By Avery Bridson and Emily Davis, ‘27

News Editor and Entertainment Editor

The Class of 2026 found community, friendship, and personal growth in many different places throughout their time at Hanover High School. While many participated in a wide range of activities, a common theme connected nearly every student response to The Hawk senior survey: the people they met and the relationships they built made their high school experience meaningful. Whether it was through sports teams, music programs, clubs, or favorite classes, seniors reflected on the sense of belonging they found at HHS. 

Sports 

Football was a major highlight for Brandon Errico and Patrick Leary, who felt the team was like a family. Peter Clarke and Sebastian Brown also loved football for the friends they made on the field. Alongside the football team, Ava Khouri had an unforgettable experience as a cheerleader, especially during the Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium. Addison Hall, Camryn Carthas, and Gavin Russell thanked their coaches and teammates for the memories and friendships they made on the soccer teams. Hockey was a meaningful experience for Cam Melone, Heather McGinnis, Henry Phillips, and Vanessa Federico, who credited her coach for making the team a success. Katie Jones and Ava Puglia loved playing field hockey with friends, while Tyler McDonough and Noah Marshall-Pelayo will never forget playing for the rugby team. Dean Gomes created indelible memories on the swim team, as Ryan Mutschler did with both his teammates and coaches on the basketball team. Brendan Meagher and Leo Galvin especially appreciated the cross country team experience, and Ben Willis and Joe Lynch found community through track. Dylan Poirier and Tess Madden agreed that the bonds they made on the volleyball team will have a lasting effect on their lives. 

Classes

For Ellie Mann, Maddy Hiffa, Sienna Lamond, and Brianna Adams, VOX was not just a class but a valuable community where everyone could grow. Similarly, the band was the highlight for Aine Scanlan. Maddy Hiffa also cited AP Art. Bryan Collins and Joey DaCosta found Sports and Society with Mr. Molloy the most interesting, while Daniel Klos loved gym. Morgan Curtis enjoyed environmental science, especially Ms. McHenry’s class junior year, while Madison Paulicelli echoed that and added marine science as a favorite. Matthew Bell loved Mrs. Molloy’s chemistry class, while Aine Scanlan found biology the most enjoyable. AP Psychology was dubbed the most interesting class by both Mikayla Sheehan and Juliana Minasi. Damaris Mejia-Miller looked forward to Spanish class every day, while Bradlee Dowling eagerly anticipated the new challenges brought in AP English Language. US History 2 Honors was an important yet fun class for Elin Brink, and Maddie Fuller cited AP US History as a class she most looked forward to attending. For Colin MacPherson and Matthew Yan, the opportunities in engineering class outweighed all the rest. 

Clubs

Sienna Lamond found that DECA gave her the skills and confidence she needed to be prepared for the future. Similarly, Bradlee Dowling discovered an opportunity to find his voice and hone his skills as the captain of the Debate Club. Bella Reed prepared for the future with Career Club, which she ran alongside her friend. Emma Ryan found the Yearbook Club to be a source of community and creativity. Fiona Monahan and Bronwyn Doherty loved expressing themselves with their friends in the Art Club.

Together, the reflections from the Class of 2026 show that HHS was much more than academics or extracurriculars. For many students, the most important part of high school was the friendships they formed, the communities they became a part of, and the memories they created with the people around them. 

By Billy Hersey, ’27 and Gabriella DeLuca, ’27

Editor in Chief & Staff Writer

As the members of the Class of 2026 prepare to embark on their new journeys beyond Hanover High School, students who responded to The Hawk survey shared advice to inspire their younger peers. Seniors truly believe that by forming meaningful connections, taking advantage of opportunities, and working diligently, every student can achieve great things.

Although freshman year and adjusting to the new high school environment can be difficult, many seniors acknowledged the importance of persistence and effort throughout this formative year and encouraged our incoming freshmen to do the same.

