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News

Student Club is Dedicated to Helping Veterans

February 3, 2020 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

Created by a student whose family members served in the military, the Students for Soldiers club is committed to giving back to local veterans.

This past week, the club visited with veterans at the VA Hospital in West Roxbury. I am a part of this club and visiting veterans was an extremely humbling experience. We were all grateful to be able to hear some of the veterans’ stories and just simply thank them for all they have done for our country. This was the second time the club visited the VA medical center and just one of several events we’ve participated in since senior Jules Dunderdale created the club last year.

Jules decided to start SFS during her junior year because she wanted to give back to soldiers and veterans, and encourage others to do the same. Jules’ dad and both of her grandfathers served, and because of this, her family has always been extremely supportive of the military. Jules felt that starting this club would be an effective way to honor her relatives and anyone else who has ever served the country. She is proud of everything the club has accomplished and hopes that it will continue to grow over the years.

Before visiting the VA hospital this past week, the club raised money to donate to the facility through a gift wrapping and bake sale event back in December. SFS also was able to bring material donations to the veterans thanks to contributions from HHS students. In November, SFS worked with CarePacks to help make packages for veterans. CarePacks is an organization based in Weymouth that sends packages to veterans deployed around the world. The packages include snacks, toiletries, socks, shirts, and magazines and books. Founded in 2004, the organization holds community packing events several times a year.

Students for Soldiers, which is always looking for new members, is a wonderful way to give back to those who have given so much. This club is something I’m truly proud to be a part of and one I hope continues to grow. Check out some photos below from this year’s events and feel free to reach out to Jules for more information at jdunderdale20@hanoverstudents.org!

Entertainment, News

Latest HHS Musical was a Smash Hit!

November 27, 2019 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was a smash hit this past week! The cast, crew, pit orchestra, and production staff put together an amazing performance that truly captivated the audience, including myself.

I saw the show twice, once on opening night with the wonderful cast of Kyle Knight as Charlie Brown, Michelle Sylvester as Sally, Emma Gannon as Lucy, Ben Manning as Schroeder, Christopher Manning as Linus, and Julia Cross as Snoopy. I just had to go back for a second time and see the understudy cast which starred Kat Sheridan as Sally, Elise Falvey as Lucy, and Erin Foley as Snoopy. Both shows featured a colorful, cheery ensemble which included Brendan Connolly, Rosie Danehy, Kyle Donnelly, Norah Flanders, Callia Gilligan, Jordan Kennedy, Daniel Manning, Emma Massey, Anthony Pierotti, Harper Seelye, and Erin Shea.

This show delivered meaningful messages to the audience about growing up, feeling alone, and finding happiness. These messages were conveyed through the lighthearted comedy and youthful innocence that is classic for any sort of Charlie Brown production – something the cast pulled off beautifully. Each musical number was energetic and engaging, not to mention several were completely student-choreographed! The Indian’s own Callia Galligan was dance captain for the production. Callia said she has always wanted to do something like this but has never had the opportunity and this was definitely a highlight of the musical this year for her. It wasn’t too much of a challenge to translate the music into dance, she said, but it “took a lot of thought to determine what steps would translate the energy or theme of a certain song.”

The cast’s ability to disguise themselves as younger kids who are just growing up was quite impressive. The border between being a kid and becoming mature was shown throughout the show. It was shown in Lucy’s desire to be queen and her eventual appreciation for Charlie Brown being himself. It was shown in Sally’s pursuit of adventure but also her determination. This time of growth was also shown in Linus’ need to be accompanied by his blanket in My Blanket and Me and his almost comical intelligence. I was blown away by Snoopy’s portrayal both times that I saw the show. Both Julia and Erin brought Snoopy to life as a lovable and witty character. Specifically in the number Suppertime, which was student-choreographed, It was hard to keep myself from not giving a standing ovation in the middle of the show. Although I have no idea what dogs think, somehow this felt right!

Charlie Brown’s character highlights the innocence and fear that comes with feeling alone, having a crush, and learning to appreciate who you are. Kyle Knight, who played Charlie Brown, said it was an amazing experience! Kyle has been doing musicals since his sophomore year and playing the title role this year was, he said, “both a big responsibility and something I was very excited to do!” Kyle was happy to be able to perform with some of his really close friends in the cast and crew. When I asked him if he felt for Charlie Brown or could relate to the character he was playing, he said, “How could you not? He’s a kid who just can’t get a break and wants the best for himself but can’t seem to figure it out and I’m sure everyone can relate to that at the very least a little bit.” \

