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

By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

As the school year comes to an end, the Class of 2023 is preparing for the future. After four years of bells, cafeteria lunches, and spirit weeks, seniors are looking forward to the next phase of their lives. 

Many seniors who replied to The Hawk survey plan to pursue majors in business. For marketing, Liam Joy will head to Endicott College; Bobby Delkouras, Noah Andrade and Daniel Tawa will study at Bentley University; and Luke Segalla will go to Westfield State. Aria Arabia will attend the Fashion Institute of Technology for fashion business management. Brian Bellerby, Holly Rossi, Maddie Poirier and Shane Coleman plan to major in business at UMass Amherst, while Alexa Rowe will head to Clemson, Max Aiello to the University of New Hampshire and Ethan Nosek to Merrimack. Jay Champagne will attend UMass Boston to explore the field, along with Owen Carolan, who will have a sports management concentration. Jake Peterson will study business and play basketball at Babson University, while Joe Curran will head to Union College for economics and football. 

Noah Hofeman plans to pursue outdoor recreation business administration at the University of Maine-Farmington, while Ned McCann explores entrepreneurship at Siena. Colin DiTullio, Jack Douglas and David Quinlan are attending Bryant University for finance. Other finance majors include Charlie Carroll at the University of Maryland and Gabby Guy at UMass Amherst. Marketing majors include Amanda Tannuzzo at Flagler College, Ava Sullivan at Emmanuel College (with a minor in sociology), Devin Benjamin at UMass Amherst, Mary Elliott at Providence College and Merri DeCoste at Fairfield University. Matt Connerty will study finance and play football at Salve Regina. Sam Burke will study economics at Boston College, while Teddy McCrann will pursue economics and history at Villanova. Emma Hammett will attend Baylor for human resources management.

Several HHS grads will be entering the military. Liam Monahan will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, while John Ryan will join the Coast Guard and Jackson Snyder will head to the Navy. Others will head into the workforce, including Jay LaFreniere, Brodie Carroll and Henry Gorbey, who hope to become electricians, and Cam Barron, who plans to work in construction.

Many students will head to college for cience. Biology majors include Ava Toglia at Fairfield University, Caleb Lawrence at UConn, Colin Kilgoar at Boston College and Jack Sullivan at the College of Charleston. Sophia Marshall-Pelayo will be pre-med at the University of Alabama. Cassie Lopes will study chemistry at the University of Vermont and Kathryn Shields will study environmental and sustainability studies and chemistry at Northeastern. Ben Hickey will attend Bryant for biology and business while also playing football. Going pre-vet will be Jillian Fuller at UConn and Sophie Rathgeber at Rutgers. MaryKate Vermette will attend Coastal Carolina for marine science, while Meghan DeRice studies coastal environ- mental science at Flagler College.

Michael DeMayo will study math, physics, or engineering at Dartmouth College. Michael is among several HHS students who plan to enter fields of engineering. Ryan Freedman will attend the University of Central Florida to study mechanical engineering, as will AJ Leone at the University of Kentucky. Jimmy Godin is heading to the University of Rhode Island to explore the field.

Future nurses include Mary Carven, Rachel Reynolds and Sarah Long, who will head to Sacred Heart University; Ben Lines at Merrimack College; Lexi Rondeau at Quinnipiac; and Abbey Kinzel at Bridgewater State. Gianna Puzzangara will attend Quinnipiac for radiological sciences. Ashley Little will study exercise science at Salisbury University, while Mia Pongratz will pursue it – and soccer – at Virginia Commonwealth University. Health Sciences majors include Hayley Cabral at Providence and Peyton Noonan at Quinnipiac. Pat Jones will pursue a surgical tech program.

Several graduates plan to study psychology, including Abby Armstrong at Ole Miss, Brendan O’Neill at Quinnipiac, Annie Straut at Providence, Annika Corrick at Boston University, and Jake Faghan at UMass Amherst. Cullen Burke is heading to Fairfield University, where he also will play rugby.

Computer science is another popular major among HHS grads, with Caitlyn Jordan heading to Syracuse University, Alex Wood to Stonehill, Dan Nguyen to Carnegie Mellon, Gavin Swenson to Miami University, Joe Clasby to University of South Florida, and Joe Montoya to Wentworth.

