By Bradlee Dowling, ’26

Staff Writer

This year, my classmate Isabella Reed and I lobbied to create the Career Club at HHS. The club aims, according to the mission statement we crafted, to “tailor our volunteer activities to the wild dreams and grand aspirations of our members for their future careers.”

“We’re all about laying the groundwork for our members’ futures by diving headfirst into service opportunities that sync up with their personal and professional dreams,” continues the mission statement. 

The Career Club is creating a platform where students don’t just clock in their community service hours – they actively mold their careers through hands-on experiences that they personally choose to participate in. For example, if an individual shows interest in working in the medical field, the Career Club will allow them to obtain community service opportunities in places such as a hospital. Even if someone doesn’t know where their professional passions lie, they still have a place in the Career Club. Those who are unsure of their career aspirations will be able to experience a variety of different places, and might just find their passion! 

At its core, the Career Club is a platform for self-discovery and fulfillment. It’s a space where students can transform their aspirations into action, where dreams are not just imagined but actively pursued. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful engagement, members will not only serve their community but also lay the groundwork for their own future success.

To learn more about the Career Club, contact me, Isabella or our advisor Mr. Mitchell. Let us embrace this opportunity to ignite passion, foster growth, and transform futures. Together, we can create a legacy of service, empowerment, and purpose that will resonate for years to come.

“Aspire, Serve, Thrive: The Career Club – Tailoring Dreams, Transforming Futures in Hawk Nation!”

By Emily Davis, ’27

Staff Writer

During the cold winter months, a lot of us can’t help but look forward to a nice, warm spring break. Because it’s been so chilly and rainy up here in the Northeast, many of us find ourselves traveling for warmer weather, or just wanting to see different places. Here are some of the best spring break destinations for different types of travelers, according to the travel website The Points Guy.

If you’re looking for hidden beaches, try Grenada. Grenada is located in the West Indies, in the eastern Caribbean sea, about 100 miles north of Venezuela. Grenada gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1974, and it now celebrates its 50th year of independence. Grenada is a hidden beach spot, with very few crowds, according to The Points Guy. It is also home to rainforests and beautiful waterfalls. 

For those who want their beaches with a side of history, The Points Guy recommends Cancun. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Quintana Roo, Mexico, Cancun is famous for its white sand beaches and a beautiful turquoise shoreline. Tourists also frequently visit the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilizations, north of hotels in El Meco. 

For those who still want winter, then Colorado is where to go. If you were never able to hit the local slopes this winter, Colorado has some of the best ski resorts in the country. During March and April, Colorado has warmed up a bit with spring temperatures. 

Paris, France, is said to be the best city escape on the list. Paris has just about something for everyone, from art to history to world-renowned food and fashion. Whether traveling solo, with a special someone or with the whole family, Paris is a city you don’t want to miss.

The best vacation place for nature lovers and those who like water sports, according to The Points Guy, is Roatan, Honduras Bay Islands. The Honduras are located in Central America,  bordering El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In Honduras, you can enjoy anything from paddleboarding and kayaking to jet skiing and parasailing. Honduras has crystal clear water and fun spots like the Gumbalimba Animal Sanctuary and Manawakie Eco Nature Park, where you can see monkeys and sloths.  

This last one is not on The Points Guy’s list, but my own recommendation: a good place to go is to visit family. A lot of us don’t have time during the rest of the year, whether because relatives live too far away or are also busy. A nice vacation with family can bring together the best of tourism and relaxation to make everybody happy. 

By Sam Frattasio, ’27

Staff Writer

Today, the first total solar eclipse since 2017 will occur over the eastern United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 100+ mile-wide path of totality – the area where it becomes completely dark as the moon passes between the sun and the earth – encompasses many major cities such as Cleveland, Dallas, areas of New York, and Maine, as well as many provinces of Canada. All of continental United States will experience at least a partial eclipse with Massachusetts having around 90% of the moon’s coverage, according to the Washington Post.

Solar eclipses can be very dangerous if handled irresponsibly. If an individual looks at the sun without proper eye protection, the sun’s rays can seriously damage the retina and can cause ocular damage which can lead to permanent blindness. Fortunately, there are less than 100 documented cases of this happening, according to Live Science, because people take caution during these monumental occasions. 

