Tag Archives: 2025-2026

News

Debate Team Shows its Resolve

March 27, 2026 sfrattasio27 1 Comment

By Samuel Frattasio ’27

News Editor

Another debate season is in the books! The Hanover High School team made great individual progress and improved dramatically this year. Sure, our competitive spirit makes us want to beat our opponent in each match, and two of our debaters finished at the top of the league. However, standings and sheer results don’t tell the whole story of our growth as a team. The continuous development of each person’s skills, confidence and general understanding of how to prepare for each match progressed week after week.

It’s amazing to think about my freshman year, when the club was just a couple of seasons old and the group was still learning the basics of cross-examination and rebuttal. Five years after its founding, the program has become a well developed, accomplished and competitive machine. During the season, debates progressively strengthen in structure. As a result, we have to constantly enhance our ability to think on our feet in an effort to become more effective speakers. It’s gratifying to watch everyone’s success knowing how hard each teammate has worked and the effort put in to getting better.

People outside the world of debate may be unaware of how exactly the competition works. As one of 15 schools in the Southeastern Massachusetts Debate League, Hanover takes part in five meets each year. Each meet has two rounds, and debaters are paired up with students of similar abilities in Novice or Varsity divsions. Debaters are given a topic to resolve, with this year’s focusing on government funding of research and development in the Arctic. Two-person teams are designated as “affirmative” or “negative;” affirmatives write an argument and find data to back up their points, and negatives conduct research to anticipate and disprove those arguments. At each debate, an affirmative from one school faces a negative from another, and they engage in a series of arguments and rebuttals in front of a judge. The team that best delivers their case, based on several criteria, wins the debate. Debaters can earn individual speaker points for persuasiveness, organization, charisma and style. From one meet to the next, debaters strive to increase their knowledge and improve their performances.

This season, in particular, showcased our team’s progress through several impressive accomplishments. Seniors Abbey Corbo and Alana Cole competed in the league Finals, finishing in first place in the varsity division. Their accomplishments secured the 2026 debate league championship title for Hanover. I placed third in the league standing for the “negative” varsity speaker points, while freshmen Samantha Kwan and Avery Welch both had outstanding seasons.

Strong personal performances and consistency as a team throughout the season positions us well for next year! These achievements reflect not only individual talent but also our collective strength. As Mrs. Gately, advisor of the Debate Team, reflected on the season, she said she was proud of the team’s accomplishments and the way students worked hard to improve their arguments and debating skills. She also thanked seniors Cole, Corbo, Bradlee Dowling, Liam Anderson and Aine Scanlan for serving as talented debaters, leaders, and mentors to the novice members.

With each season, the debate program continues to build on its success, setting an even higher standard for the years to come. If interested in joining the team next year, when the resolve will focus on government-funded universal health care, please see Mrs. Gately in the World Languages wing.

Alana Cole and Abbey Corbo on their way to first place in the league championship.

Opinion

What Constitutes Literary Merit?

March 27, 2026 soliver27d212e08a11 Leave a comment

By Siena Oliver, ’27

Opinions Editor

With exams on the horizon, many AP Literature and Composition students struggle to define ‘literary merit.’

The AP Lit test has several components: a multiple choice section, two essays analyzing a given excerpt of text, and a final essay where students are allowed to choose a work of ‘literary merit’ to analyze based on a given prompt. It is this last essay which often sparks debate on which literary works ‘have merit,’ what that means and who gets to decide.

The College Board, the company which creates and administers AP exams, never directly defines ‘literary merit.’ The AP Lit syllabus encourages teachers to “select works of literary merit culled from a variety of genres and periods from the late 16th century to the present” as material for their classes, and emphasizes that students “get to know several works of literary merit in depth.” Because of the lack of formal definition for the term, teachers and students are forced to speculate and come up with their own standards.

There are some books which are immediately discarded as not having ‘literary merit,’ like many children’s or young adult novels, simply due to the fact that they are written for younger audiences. The basic standard seems to be that if a book is not at a college reading level, it does not have sufficient ‘literary merit’ to be used on the AP exam. Contradictory to this idea, however, is the fact that Alice in Wonderland, a children’s literature classic, has appeared on the official College Board list of recommended books for AP Literature in past years.