Matthew Bell expressed how he wished he had “taken freshman year more seriously.” Damaris Mejia-Miller echoed that, saying “lock in freshman year.” Mikayla Sheehan urged students to focus on “getting your GPA up high.” Vanessa Federico advised them to “stay on top of their work, especially freshman year. Most freshmen think their grades don’t matter, but they do.”

Acknowledging the significance of freshman year, but also the value of enjoying your time at HHS, Ava Puglia said, “grades freshman year matter so actually try, but also have fun and get involved in and outside of school.”

For many, attending school and learning new things will always have a special significance. As the next generation of leaders leave the nest, they encourage underclassmen to choose classes that they are passionate about, persist through bad grades, and make meaningful connections with classmates and staff with the time they have at HHS.

Maddie Fuller recognized the value in true learning and emphasized that students should “try to focus on actually learning and absorbing material rather than just getting good grades.” Sienna Lamond encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities that the school offers, saying “take classes for YOU. High school has the resources to set you up for your future career whether you know what you want to do yet or not! Taking different classes from your friends is how you discover your individuality and passions for the future.”

Expressing a similar sentiment, Bronwyn Doherty shared the importance of taking challenging courses and establishing meaningful friendships through high school as she said, “Take the courses that you think will be best for you. Don’t be afraid to take difficult classes, but know your limits! Reach out to new people and connect with your teachers; it’s definitely worth it!”

Katie Jones emphasized the significance of persistence in learning and condemned the popular habit of hyper-focusing on failure, while also telling students to enjoy all aspects of life. “My advice is that one bad test does not define you, and that time goes by so fast, so enjoy every moment,” she said.

Peter Clarke chose to recognize the importance of a study tool that we all have used at least once or twice by stating, “Quizlet is your friend.”

Beyond grades and extracurriculars, seniors reminded classmates that high school is also a journey of self-discovery and a time to embrace what makes each one of us special. Every student has unique passions, values, and experiences to share. And in truth, it’s these differences that make our school a place worth remembering.

“Stay true to yourself!” said Brianna Adams. “In high school, it’s easy to be tempted to stray from what you love and value just to fit with the ‘norms,’ but it is important to maintain your values and keep doing what you love, no matter what others think.” Ava Khouri, class president, expressed a similar sentiment, encouraging students “not to worry too much about what other people think because the embarrassment is temporary, but the memories last forever.”

Maddy Hiffa expressed there is value in our differences, advising underclassmen to “not be afraid to be yourself because that’s how you find your people.” Colin Howard spoke about the value of self-discovery, encouraging HHS students to “not do things just because you think other people want you to.” Madison Paulicelli talked about the value of always having confidence in yourself, stating that “having your own back is your biggest strength.”

High school is a valuable time to both make meaningful connections and get involved in the school community. Engaging in new opportunities and participating in extracurricular activities is pivotal to maximizing your high school experience and discovering new passions that will shape your future.

Ava Khouri talked about the importance of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and taking advantage of every opportunity HHS has to offer. “Go all out for spirit weeks, cheer loudly at sporting events, and don’t be afraid to fully participate in everything our school has to offer,” she said. “Some of the best memories will come from moments you almost didn’t join in on.” 

Leo Galvin conveyed the same message, saying “there are plenty of clubs and athletics at HHS, and without these activities, I wouldn’t have been able to become the person I am today.” Ben Willis added that extracurriculars “will help your college search and make high school much more fun.”

Ellie Mann acknowledged that friend groups may change through high school and that’s ok. “Do not expect to keep the same friends when you enter high school,” she said. “Branch out and meet new people.”

One popular theme among the advice from seniors was the importance of effort. Although in the past some have claimed that the only school years that matter in terms of academics are sophomore and junior year, that is simply not true. 

“Put in effort every year because it will help you so much when applying for colleges,” said Tess Madden. Ireland Cronin echoed that, saying, “Try your hardest from the beginning and always put in your best effort because it truly does matter.” Morgan Curtis added, “The advice I would give is to try harder because it all counts.”