The Pit Orchestra made the musical that much more enjoyable and brought outstanding emotion to the show. Senior Una Davenport enjoyed “making new friends, memories, and getting to play fun music” in the pit the past three years. The last three musicals at HHS have been different each year and Una was glad that You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown had, “more room for comedic expression, which was fun to explore.” Una appreciated the constant encouragement from Mr. Wade and Mr. Harden and how much time they devoted over the short period they have to prepare for the musical each year. This year, Una played both electric and upright bass, which she hasn’t played in the pit before. “Overall, the job of the pit is to make the cast sound as good as we can and their phenomenal talent combined with the direction from Mr. Fahey made it effortless,” Una said. Now that the musical is over, it is bittersweet, she said, adding that she is grateful for the memories she made and the new meaning to the word Happiness she discovered.

My favorite number was certainly Happiness and the powerful lyrics “Happiness is anyone and anything at all that’s loved by you.” I also loved when the cast came together in both Beethoven Day and The Book Report. Make sure to follow @hanoverhighdramaclub on Instagram to stay up to date with the drama club. I am so glad that I was able to witness such greatness put on by our talented peers this past week!

News

Spirit Week 2019

October 29, 2019 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

Just like that, another Spirit Week and Homecoming have come and gone!

This year the Spirit Week themes were:

Monday: America Day

Tuesday: Hawaiian Day

Wednesday: Decade Day

Thursday: Jersey Day

Friday: Class Color Day

Seniors led the way with the most participants on Decade and Class Color Days. Juniors had just as much spirit, rocking America and Jersey Days. The sophomores took the crown for Hawaiian Day.

The annual Spirit Week Rally was held on Friday, Oct. 25 and included performances by our band and cheerleaders, along with exciting events such as a race across the gym with teams wrapped in saran wrap. A noise competition, judged by Doc DeFranzo, revealed which class was the loudest – spoiler alert: the Seniors won, but the Juniors made it a close contest.

That night, Hanover hosted North Quincy for our Homecoming game and won 33-6. During half time, this year’s Homecoming court was announced. Seniors Bella Craft and Evan Bilton are Hanover’s Homecoming Queen and King! Sara Norton, Erin Halpin, and Lauren Reynolds along with Ethan Ghostlaw, Ethan Richie, and Tim Sullivan were also recognized as our Homecoming Court.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, HHS held its annual Homecoming Dance. Except for the abundance of crowd surfing, the dance went on as usual and this was the final event of our Spirit Week for 2019. Check out some pictures below!

Seniors Nick, Hunter, and Adam on America Day

News

Spirit Week is Just Around the Corner

October 8, 2019 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

Believe it or not, it’s almost time for our Spirit Week and Rally! Next week, we have a short week because of Columbus Day and the following week is Spirit Week. October 21st through the 25th will include the following spirit days:

Monday (10/21): America Monday

Tuesday (10/22): Hawaiian Day

Wednesday (10/23): Decades Day

Thursday (10/24): Jersey Day

Friday (10/25): Class Color Day

Also on Friday is the Rally which will include exciting activities put on by the Student Council Executive Board. Sign-ups for Rally activities will begin this Wednesday (10/9) with a sign-up sheet in the cafeteria near the snack area. Some activities are available for all grades to participate and others are reserved for just the senior class. Make sure to grab a spot and sign-up for these exciting events!

News

The Hanover High Cricket(s)

October 2, 2019 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

Have you noticed something different about HHS this year? I’m not talking about everyone’s cell phones hanging on the walls or the missing pod couches. I’m talking about the noise you hear when passing through the cafeteria. *Chirp* *Chirp*. There seems to be a cricket living near the large glass doors in the cafeteria and it is very talkative, constantly chirping and calling attention to itself. Does HHS have a cricket problem? As I look into this more, it is clear that there is more than just that one single cricket living on our campus.

Confirmed Sightings:

Senior Mia Anastasiades spotted a cricket running by her on the track earlier this week

Senior Lily Tobin attempted to quiet the cafeteria cricket by spraying it with perfume, but it seems a new cricket has arrived and, in an act of vengeance, has begun chirping.

Senior Erin Halpin also found and got rid of one in the cafeteria.

Senior Abbey Baldwin has heard several chirps in the locker room.

Several teachers have reported one hanging out in a stairwell near the engineering room.

Clearly, it seems that HHS has a population of chatty crickets on our campus that seems to be growing. . . . Have you seen or heard crickets around? Keep an eye and ear out for these spooky insects.