Additionally, despite the fact that many books which apparently have ‘literary merit’ were written long ago, the age of a book is not a strictly defining factor. The College Board list of recommended books has novels written in the 1800s, but also works published as recently as 2016.

One example of a book that is not considered suitable for use on the AP Lit exam is Harry Potter, an extremely popular children’s/young adult book series that holds personal importance for many readers. These books, although lauded for their rich world-building, complex themes and character development, are not considered to have ‘literary merit.’ Critics say the writing is not sophisticated and relies on well-worn tropes such as the battle of good versus evil. Others say its commercial success, seven books followed by a wildly popular movie franchise, mean it cannot be taken seriously as ‘literature.’

So, without an official definition, how can someone determine a work’s ‘literary merit’? In terms of every day life, ‘literary merit’ can refer to a host of qualities about a work of literature, but mainly is qualified by a work’s ability to meaningfully impact readers and remain relevant over time. In contrast, for English scholars, and students taking the AP Lit exam, the best practice is to assume that a work of ‘literary merit’ is one that is complex enough to support in-depth analysis, has layered themed, nuanced characters, and uses advanced literary elements and techniques throughout.

Sports

Controversy Can’t Dull Shine of Historic Hockey Wins

March 27, 2026 edavis272a2a6f2971 Leave a comment

By Emily Davis, ’27

Entertainment Editor

In a moment that will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in American hockey history, both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams captured gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating rival Canada in dramatic overtime victories. The dual triumph marked the first time the United States has swept both Olympic hockey tournaments in the same games – a feat that underscores the nation’s rising dominance on the ice.

For the U.S. men’s team, the victory carried historic weight. Their gold medal was the program’s first since the legendary Miracle on Ice, ending a 46-year drought in Olympic play. Meanwhile, the women’s team delivered a powerful statement of consistency and excellence, securing another gold medal in a rivalry that has defined Olympic Women’s hockey for decades.

The celebration, however, was briefly clouded by political controversy involving President Donald Trump. Following the men’s victory, Trump congratulated the team and invited them to the upcoming State of the Union address, joking that he would “have to” invite the women’s team as well or risk impeachment. Some players laughed during the exchange, sparking backlash from fans and athletes who felt that the comment diminished the women’s achievement.

Women’s team captain Hilary Knight described the remark as “distasteful,” emphasizing that the focus should remain on the historic accomplishments of both teams. Some members of the men’s team apologized, while others dismissed the issue by arguing that politics shouldn’t be injected into sports. The men’s team attended the State of the Union, but the women’s team declined the invitation. Captains of both teams appeared on the show Saturday Night Live to reiterate their mutual respect and unity, stressing that the shared gold medals–not controversy–defined the games.

While the men’s victory was historic, it is the sustained success of the U.S. women’s program that has long set the standard for American hockey. Since women’s hockey was introduced to the Olympics in 1998, the United Sates and Canada have dominated the sport, with Team USA consistently competing for gold and producing some of the most iconic moments in Olympic history. From their breakthrough gold in the Olympics 1998, and now another championship in 2026, the women’s team has built a legacy defined by resilience, skill, and leadership. The women’s team has won three gold, four silver and one bronze medal since 1998.

In the end, the story of the 2026 Olympic Hockey tournament is not one of controversy, but one of unity and achievement.

Two teams. Two gold medals. One defining moment for American hockey.

As the players left the ice in Milano-Cortina, Italy, they carried more than medals – they carried a legacy that reflects both the breakthrough of the men’s team and the enduring excellence of the women’s program.

And together, they made history.

News

Earth Day: The World’s Largest Environmental Movement

March 27, 2026 gdeluca27 Leave a comment

By Gabriella DeLuca, ’27

Staff Writer

On April 22nd, our country will celebrate the 56th anniversary of the world’s largest environmental movement: Earth Day. On this day, billions of people across the globe come together to honor the planet we call home. From attending protests to planting trees, and even contacting elected officials about environmental policies, this movement has inspired many to take action and promote environmental protection. Yet, how did this celebration begin? And how can the public support the environment and show appreciation to planet Earth?