Here is how to stay safe during a solar eclipse, according to Weill Cornell Medicine: 

• Never look at the sun without special glasses, even briefly!
• Don’t look at the sun through camera lenses, telescopes, binoculars, etc. while wearing solar glasses. 
• Don’t look at the eclipse while driving
• Don’t use old, scratched, or damaged eclipse glasses (make sure they are ISO-approved)

If these steps are followed, there is nothing to worry about. With proper protection, enjoy 2024’s solar eclipse! The next one won’t happen in our area until 2044.

The Hawk staff

It may feel rainy all the time lately, but the HHS Outreach Club is bringing sunshine to local families. Members this week put together 100 treat bags for senior citizens and veterans who receive Meals on Wheels deliveries through the Hanover Council on Aging. They also made 72 Easter baskets for children who live in shelters run by the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore as well as clients of the Hanover Food Pantry.

It’s one of many projects done throughout the year by the club, created and led by senior Ashley Stracco. In fact, you may see club members hawking Hilliard’s candy bars around school, sales of which fund the projects along with donations from local businesses. If interested in learning more about the club, contact Ashley at astracco24@hanoverstudents.org or future president Courtney McGinnis at cmcginnis25@hanoverstudents.org.

By Emily Davis, ’27

Staff Writer

Whether you’re Irish or not, many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. While the holiday is associated with leprechauns, rainbows, gold and pubs, not many of us know the true origination of the day, or why it’s celebrated.

 Saint Patrick’s Day is cleverly named after St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland from the fifth century. But his original name was Meawyn Succat, according to “History of St. Patrick’s Day” on History.com. The man who would be St. Patrick was kidnapped as a slave from Roman Britain and brought to Ireland when he was 16 years old. He escaped slavery yet returned to Ireland, where he is credited with introducing Christianity. Some say he explained a major belief of Christianity, the Holy Trinity, through the three leaves of a shamrock.

Much of the history of St. Patrick is considered myth or legend. One popular story is that St. Patrick banished snakes from Emerald Isle. However, according to “St. Patrick’s Day Legends and Myths Debunked” on History.com, the water surrounding Ireland would have been far too cold for snakes to be able to swim and survive. 

“Water has surrounded Ireland since the end of the last glacial period, preventing snakes from slithering over,” author Jennie Cohen writes. “Before that, it was blanketed in ice and too chilly for the cold-blooded creatures.” Plus, how would one be physically capable of banishing snakes?! 

Another popular myth is that St. Patrick and Ireland are associated with the color green. Historically, the color blue was worn by St. Patrick’s knights, and not green. According to Cohen, the holiday became associated with the color green to connect it with Irish independence. 

The holiday has been celebrated for centuries, marking the day St. Patrick is thought to have died in 461. The first parade was held in 1601 in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, Fla., where an Irish vicar lived, according to “History of St. Patrick’s Day.” While originally a religious holiday, today it is more a celebration of Irish culture. Parades are held in more than 100 cities, with Boston’s among the largest.

What about leprechauns, colorful rainbows and pots of gold? According to the “History of St. Patrick’s Day,” leprechauns come from Irish folklore, stories of magical creatures known for their mischief and treasure hunting.They have their own holiday on May 13, but over the years have become part of St. Patrick’s Day as well. 

Sources:

Cohen, Jennie. 7 St. Patrick’s Day Legends and Myths Debunked | HISTORY, 17 March 2022, https://www.history.com/news/st-patricks-day-myths-debunked. Accessed 10 March 2024.

St. Patrick’s Day: Origins, Meaning & Background | HISTORY, 27 October 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day. Accessed 10 March 2024.

By Owen Pierotti, ’27

Staff Writer

What did you do over February break? Well, the HHS band and chorus traveled to the most magical place on earth: Disney World! About 80 students fundraised for months to take part in the trip, performing live at the park, attending workshops and enjoying time together in the sun.

