, Sophie narrows it down to three former boyfriends: Sam, Harry, or Bill. She invites all three to the wedding, and hilarity, chaos and romance ensue.

The show includes singing, dancing, acting, jumpsuits, romance, comedy, and so much more! Director and Drama teacher Mr. Fahey said he chose Mamma Mia! because of interest expressed by students as well as the success other schools have had putting it on.

“It is a big, fun musical that showcases performance, group ensemble, tech, and audience members love the show,” Mr. Fahey said. “We’re gonna also strive to have fun doing it.” 

The cast and crew of the show have been working hard and are so excited to present it for the community. The lead role of Sophie will be performed by senior Ella Nadeau with senior Paulina Leskow playing Donna. 

“I’m really excited to do a show that has so much dancing in it,” said Dance Captain Marie Fortier, a senior who will also be serving as Stage Manager for the first time. She’s “so excited to stage manage such a big show.” 

Senior Baylor Speckmann, who will play Sam, said Mamma Mia! is a fitting finale for his HHS Drama career.

“I am beyond grateful that my final show at HHS is my favorite of all time, with some of the best music and characters that I can’t wait to see my friends portray,” he said.

If you wanna dance, jive, and have the time of your life, get your money, money, money and come see Mamma Mia! The Musical at the HHS Auditorium on November 17th at 7pm, November 18th at 7pm, and November 19th at 2pm.