The History of Earth Day

In the decades leading up to the first Earth Day in 1970, our environment was in a devastating state. In urban cities across the country, pollution from automobiles and factories filled the air with smoke, raw sewage and oil spills flowed down the streets, and pesticides threatened to end the life of Earth’s most beautiful creatures. Deforestation reached unprecedented levels, and dangerous toxins turned the once fresh and pure air into a dark, suffocating smog. Our planet faced a grim future.

Chicago in the mid 1900s on the brink of environmental disaster.

Despite these ecological tragedies, many individuals were largely unaware and detached from the environmental issue. Far too consumed by materialism and a desire for wealth, the majority of Americans became largely oblivious to the devastating impact their industrial endeavors were having on the planet. However, a few brave and dedicated individuals who recognized the need for action spoke out and inspired a movement for environmental change.

The Environmental Pioneers

As industrialization in the United States accelerated in the mid-20th century, so did the use of chemicals and pesticides due to their ability to boost agricultural production. However, with this practice came a devastating cost to the Earth and its living creatures. This threat of environmental disaster inspired marine biologist and nature writer Rachel Carson to write her world-renowned book, Silent Spring, which exposed the dangers that pesticide use, specifically DDT, posed for the Earth and all its creatures. Silent Spring, published in 1962, emphasized the need to protect the natural world, arguing that instead of industrial pursuits and economic success, “the real wealth of the Nation lies … in the resources of the Earth: soil, water, forests, minerals and wildlife.” Her scientific work, which sold over 500,000 copies in more than 20 different countries, is widely regarded as the first foundational act of modern environmental activism, and is credited with galvanizing the conservation movement in the United States.

Largely influenced by Carson’s Silent Spring and the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was propelled to address the environmental crisis. Witnessing how both the public and the federal government were failing to address the environmental issue, Nelson organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. Nelson recruited Denis Hayes, a prominent American environmentalist, to coordinate the nation’s very first Earth Day in 1970. In order to maximize student participation in the movement, Hayes chose to hold the event on April 22nd, which fell between Spring Break and final exams. The first Earth Day inspired over 20 million people throughout the country to protest against the impact of industrial development and the government’s failure to address the present environmental destruction. This national demonstration resulted in unprecedented success, leading to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as legal mechanisms to protect the environment, such as the National Environmental Education Act and Clean Air Act. In addition, and due in large part to Carson’s profound influence, the usage of DDT was banned. Earth Day continued to grow and became a global holiday in 1990.

How The Times Covered the First Earth Day, 50 Years Ago - The New York Times — Over 100,000 people marched in New York City on the first Earth Day in 1970, making it the largest U.S. gathering that year.

Continuing the Legacy

We only get one Earth, one planet to support life today and for centuries to come, which is why it is vital that we protect it. Despite the remarkable success of environmental pioneers such as Rachel Carson and Gaylord Nelson, many activists argue there is still more work to be done to continue to honor the legacy created for us.

Today, global warming is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. With the increased emission of fossil fuels into the atmosphere, the future of our Earth is at stake. According to deputy executive secretary and climatologist Ko Barret, “Between 2015 and 2025, we experienced the hottest 11 years on record.” This rapid increase in global temperatures is only expected to increase in the years ahead, posing a significant threat to life and Earth’s biodiversity. This has caused activists around the world to urge the community to take action in order to reverse the effects of global warming and save our planet Earth. Below are some of the most effective ways of getting involved in our modern environmental movement.