The castle, the lights, the air — all were magical (pun intended!). The atmosphere of Disney was beyond my expectations, since it had been 10 years since I last visited. The trip was relaxing,  very expensive (had to buy those souvenir pins and Mickey hats!), and very enjoyable. We jumped between the parks, visiting the metropolitan area of Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs and then Magic Kingdom. We spent our last day at Animal Kingdom, where I went on my favorite ride, Expedition Everest! Our workshops were led by Disney’s leading artists at its behind-the-scenes Imagination Campus, and we got to play some Disney favorites, which helped us improve our technique.

I made many memories and more friends, and learned to be on my own. I found a new love for Disney and my love of music deepened in many ways too.

By Sam Frattasio, ’27

Staff Writer

As the new year dawned, many once again found themselves enthralled by the tradition of making resolutions. Whether it’s limiting screen time or trying to eat healthier, New Year’s resolutions give us a chance to reflect on our pasts and make a better version of ourselves. An article in Mass Live reported the most common resolutions of 2024, based on surveys conducted by Forbes magazine and Statista.

1. Save more money – In a materialistic world, putting away money for our futures can be hard, but it’s the most popular resolution. A report made by Statista’s Consumer Insights survey concluded that 59 percent of participants said they wanted to save more.

2. Exercise more – The second most-popular resolution was to be more active. Taking time out of our days to exercise can benefit our health and mindset. According to the Forbes Health/OnePoll survey, 48 percent percent of voters made fitness a top priority.

3. Improve mental health – Amid a fast-paced and stressful world, we are increasingly prioritizing self-care and acknowledging the impact of mental health on our daily lives. The challenges of the past few years have led us to truly understand the importance of resilience, supporting a broader awareness of mental health challenges. According to Mass Live, 36 percent of voters made this their top choice. 

4. Eat better –  Many people realize the importance diet has on our body both physically and mentally. The pursuit of a balanced diet and weight management in the new year represents a commitment to self-care, longevity, and a healthier, more energized life ahead. The article found that 32 percent of voters put this as their top goal. 

The New Year is like a blank slate; starting over is a way to motivate us to foster healthier habits. However, according to the Forbes poll, most resolutions are abandoned within four months. As we settle into 2024, here’s hoping we all can reach the goals we set for ourselves.

Featured image: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/two-most-effective-ways-keep-your-new-years-gautam-dr-d-

By Siena Oliver, ’27

Staff Writer

The winter holiday season is a time of celebration for many around the world. Hanukkah is commemorated by many Jewish families Dec. 7-15. Bodhi is a Buddhist holiday celebrated Dec. 8. Las Posadas is a nine-day holiday for Latin American and Hispanic communities starting Dec. 16. Christmas is celebrated by Christians and countless non-religious families on Dec. 25, Kwanzaa begins for many African Americans on Dec. 26 and, of course, New Year’s Eve is Dec. 31.

Families often have fond memories or traditions associated with the holidays they celebrate. For some in the HHS community, music, family and food are central to their festivities.

Katy Oliver, the parent of a 9th grade student, remembers childhood outings to chop down the family Christmas trees.  “We would walk through the woods and it was so cold by the time we were done and (the tree) would be all scraggly,” she said. “And then we’d go and have hot chocolate.”

Sam Frattasio, a 9th grader, said his family attends the Plymouth and Boston Pops holiday concerts every year.

Mrs. McHugh, HHS librarian, for years has dedicated a weekend before Christmas to making dozens of batches of cookies with her sisters and daughter. “It was a way to honor our mom, who was a great baker, and spread some holiday cheer,” she said.

Billy Hersey, a freshman, talked about loving to bake sugar cookies with his family during the wintertime. 

I don’t have one specific favorite tradition; it’s more of a combination of a whole bunch of little ones. My family drives through town on Christmas Eve to look at lights; we then exchange pajamas; and my sister, my dad, and I lay in bed to tell a story like we used to when I was a little kid. I often look forward to Christmas Eve as one of the best days of the year because of there traditions. 

Families celebrate many different holidays this time of year, and even the same holiday can look different for every person. But special and unique traditions connect us to our families and friends, making our holiday celebrations more personal, fun, and meaningful.

Featured image: https://www.williamsnews.com/news/2017/dec/19/whats-behind-some-beloved-holiday-traditions/

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.