News

SENIORS: The future of the Class of 2019

May 10, 2019 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

Staff Writer

As the school year comes to a close, it is natural for seniors to reflect on their high school experiences and look forward to what the future holds. Many members of the Class of 2019 plan to further their education in college, while others will enter the workforce or the Armed Forces. No matter their plans, all anxiously await the new opportunities that will come, including living away from home and experiencing a new level of freedom.

Alex Stacy is going to UMass Amherst and is most excited to listen to Ariana Grande. She is also looking forward to the food and gaining some knowledge along the way. Sarissa Fazio will join her there, eager to play hockey and have a different schedule. On campus, they may run into Mikayla Chabot, who is looking forward to more freedom, and Siofra Carty, who is excited to build lifelong friendships and explore the world.

Aidan Benway will study entrepreneurship at Suffolk University and is looking forward to living on his own and meeting new people. Same with Gage Gosule, who is excited for the freedom that comes with living away from home, and Ryan Morgan, who will study business.

Megan Finnigan is going to Bryant University and is most excited about starting a new college life. She may run into Ben Fein, Jason Bishop and Will Clarkson, who will study business while taking advantage of their newfound independence. Ben is excited to meet new people and see new places.

Matt McLeod will head to Roger Williams University to pursue computer science. He is excited about a “change of scenery.” James Clarkson will join him, playing basketball and studying business.

Kayla Mullane will attend Endicott College and is excited about becoming more independent. Olivia Reddish will join her there, and can’t wait for the dining hall experience.

Caroline Gordon will attend Fairfield University and is looking forward to a change of pace and getting used to a new environment. She’ll be joined by Emily Babin, who is “super pumped” to explore new careers and paths to figure out what she wants to do in the future. Alex McFarland will be on campus as well, studying Education and English.

Anna McCarthy will attend Merrimack College next year and can’t wait to step out of her comfort zone and learn how to be independent. On campus, she may see Kat Lawrence, who is super excited to make some new friends, and Julie Moran, who can’t wait to dive into her Exercise Science major. Matt Jenkins looks forward to the social life there as he studies Sports Management.

Braden Glynn will study Elementary Education at Westfield State and looks forward to meeting new people. Among the familiar faces will be Zach DeBoer, who will pursue Criminal Justice.

Bee Lee is attending Bridgewater State University and plans on studying business. Lindsay Maslow also will study business, but at Rider University. She is excited to live in New Jersey, a new state for her. Erin Flynn is heading to Marist College. Abby Cummings and Maggie Munroe will study engineering at Worcester Polytech.

Cooper Dawson will attend Syracuse University to study International Relations. Bridget Fairweather will attend Emmanuel College to study Forensic Science. Kayleigh McEachern will study nursing at Curry College and is eager to “finally study something I’m excited about.” Maeve McCarthy will attend Providence College to study marketing. Jake Laprise is going to Wheaton College.

While many students are excited for the freedom college will bring, others are heading for more structure at Mass Maritime Academy. Dan Tiedtke is looking forward to playing rugby and becoming more organized. Joe Petrocelli is expecting more freedom after graduation. Pat McDonald looks forward to “making money after graduation.”

Some students will be traveling far from Hanover after graduation. Emily Sullivan will attend Clemson University and can’t wait for the football games! Liam Sadek is heading to Georgia Tech to study Material Sciences and Engineering and looking forward to a change of weather. Mady Rossi will study pre-med at the University of South Florida in Miami. Sam O’Grady will study at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he looks forward to three more months of skiing than he can get in New England. Karly Bruder is heading to Wake Forest University in North Carolina and is excited to experience a new part of the country. Wes Notorangelo will study business at Nashville’s Lipscomb University. Julia Varraso will attend Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Julia Leskow will study at the University of Alabama. Drew Marriner will be traveling to the University of Montana to study Wildlife Biology.

Many students are excited for opportunities to go even farther away from home through study abroad programs. Harry O’Brien and Ethan DaSilva will head to Northeastern University, where their college experience will begin this August in London. Caitlin Parker will spend part of her sophomore year at Sacred Heart University studying in Australia. Jake Dares will travel to Madrid for his freshman year of Suffolk University.

Some students are joining the workforce, including Tom May, while others, like Jonathan Trubiano, are considering the military. Brendan Murray has been training in preparation for joining the Marines. Alec McArthur will enter an apprenticeship to become an electrician. He’s most excited about “not having debt from college.”

Steve Manolakis will be taking a gap year before entering Ohio State University. He plans to work and train in gymnastics full time in hopes of earning a spot on the college team.