Wishing to warn others of a bad habit that all of us have fallen prey to before, Johanna Marshall-Pelayo reminded underclassmen to always complete tasks in a timely fashion by saying, “Don’t procrastinate – just start the work.”

Aine Scanlan reminded underclassmen to try to avoid the stresses of student life by saying, “As long as you try your best and are respectful and kind, it will go pretty well. But remember, every year does count for college.”

Bradlee Dowling shared with students that taking random AP classes and joining clubs and sports just to check a box for college is useless. “You need to find the things you are passionate about and put everything into them, that’s what colleges will care about,” he said.

Sharing a simple yet powerful message, Daniel Klos told students: ”Don’t give up.”

Joe Lynch reminds students of a powerful mantra that we should all strive to live by: “Whatever you do, do it 100 percent.”

Several seniors reminded underclassmen that even though some days feel everlasting, the years truly do fly by, making it so important to cherish every moment. “Take in everything,” said Juliana Minasi. Brendan Meagher added, “Make the most of every day.” Fiona Monahan encouraged students to “spend as much time as you can with your loved ones and never take those special moments for granted.” Gavin Russell agreed, saying, “Cherish the good times with your friends because before you know it you will be graduating.”Bella Reed, Emma Ryan, and Patrick Leary spoke about the importance of living in the moment. “Don’t think about the future or the past,” Bella said. “Think about the present.

By Siena Oliver and Sophie Bunar, ‘27

Opinions Editor and Staff Writer

As their days at HHS wind down, many members of the Class of 2026 agree that what they will remember most is not just the classes they took, the sports they played, or the friends they made. They’ll also remember the teachers and staff members who made a difference in their lives. Seniors who responded to The Hawk survey reflected on adults from every department, from History and English to Music and Guidance, who helped shape their experience both inside and outside of the classroom. 

For many students, the teachers who stood out the most were the ones who made learning feel personal and engaging. Teachers like Mr. McLean in Science, Mr. Centorino in Math, and Mr. Brown in History were repeatedly praised for creating a classroom environment that students were excited to walk into each day. “Mr. Brown is always motivating me to push myself in order to become a better person every day,” Leo Galvin said, while Sienna Lamond described how his in-class support during a stressful junior year “meant so much.” Dylan Poirier said Mr. Brown “always had the best stories.” For Emma Ryan, Mr. McLean’s Anatomy and Physiology class junior year “made me realize that I wanted to be a nurse.”

Mr. Perry, a history teacher who is retiring after 29 years, is another who has left a positive impact on many graduating seniors. Students including Dan Klos, Joey DeCosta, Tyler McDonough, Juliana Minasi and Mikayla Sheehan described his classroom as welcoming, fun, and supportive, with some crediting him for changing their view on history class – or even learning – altogether. “He helped me realize learning can be fun,” Maddie Fuller said. Fiona Monahan emphasized how he formed connections with students, even ones he wasn’t teaching that year, to create a classroom environment that everyone actively enjoyed. Tess Madden said Mr. Perry “taught her to start each day with a smile” and Noah Marshall-Pelayo said he “taught me not to be afraid of being myself.”

In the English department, students reflected on the lessons they learned from their teachers. Ellie Mann said that after three years with Mrs. Hughes, “her enthusiasm and spark brought me joy every day. Showing up to her class, I was always excited to learn. …When I was stressed out, her class brought me comfort.” Brianna Adams shared how Mrs. Hughes encouraged students to “truly understand how the lessons of literature can be applied to the real world.” According to Cam Carthas, “Mrs. Collins is always so positive and always makes a bad day better,” while Pat Ben Willis called her a “fun teacher.” Pat Leary said Mrs. Cotter “prepared me for college.”

