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. 

By the Hawk staff

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

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

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

By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by The Hawk staff

As the Class of 2023 prepares to spread its wings, many will carry fond memories of the flock they found at HHS. Those who responded to The Hawk survey counted friends, teachers and the school community among what they’ll miss the most after graduation.

In a senior class of 169 students, many of whom have been together since elementary school, it makes sense that the relationships they’ve made would be deemed so important. Let’s face it: high school is not an easy journey. Finding your community, your “people,” can help make the classes, homework, and everything else that comes with being a teenager a little easier.

“I’ll miss the community I have built around me and all the activities I’ve done,” said Ava Sullivan. Kathryn Shields called the Hanover community “tight-knit.”

For Abbey Kinzel, that community came in Mrs. Molloy’s chem class and the Drama Club. Cassie Lopes found it in marching band. For Joe Clasby, it came from friends, teachers, and sports. 

Whether the future keeps them local or takes them across the country, seniors will have one thing in common: the loss of familiar faces that, for years, they could count on seeing every day.

“I’ll miss being around my friends I grew up with,” said Dennis Sacco.

Teddy McCrann said it will be hard to leave behind “hanging out with friends basically the entire day.” 

David Quinlan will miss “messing around with the lads and some of the teachers I created relationships with.”

Some seniors cited specific teachers, coaches, or classes they’ll be sad to part with. For Sophie Rathgeber, that includes “the teachers who make me smile when I’m having a bad day.” Bree Cole says it’s those who “have played a huge role in my success over the past four years.” Others named Mrs. Pereira, Mr. Molloy, Mrs. Martin, and the library.

Of all the classes he took, sports he played and experiences he had, Henry Gorbey says the thing he will miss most is “lunch.”

With plans to start working construction after graduation, Cam Barron will miss something he truly will no longer be able to do: “skipping class.”

By Jake Faghan, ’23

Staff Writer

It’s that time of year, when the weather gets warmer and the senior countdown gets closer and closer to graduation. As time speeds by, the class of 2023 prepares to embrace a new chapter of life. With each graduating student, comes a story they offer. With the journey of the Class of 2023 ending, we reflect with senior members of the Pride of Hanover Band on their high school stories.

How has music shaped you as a person?

Cassie Lopes – “Music was always there for me when I needed anything. I love to play and listen when I’m sad and it’s a wonderful coping mechanism. … Something great that came from band was my confidence. Performing on an instrument like the horn is so difficult, and as I started to get good and performed well, my confidence in other areas definitely also improved.”

Emily Dillon – “Music has had the biggest impact out of everything in my life. So much so that I’ve decided to pursue it as a career. It’s given me so many opportunities that have helped me become a better leader, musician, and person. I loved playing with my friends and making new ones along the way.”

Bree Cole – “Music has shaped me as a person by giving me the confidence to believe in myself. Although sometimes things were hard or pieces seemed difficult, I was able to persevere and try harder.”

How will music be part of your future?

Cassie – “In college I plan to be in the pep band and the concert band at my school. …. I enjoy the marching/stands side of things as well as the more classical side of things and I want to be able to continue to have both as part of my life.”

Emily – “Music will be a big part of my college experience since I will be majoring in trumpet performance. I’m so excited to see what type of opportunities I will have over the next years.” 

Bree – “In college, I hope to join the Pep Band (and potential future matching band) as well as be in dance companies and ensembles.”

What does playing the traditional ‘Homeward Bound’ mean to you?

Cassie – “I’ve been thinking back to everything I’ve done over the past four years with band, and I have loved it. I’m going to miss the safety of that room but with ‘Homeward Bound,’ I know I can always return and be welcomed with open arms. The song means I need to go on to do something bigger and I always have space in the band room to come back to visit.” 

Emily – “It reminds me that even though I’m moving on to a new chapter in my life, I will still always have this to come back to.” 

Bree – “Playing ‘Homeward Bound’ for the last time and as a senior is emotional but exciting. It is playing with my amazing band family for the last time. It means the end of this chapter and the start of my new life.”

What advice would you give the Class of 2024?

Cassie –  “Enjoy every minute of your senior year. It goes by so fast and so much happens, but every moment you spend in that band room or on the stage or on the field, you are creating a memory that will last forever.”

Bree – “Have fun and don’t stress! You will enjoy your senior year as long as you do things that make you happy!”

Emily – “Don’t take anything for granted. You’ll miss the small moments. And take pictures your senior year! It’s always fun to look back on memories and remember the fun times you had.”

* * * 

From the Friday Night Lights of autumn to Concert Blacks, the Pride of Hanover is ready for the future. For those who have to say goodbye, there is one important lesson to keep in mind: no matter what, forever and ever true, You Will Never Walk Alone.

By The Hawk staff

Time flies. Try new things. Don’t be afraid of change. Avoid the school bathrooms. These are some of the words of advice from seniors who replied to The Hawk survey. 

Some thought back to their freshman year and what they could have done differently. 

“Definitely try as hard as you can freshman year and then just try to hold onto that,” said David Quinlan. “Freshman year is the easiest, so take advantage of the grade boost.”

Dennis Sacco agreed. “Every year counts so don’t take any lightly. It could greatly affect your future plans.”

Devin Benjamin would have taken more honors classes in ninth grade. “I did not know how big of an impact it would have on my GPA,” she said.

More important than what classes you take is figuring out how you learn best, advised Danny Tawa. “When you discover how [you learn], it can serve you throughout the rest of your life and benefit you tremendously,” he said. “The school work is only the means by which this new understanding is found.”

Developing good study skills will help with every class, said Liam Monahan. “Put in the effort … it will pay off.” 

While academics are important, it’s critical to find some balance so you’re not overwhelmed, many seniors said. 

“Push yourself to work hard, but definitely set limits,” said Teddy McCrann. “I wish I had known that getting a good night’s sleep and just taking a break from work is more important than turning in an assignment, because your teachers are very understanding.”

“Put some pressure on yourself to be the best you can,” echoed Sophie Rathgeber, “but also don’t prevent yourself from having fun in the process.”

“Don’t think high school is all work and no play,” Pat Jones agreed. “You are put in the best environment to make the best memories.”

“Find friends who are there to help you through the difficult years,” said Evelyn Hallaren.

A big part of high school is making discoveries about yourself. The best way to do that, seniors said, is to expand your comfort zone and keep an open mind.

“High school is a place for you to grow, so experiment with what high school has to offer. Try new things,” said Jake Faghan.

“Become involved in the things you love to do simply for the sake of your own joy in those activities,” suggested Mike DeMayo, senior class president.

“Be open to talking to a variety of people,” said Morgan Ceurvels, “because you’ll never know who you’ll become friends with.”

Change can be scary, said Ava Sullivan, but “everything will always work out and you should embrace change with open arms, even if it seems negative.”

Other students advised underclassmen to be true to themselves, do their homework, and try not to overthink everything.

As for the bathrooms, several seniors used their parting words to warn against vaping, congregating or just generally causing mayhem in some of the most-used spaces in the school.

“I would tell younger students to not hang out in the bathrooms,” said Henry Gorbey.

Jay LaFreniere agreed … “unless you want to meet Dean Hannigan.”

Just a snapshot of some of the great moments with the graduating class.

Photos courtesy of Mr. Ryerson, Hanover Public Schools and the Hanover community