News, Teacher Spotlight

Mrs. McCusker: Reading is Key to her History

January 28, 2019 tsullivan20 1 Comment

By Tim Sullivan

Mrs. McCusker’s love for books goes beyond simply reading in her free time. When she was a student in high school, she had her own personal “library” and would lend books to her friends! She went to Apponequet High School in Lakeville, a place she says has nothing but “farmers and cranberry bogs.” She spent most of her time in high school playing field hockey, basketball and softball.

Mrs. McCusker didn’t always want to be a teacher. She originally thought she wanted to do something directly related to books, majoring in business at Syracuse University. She worked in retail after graduation and eventually went back to school to get her Master’s degree in history and library science. After working as a librarian in Newton, she had a connection in Hanover and became the librarian for Center/Sylvester Elementary School. She was the Hanover High School librarian for many years, and then became a history teacher. Currently, she teaches junior World History and senior Humanities.

Along with her love for books, Mrs. McCusker loves history. She enjoys reading and speaking about it, and wakes up every day excited to share her passion with her students. Instead of focusing on facts and figures alone, she would rather make connections through history and create an environment in her classroom where students feel like they can “communicate and share ideas (and) voice their opinions.” She wants her students to leave her class prepared for college, skilled in taking notes, writing, synthesizing information and identifying main ideas.

Mrs. McCusker is married to a Curry College professor and has two children. She spends a lot of her free time on the sidelines watching her children play sports and she loves it, especially soccer. Her favorite television show is called “Men in Blazers,” a British broadcast of soccer highlights. She loves to travel with her family and usually starts her summers off that way. Both she and her husband don’t “do well” with summer, she said; they like having a schedule. After they travel, visit with family, and make a few trips to the Museum of Fine Arts, they get pretty bored. Mrs. McCusker tries to take a new class each summer as she believes it’s important to keep learning as you are teaching. Last year, she studied Islamic Art, and the year before, it was Colonial Africa. She takes pride in knowing the World History classes she teaches today touch on a wide range of places and not just the European and American history she learned in high school.

One of her favorite days of the year is September 1st, right before school begins. She thinks it’s sort of like a “second New Year’s Day,” another opportunity for a fresh start; most jobs don’t come with this luxury. Over the years, she’s found inspiration from her close friend and colleague, retired English teacher Mr. Hopkins, admiring the way he always sees the positive in everyone and believes every day is a new day. Mr. Hopkins would never say a bad thing about anybody, Mrs. McCusker said, and that is how she wants to live her life. She also pointed out that even though he taught a lot of the same material for over 30 years, he would never complain about reteaching the same book, instead, he saw the best in it and found something new about it every time.

Entertainment, News

YEAR IN REVIEW: Tea Time with Tim

January 16, 2019 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

2019 has finally arrived! The new year brings a fresh start for everyone and gives us a chance to reflect on the events that took place last year. There were a lot of memorable moments from the entertainment world in 2018, dare I say, a lot of tea . . .

Famous Births

Arguably the most talked about pregnancy of the year was Kylie Jenner. Although rumors abounded, she and boyfriend Travis Scott kept it a secret right up until their daughter, Stormi, was born. The news was finally broken on Feb. 4, three days after birth. Scott and Jenner are still together.

Across the pond, Prince Louis, the third child of Prince William and Duchess Kate, was born April 23. The royal couple has an older son and daughter.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also had their third child, a baby girl named Chicago, on Jan. 15.

Famous Deaths

Sadly we lost some of the greats in the last year, from the pioneer of comic books to a critically acclaimed rapper.

Aretha Franklin “Queen of Soul,” 3/25/52 – 8/16/18

Burt Reynolds Actor, Oscar Nominee, 2/11/36 – 9/6/18

Stan Lee Marvel Comics Creator, Appeared in Marvel Films, 12/28/22 – 11/12/18

Penny Marshall Actress, Director, 10/15/43 – 12/17/18

Anthony Bourdain Chef, Televison Personality, 6/25/56 – 6/8/18

Mac Miller Rapper, 1/19/92 – 6/7/18

Stand-outs on Screen

This year’s blockbusters included “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Incredibles 2,” “Black Panther,” and, my personal favorite, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” These films crushed the box office, earning anywhere from $200,000 all the way to well over $1,000,000,000. One of the biggest names in TV Shows this year was Sandra Oh in “Killing Eve.” She was also the first Asian-American woman to be nominated for an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series, according to Vail Daily.

High Risers on the Music Charts

Childish Gambino, Cardi B, and, of course, Ariana Grande released some of the most notable tunes of 2018. These include “I Like it,” “This is America” and my personal favorite, “Thank you, Next.” Artists like Drake, Post Malone, Camilla Cabello, and Shawn Mendes also topped the charts.