Several teachers in the World Language department were highlighted. According to Damaris Mejia-Miller, Mrs. Gately created “a classroom where I felt comfortable to be myself.” Aine Scanlan said Madame Youngworth “has always been kind and caring” and Bronwyn Doherty thanked her for “always believing in me and being an amazing teacher.” Trevor Leibfarth said that Mrs. Curtis “motivated me to do more than I thought I could” and Vanessa Federico added “she taught us many life lessons and really cares about her students.”

From the Science wing, students cited Mrs. Emerson, “Doc,” Mrs. Parry and Mrs. Molloy as having had a positive impact. Mrs. Molloy is credited with giving great life advice, helping students grow both inside and outside of the classroom, and creating an environment where students could “learn but have fun at the same time,” according to Johanna Marshall-Pelayo. Ryan Mutschler called her “a positive role model” and Matthew Bell said “she gave me great life advice and was always fun to talk to.” Colin MacPherson thanked Doc for “getting me into the engineering field through physics.” Madison Paulicelli said Mrs. Emerson was “incredibly sweet and an absolutely amazing human being” and Joe Lynch thanked Mrs. Parry for helping him a lot after school.

In the Fine Arts, many seniors emphasized the importance of teachers and staff who supported them personally. Mr. Wade’s support during both Concert Chorus and VOX provided “a classroom environment that is truly my main outlet of support,” said Brianna Adams. Brendan Meagher cited Mr. Harden “for believing in me and making the HHS Band such a special group to be a part of.” Colin Howard thanked Mr. File for providing “a safe space with a good vibe to relax in the middle of the day” and Bronwyn Doherty said his instruction has made her artwork “more creative and ambitious.”

Mrs. Pereira in Business was always there to help students such as Leah Toner “with both life and school.” Katie Jones said, “From freshman year to senior year, she always supported me and gave me the best advice.” Gavin Russell added that Mrs. P. “is always kind and cares about all of her students.”

Engineering teacher Mr. Faria, also retiring this year, is “by far the best teacher on earth,” according to Matthew Yan. Morgan Curtis thanked Mrs. Tarkanian, a special education teacher who “has been there for me in every moment all four years of high school, guiding me in the right direction to where I am today.” Mr. Rodday, a special education teacher and coach, provided consistent support to athletes both on and off the field, said Addison Hall. 

Nurse Nee made the nurse’s office a welcoming space for many students. “She is always so positive and uplifting,” said Bradlee Dowling. “I remember going to the nurse’s office every time I didn’t do well on a test or a quiz and Nurse Nee made me feel much better about it.” For Class President Ava Khouri, office secretary and class co-advisor Mrs. Foster “taught me what it means to be positive, reliable, and organized, and I appreciate everything she does for our school.”

The Guidance department helped many students find the right path for them. Maddy Hiffa thanked Mrs. Leonido because “she has made me believe in myself and trust that everything is going to turn out right,” while Bella Reed said Mrs. Kost “helped me with all my college difficulties and with personal issues. Roz Arguinzoni said Mrs. Rapalje “has always been there to talk whenever I needed her the most.”

Special thanks to Mr. Ryerson of Hanover Public Schools, Mrs. Carlson, Brooke Hill, Luca Ciccolo, HHS Athletics and DJ Meads Photography.

By Ryan Costello, Luke Curran and Sam Frattasio, ‘27

Social Media Editor, Sports Editor and News Editor

Hanover’s Class of 2026 is taking a wide range of pathways after graduation, from pre-health and engineering to business, public service, and the arts. Seniors who responded to The Hawk survey or posted  on the class Instagram @hhsdecisions.26 by our deadline shared their post‑graduation plans, from college majors to careers. While not every member of the class is represented here, their responses highlight just how diverse Hanover’s students’ interests and career paths truly are. 