Some students will explore their more creative sides. Hayden Daley will attend New York University, majoring in liberal studies and English. Harrison Brewster will attend Bridgewater State to study art and art history. Gina Mignosa will study fashion at Fordham. For film and video, Harper Seelye is going to Hampshire College while Makenzie Conward will head to MassArt. Emily Dillon will attend the Boston Conservatory at Berklee for trumpet performance. 

A few students said they hoped to become teachers. Anna Mahoney will attend Westfield State for elementary education. Erin Shea will major in theater education at New York University, and Bree Cole will attend Stonehill College with a double major of secondary education and English.

Kaya Bianculli is going to Cardiff Metropolitan University in Cardiff, Wales, for media and communications. Other communication majors include Ellasyn Murphy at Clemson and Maeve Sullivan at Coastal Carolina. Morgan Ceurvels will study communication disorders at Sacred Heart.

Ryan Jones will study aviation flight technologies at Bowling Green University. To study criminal justice, Kylie Handrahan will head to Providence College and Seth Willoughby will go to UMass Dartmouth. Matt Arancio will attend the University of New Hampshire for homeland security. Sarah MacDonald will be politics/pre-law at Bryant.

Several seniors who replied to our survey are still undecided about what to pursue. It’s a good reminder that these years are a time of exploration. Whatever their plans, we wish all of the best for the Class of 2023.

Note: Due to our press deadline, this is not a complete list of seniors plans

By Abbey Kinzel, ’23

Staff Writer

As a senior, I have made some of my best memories during my years at HHS. Some are the most insanely funny things I’ve ever done or heard of in my life. If you asked me for one of the highlights, I would say taking part in this year’s Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild Drama Fest and making it to the semifinals. Members of the Class of 2023 who replied to The Hawk survey shared their favorite classes, teachers, milestones and moments from the last four years. Some were amazing achievements, while others were the joyful but ordinary days with friends. One thing they all had in common: these memories won’t soon be forgotten.

“Sophomore year Mr. Perry’s class” – Annika Corrick

“Our playoff football game vs Walpole in fall 2022” – Ben Hickey

“The Friday Night Lights, senior activities, Senior Sunrise, and hanging out with my friends” – Bree Cole

“All of my time involved in the music department” –  Cassie Lopes

“The people I met throughout the years” – Emma Anctil

“Fun Fridays with Ms. Mathisen” – Jay Champagne

“Being on the field hockey team” – MaryKate Vermette

“Spirit Week and the pep rallies” – Morgan Ceurvels

“Getting caught sleeping in Mr. Picardi’s zoom sophomore year” – Pat Jones

“Puzzling and Cedar St. Cafe in the library” – Sophie Rathgeber

“Senior year Italy trip run by Mr. Perry” – Teddy McCrann

“Lacrosse” – Matt Connerty

“Spamalot the Musical junior year” – Kaya Bianculli

“Winning the state championship in hockey last year” – Liam Monahan

“Hanging out in the morning with my friends” – Evelyn Hallaren 

“The marine science class’ trip to the aquarium” – Harper Seelye

“Being on the basketball team and getting an ‘and-one’ on senior night” – Danny Tawa  

“The 2022 boys hockey championship at TD Garden” – Joe Clasby

“Winning states in soccer” – anonymous

“First period study senior year – we had munchkins and got no work done” – Sarah MacDonald

“Junior Year rugby” – Seth Willoughby

“Mask breaks” – Luke Segalla

“Mr. Turocy’s stories and Mr. Molloy’s BAM” – Ethan Nosek

“Every time I got the giggles when we were supposed to be quiet” – David Quinlan

“Being part of chorus” – Amanda Tannuzzo

“Lax team my junior year” – Henry Gorbey

“Getting the silly goofies with the lads in school” – Dennis Sacco

“Going to the TD Garden for boys hockey” – Devin Benjamin

“Mask breaks, especially in the spring after AP exam season” – Jake Faghan

“Prom!” – Kathryn Shields

“Spirit Week and the Pep Rally” – Mike DeMayo