Scandals in Entertainment

There was more to talk about this past year than just Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson breaking up; some serious scandals also occurred in 2018.

Tristan Thompson got caught red-handed on video cheating on pregnant girlfriend Khloe Kardashian just as the star was about to give birth. After their daughter, True, was born, the two stars decided to work it out and are still together, healing for the sake of their family.

Roseanne Barr’s reboot of her popular sitcom “Roseanne” was quickly canceled following a racist tweet that Barr sent out about one of President Obama’s former staff members. ABC claimed that her tweet was quite inconsistent with their values and something like that could not just slide by. The show attempted to continue without her by killing off her character.

Demi Lovato, who has struggled with addiction for years and gotten clean several times, almost lost her life this year. After being brought back from overdose with Narcan, Lovato entered rehab and is now well over 90 days sober.

Marriages

The last topic of Tea for 2018 is Marriages, and this past year we had a lot! All of these couples seem very happy and I wish them the best for the future.

Prince Harry and Former Hollywood star Meghan Markle tied the knot in May.

Supermodel Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner got married last October.

Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin had a whirlwind love story that ended up with the two married in 2018, exact date unknown.

Just before Christmas on Dec. 23, on-again off-again couple Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth finally exchanged vows.

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra also got married in December.

2018 was packed with events, births, deaths, and media that rocked the entertainment world! This past year was totally one to remember and no one knows what 2019 will bring. Will the teapot fill with new scandals? Only time will tell.

Featured picture from Kingfisher.agency

News

HHS Gets into Holiday Spirit

January 4, 2019 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

By Tim Sullivan

As Hanover High School prepared for the long-awaited holiday break, Student Council tried to bring some holiday cheer into the building with fun dress up days to give everyone a final push! Since Christmas was on a Tuesday this year, we had a full week before we were released for the break. Five whole days. This was the first year in a long time where Student Council had to come up with five different spirit days. This year, the themes were:

Monday: Holiday Accessory Day

Tuesday: Christmas in July (Hawaiian Theme)

Wednesday: Winter Wonderland (All White)

Thursday: Ugly Sweater Day

Friday: Christmas Pajama Day

Everyone seemed to get into the spirit, especially when it came to the chance to wear pajamas to school. Hope everyone had a wonderful break!

News, Student on the Street

What is Hanover High Thankful for this Year?

November 29, 2018 tsullivan20 Leave a comment

Staff writers Juli Cocomazzi and Tim Sullivan asked some of their classmates to describe in a few words what they were thankful for this year. They got some pretty interesting responses! Read below.

Hope Thurston is thankful for everything! She’s getting a car really soon and is thankful that she won’t be paying for it. She has a really good relationship with her mom and her hair is really thick and healthy, she loves it.

Paige McKee is thankful for her good health and her friendships.

Alex Brennan is thankful for his friends and family, along with his house.

Peyton Curvels is thankful for her family and her good health.

Davis Dunphy is thankful for backwards, upside down visors, and that we won the Cold War.

Meghan Collett is thankful for just about everything in her life.

Jenna Healy is super thankful! She’s thankful for her friends and family, her health, and Thanksgiving dinner.

Jules Dunderdale is thankful for her supportive family and for the troops! Join her brand new Students for Soldiers club if you feel the same way; she would be extra thankful for your support!

Braden Glynn is thankful for his family and friends.

Rori Jenkins is wicked thankful for her dog and her cat.

Lauren Cockey is thankful for all the wonderful teachers at Hanover High School.

Channing Miller is thankful for the Thanksgiving break and all the food that comes with Thanksgiving!

Lexi Rynning is thankful for her friends and family, and especially her dog.

Bella Craft is thankful for her amazing mom and her dog, Fifi.

Erin Halpin is thankful for her friends and family.

Ben Lee is thankful for his bestie, Aria Sweeney.

Mikayla Chabot is thankful for her dog, her friends and her family.

Caleigh McCloskey is thankful for her two beautiful dogs and wonderful teachers.

Kayla Mullane is super thankful for Student Council and her friends and family.

Sophie Picard is thankful for the great responses to the tasty baking treats she sells at HHS.

Anthony Pierotti is thankful for Hilliard’s Chocolate.

Olivia Reddish is thankful for RunKeeper, the exercise app, and for her gym power walks with her besties.

Alex Stacy is thankful for “Thank U, Next.”

Emily Tuzik is thankful for her awesome volleyball team.

Dom Cerone is thankful for Mrs. Martin. “She’s my favorite teacher because she always says hi to me in the halls.”

Ellie Hardman is thankful for the opportunities she’s been given her whole life.