Students pursuing biology, nursing and health sciences include:

Brianna Adams, who is headed to Northeastern University to study behavioral neuroscience on a path to becoming a physician’s assistant; Addison Bean, who will attend Quinnipiac University to pursue diagnostic medical sonography; Talia Beer, who plans to study exercise science in an accelerated DPT program at Elon; Ava Bonfiglio, who is headed to the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences for pre-veterinary medicine; Alana Cole, who will attend MIT to study biology and chemistry; Harley Delmonico, who plans to attend Florida Atlantic University to study health science; Bronwyn Doherty, who is headed to Emmanuel College to study biology and psychology; Bradlee Dowling, who plans to study nursing at the University of Tampa;  Maelyn Foley, who will attend UMass Amherst to study biology on a pre-med track; Alessandra Francisco, who plans to attend UConn majoring in biology on the pre-med track; Maddie Fuller, who is attending UMass Amherst for biology, with hopes to go to dental school; Conlan Geary heading off to Trinity College to major in biology and compete on the wrestling team; Chloe Hannah, who will attend the University of New Hampshire to study animal science; Ava Jones, who plans to attend Miami University for nursing; Abby Kajunski, who is going to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine to study nursing while playing soccer; Joe Lynch, studying emergency management systems at Mass Maritime; Johanna Marshall-Pelayo, who is headed to University of Rhode Island, where she plans to major in kinesiology and become a physical therapist; Megan McGinnis, who will be studying nursing at Merrimack College; Damaris Mejia-Miller, who is headed to MCPHS to focus on dental hygiene on a predental track; Juliana Minasi, who is off to Stonehill College to major in communication science and disorders as she works toward becoming a speech-language pathologist; Abby Minasi, who will continue her education in nursing at Endicott College; Madison Paulicelli, who plans to pursue college with a focus on pre-veterinary studies; Sophia Rowsell, who is attending UMass Amherst for kinesiology; Emma Ryan, who will study nursing at Saint Anselm College; Aine Scanlan, who is interested in molecular biology or biochemistry and hopes to conduct gene therapy research; Shelby Taylor, who will study radiography at MCPHS; Tim Sullivan, who will study health sciences at MCPHS; Bella Telepak, who is heading to UMass Amherst on a bio pre-med track; and Amelia Wipfler, who is bound for Stonehill College to pursue health sciences.

Students pursuing engineering, physical sciences and computer science include: 

Colin Arnold, who is going to Mass Maritime to study energy systems engineering; Elin Brink, who is going to Lehigh University to major in chemical engineering;  Matt Costello, who plans to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study engineering; Ben Douglas, who will attend Mass Maritime to pursue marine engineering; Andrew Ellis, who is headed to Northeastern University to pursue mechanical engineering; Adam Elmassadi, who will attend UMass Lowell to study biomedical engineering; Dean Gomes, planning to study mechanical engineering at the University of Rhode Island; Nate Hoyt, who is going to Stonehill College to study engineering; Colin MacPherson, who is going to Wentworth Institute of Technology to study electromechanical engineering; Heather McGinnis, who is going to Massachusetts Maritime Academy to major in mechanical engineering; Tyler McDonough, who plans to study architecture at James Madison University; Kirk Sundberg, who will study computer science at Bridgewater State University; Ben Willis, who plans to study physics at Villanova University; and Matthew Yan, who will attend Northeastern University as a mechanical engineering major. 

Students majoring in business fields include:

Matthew Bell, who is attending the University of Rhode Island for finance while sailing on the school’s team; Maia Bonilla, who will attend Mass Maritime to study international maritime business while also playing volleyball; Sebastian Brown, who is headed to Saint Anselm College where he plans to study marketing and continue playing football; Jameson Bryan, who will attend Saint Anselm College to study business; Kellen Campbell, who will attend Quinnipiac University to study business; Peter Clarke, who will attend Shenandoah University for construction management while playing football; Bella Ciccolo, who plans to attend the University of South Carolina to study international business and supply chain management; Bryan Collins, who is headed to Xavier University to pursue finance; Ireland Cronin, who is going to Bryant University for accounting; Morgan Curtis, who is attending the University of Maine to study sports management; Anna Egan, heading to Endicott for marketing; Brandon Errico, who plans to attend Bowdoin College for economics while continuing his football career; Joey Falco, who is going to Bryant University to study business; Vanessa Federico, who is headed to Providence College to major in finance; Robert Frucci, who is attending UNH majoring in business admin and finance; Cole Hendrickson, who will study business and play baseball at Central Connecticut State University; Addison Hall, who will attend the University of Rhode Island focusing on a degree in finance; Colin Howard, who plans to attend UMass Amherst to study marketing; Katie Jones, who is headed to UMass Amherst for finance; Jake Kelliher, who will major in business at the University of Mississippi; Ava Khouri, who plans to attend University of Notre Dame to study business management in the Mendoza College of Business; Patrick Leary, heading to UMass for business; Trevor Leibfarth, who is attending Mississippi State University to study business; Sam Light, who plans to attend Auburn University to pursue business; Tess Madden, going to the University of New England to play volleyball while majoring in sports management and leadership; Cole Madden, who is headed to Keene State College to study sports management while playing golf; Shane Mahoney, who plans to attend Bowling Green State University to study business; Ellie Mann, who is going to UMass Amherst to pursue marketing; Noah Marshall-Pelayo, who plans to attend Bryant University to study business; James McDermod, who plans to attend Saint Anselm College to study finance while playing soccer; Brendan Meagher, who will go to UMass Amherst for statistics and data science; Cam Melone, who will attend Fairfield University to major in finance; Shannon Murphy, who plans to study business at UConn; Ryan Mutschler, who will play basketball at Union College while majoring in economics; Brody Noonan, heading to Assumption University for business and baseball; Brad Peterson, who will study finance at the University of Maryland; Henry Phillips, who will do the same at Fairfield University; Dylan Poirier, who is heading to Villanova University to major in economics and international business; Zach Psychos, who will attend Miami University to study finance; Ava Puglia, who plans to study business at Florida Atlantic University; Haley Ray, who is off to URI to major in marketing; Tommy Regan, who will continue both his studies and his football career at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, majoring in business management and entrepreneurship; Bryan Southwick, who is bound for Bryant University to major in business; and Leah Toner, who will major in accounting at Saint Anselm College.

Students pursuing political science, international relations and related fields include:

Caroline Brown, who will attend Bucknell University to study political science; Abbey Corbo, who is going to American University to major in international affairs and political science, Peter Cunniff, who plans to study political science and international relations at American; Natalie Frank, who is going to the University of South Carolina to study political science on a pre-law track; Leo Galvin, who will attend Virginia Tech, where he plans to major in national security and foreign affairs while participating in Marine Corps ROTC with the goal of commissioning as an officer;  Drew Keith, who plans to attend the University of Vermont to study political science; Finley Nadeau, who is heading to the University of Maryland to study government and politics; and Alex Puzatkin, who will attend George Washington University to focus on international affairs. 

Students pursuing psychology, social sciences and education include:

Megan Collins, who plans to attend Emmanuel College to study psychology and neuroscience; Andrew Dunne, heading to Xavier to major in education; Carly Federico, who plans to attend Saint Anselm College to study psychology; Grace Gilligan, who will study Criminology at the University of South Carolina; Addison Goitia, who will enroll at Marist University to pursue studies in psychology; Layla Hurley, who plans to attend Boston College to study psychology; Fiona Monahan, who will attend UMass Amherst to double major in psychology and sociology; Rylee Noonan, who will attend the University of New Hampshire to major in human development and family studies; Alexa Sawin, heading to Westfield State for early childhood education; Mikayla Sheehan, who will study psychology at the College of Charleston; and Elizabeth Winnie, who will attend Grove City College to study psychology.

Students pursuing Communications and related fields include:

Joey DaCosta is attending Saint Anselm College, where he plans to major in communications while playing golf; and Hope Miller, who will study public communications at Syracuse University.

Students pursuing marine, aviation, and other specialized sciences include:

Bryce Swenson, who plans to attend Eckerd College for marine science; and Gavin Russell, who will train to become a commercial pilot at the Florida Institute of Technology.

Students in the arts include:

Maddy Hiffa, who is headed to Hamilton College, where she plans to major in art with a minor in education; Jack Nadeau, who will attend MassArt; and Sienna Lamond, who is going to Syracuse University to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre and pursue a career as a professional performer

Finally, students who are entering the workforce, a trade, or are currently undecided include:

Rozalyn Arguinzoni, who will work after graduation; Charlie Campbell, who is going to Saint Anselm College; Camryn Carthas, who is headed to Endicott College; John Danick, who is going to Westfield State, and will play football;  Anna Parker, who is bound for the College of Charleston; Bella Reed, who intends to enroll at a four-year college; and Daniel Klos, who will attend trade school to become an electrician. 

Note: Only seniors who replied to The Hawk survey or posted on the class Instagram decisions page by deadline are represented

By Bradlee Dowling, ‘26
Co-Editor in Chief

With the Hanover High School Class of 2026 set to graduate, seniors reminisced about the experiences that made their high school journey memorable. In response to a survey by The Hawk, they shared memories including winning championships, school traditions, classes, performances, and spending time with friends. Although the experiences of each senior were different, there is one common factor that runs through their recollections, and that is the individuals and moments that made Hanover High feel like home.

A very prominent theme in many of the seniors’ reflections this year was their feelings of community that they experienced throughout their time at HHS. Brianna Adams recalled “the end of Homecoming freshmen year, where a huge number of girls hung around until the end of the night, dancing and partying even though everyone else had left,” as something that made her realize “the sense of community that HHS can create when everybody unites and has fun.” Fiona Monahan explained that her favorite memories involved “meeting new people and creating memories that I’m going to remember forever,” while Ellie Mann cited her junior year because she “was lucky enough to have the exact same classes as her two best friends Brianna Adams and Sienna Lamond.”

A lot of students thought highly of their traditions and memories with friends. Peter Clarke, Patrick Leary, Mikayla Sheehan, and Daniel Klos said some of their favorite times were in the library’s senior corner or gym class. Matthew Bell recalled “playing spike ball with friends in gym.” Tess Madden said her highlight will be the senior walkout, because “although it is so sad, it allows us to honor our amazing seniors.” Ben Willis and Madison Paulicelli cherished their prom, and Bella Reed fondly recalled “football games on Friday night.” For Matthew Yan, his favorite moment will be graduation.

Athletics featured prominently in many students’ favorite memories. Morgan Curtis said her highlight was winning back-to-back state championships with cheerleading. For Cam Melone and Henry Phillips, it was bringing home the 2026 boys hockey state title, while Katie Jones and Vanessa Federico cited cheering on the team during its tournament run and final at TD Garden. Sebastian Brown said his highlight was the football Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium, while Noah Marshall-Pelayo cited winning the 2025 Division II Rugby Championship. Ryan Mutschler highlighted the basketball team’s senior year playoff run, and Trevor Leibfarth cited the Elite 8 playoff win as an especially great memory. 

Addison Hall’s favorite moment was when he scored during senior night for soccer. Emma Ryan cited beating Scituate in field hockey at home, and Gavin Russell said that his “favorite experiences have been the team dinners we would have with my team members prior to our games.” Leo Galvin said “being a three-sport athlete enabled me to meet many new and interesting people and grow as a leader.” Damaris Mejia-Miller said playing volleyball was her highlight, Tyler McDonough loved playing rugby, and Joey Marshall-Pelayo cited managing the girls basketball team and playing field hockey. Joey DaCosta’s favorite experience was “playing and watching all the sports.”

There were also some memorable moments within the arts and academics for many seniors. Maddy Hiffa recalled her first time “performing at the Annual Fall Cabaret Showcase,” while Brendan Meagher talked about his performance of “stand tunes and the field show with the band for home football games.” Likewise, Aine Scanlan recalled her experiences during “Friday night lights” playing with the band. Brandon Errico mentioned Mrs. Collins’ class, while Heather McGinnis spoke about her experience taking “Mrs. P’s accounting classes.”

Other notable memories related to travel experiences. Bronwyn Doherty had the pleasure of visiting Quebec with her French class during junior year, where she got to do “so much” new stuff and explore new locations. Colin Howard and Dylan Poirier both mentioned visits to France through the school exchange program. For Ava Khouri, her highlight was closer to home: trips to the Cape for SEMASC student council meetings, particularly their awesome polar plunge costumes and losing their voices at the dance.

Some moments were both simple and memorable. Elin Brink, Maddie Fuller, and Juliana Minasi selected Powderpuff as their most memorable experience. For Joe Lynch, it was the pizza party in Mrs. Parry’s class.

While the Class of 2026 is preparing to venture into other areas of life, the memories they have forged during their time at Hanover High School will never fade away. From winning a championship to playing a game of football on a Friday night, taking classes that were enjoyable, or spending some time with friends in the senior corner, all of these activities played a key role in making HHS memorable!

By Ryan Costello, ’27

Social Media Editor

Across the United States, communities are coming together in 2026 to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Known as the Semiquincentennial, the anniversary marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Cities, states, schools, museums, and organizations are hosting America250 events that honor the nation’s history while also looking toward the future.

One of the biggest celebrations will take place in Washington, D.C. on July 4. Organizers expect more than one million people to gather on the National Mall for concerts, historical presentations, military tributes, and a massive fireworks display. The celebration is part of the “Freedom 250” initiative, which has planned events for the Capitol throughout the entire year.

Another major event is “America’s Block Party,” a nationwide celebration happening on July 3 and 4. Communities across the country are encouraged to host neighborhood gatherings with live music, food, games, and local performances. The goal is to create the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in American history.

Several states are also organizing unique local events. In New Orleans, the “SAIL 250” festival will feature tall ships from around the world sailing along the Mississippi River. Visitors will be able to tour historic ships while enjoying concerts, cultural exhibits, and educational programs. Meanwhile, cities such as Midland, Texas, and Greenwich, Connecticut, are hosting history days, scavenger hunts, parades, and public art displays to involve local residents in the celebration.

The Hanover Historical Society will lead a series of walking tours of five areas in town on the second Saturday of each month, May through September. Each tour will focus on what a particular neighborhood was like in 1776, during the American Revolution.

The anniversary is not only about entertainment. America250 has also launched “America Gives,” a national volunteer program encouraging Americans to complete community service projects during 2026. Organizers hope to make this the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history by inspiring people to help schools, charities, parks, and neighborhoods. In addition, special exhibits, concerts, and educational programs are taking place at national parks, museums, and historical sites across the country. Traveling “Freedom Trucks” will visit schools and communities in all 48 contiguous states with mobile museum exhibits about American history.

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, the Times Square Ball will drop eight times on July 3, marking midnight across every U.S. time zone. This fun event will mark the first time the ball has been dropped outside of New Year’s.

As America reaches this historic milestone, the 250th anniversary celebrations are giving citizens a chance to reflect on the nation’s past, celebrate its achievements, and imagine what the next 250 years could look like.

By Gabriella DeLuca, ’27

Staff Writer

5 minutes. 154 bullets. 26 deaths.

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.

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.

By Bella Ciccolo, ’26

Staff Writer and DECA president

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.

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.

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.”

By Gabriella DeLuca, ’27 and Jolie Coviello, ’27

Staff Writers

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.

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.

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. 

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