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

The “Three Rs” refers to the foundational principle of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This principle is crucial to protecting the Earth and is one of the easiest ways to take care of our planet. The first part of this principle is reducing the amount of material we use. Some of the simplest ways to do this include buying household goods in bulk to reduce the amount of plastic packaging used and choosing digital alternatives over paper options. By reducing the amount of material we consume, we significantly reduce the amount of waste that needs to be recycled and sent to landfills. The second step in this principle is reusing materials and products. This means opting for reusable alternatives over single-use options, such as using reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags. This actively conserves precious natural resources and protects wildlife habitats that are being threatened by the increased use of consumer goods. The last, and probably the most important part of this principle, is recycling. Recyclable materials include, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard, and glass containers. Recycling these discarded materials significantly limits the amount of waste produced, and thus helps to conserve Earth’s resources.

Plant a Garden

Considering how much we take from the natural world, planting a garden allows us to add something to it, and support the planet’s biodiversity. The addition of plants, flowers, and fruits to the natural environment significantly improves air quality, which is being increasingly threatened by global warming. Since plants take in carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, this reduces the carbon in the atmosphere and helps to mitigate global warming. The leaves of trees and plants also help to remove harmful dust particles from the air, which can be detrimental to Earth’s living creatures. Additionally, planting a garden helps to reduce runoff and conserve water, which limits harmful chemicals from entering bodies of water that are dangerous to wildlife. This also benefits the soil by adding moisture and nutrients to enhance its overall health and value. Planting a garden with plenty of fruits and nutrients helps support pollinators and other creatures, such as birds, bees, and butterflies, who rely on fresh vegetation to live.

Conserve the Earth’s Water Supply

Did you know that only about 3 percent of the earth’s water is fresh water? And that only about 0.5 percent of that fresh water is available due to a large majority being locked in glaciers and ice caps or highly polluted? As the population on Earth continues to increase, we need to be aware of the importance of conserving our planet’s water supply before it is too late.

In today’s society, with the rising usage of artificial intelligence, our water supply is facing a new threat. This is due to the fact that the data centers that control large AI models require significant amounts of power to run the advanced form of technology. In turn, this immense power causes the emission of large amounts of heat, which requires vast cooling systems to counteract the heating process. These cooling systems often rely on an abundant supply of freshwater, which threatens our environment’s water supply, which is already low.

Other than limiting AI usage, other great ways to conserve water include, turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shortening the length of your showers, and running the dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded. In addition, it is important to dump leftover ice from your drinks in the sink, rather than in the trash. This habit saves water by allowing it to re-enter the water supply and not be lost in the garbage.

Support Your Local Farmers Market

Another simple yet effective way to support the environment is by shopping at your local farmers market. Purchasing locally grown produce allows farmers to continue practicing sustainable agriculture, which is healthier for the environment than conventional farming. This is due to the fact that large-scale producers typically use an abundance of pesticides and chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Also, products sold at local farmers markets travel shorter distances compared to imported goods, and thus release less transportation- related pollution.

The Hanover Farmers Market in our hometown opens for its 6th season in May of this year. The market will be open from 10:30am – 1:30pm on the third Sunday of each month from May to October. This year, organizers are planning to hold this event on the green at Hanover Crossing. To learn more about our local farmers market click the link.

Join Environmental Clubs

If you are interested in more ways to help the environment, you should consider joining an environmental club. Our school offers Dirty Works Club, Eco-Club, and Green Team, which all make a positive impact on our community!

Supporting the environment can make a difference in our own lives and for generations to come. Considering all the amazing things our planet does for us, every day should be Earth Day!

Works Cited

“The History of Earth Day.” Earth Day, 2024, http://www.earthday.org/history/.

United Nations. “Actions for a Healthy Planet.” United Nations, United Nations, http://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions.

United States Geological Survey. “The Distribution of Water On, In, and above the Earth.” Usgs.gov, 25 Oct. 2019, http://www.usgs.gov/media/images/distribution-water-and-above-earth.

US EPA. “EPA History: Earth Day | US EPA.” US EPA, 14 Mar. 2019, http://www.epa.gov/history/epa-history-earth-day.

Zewe, Adam. “Explained: Generative AI’s Environmental Impact.” MIT News, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 17 Jan. 2025, news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117.

Senior Spotlight

Senior Spotlight Highlights Members of the Class of ’26

March 27, 2026 slamond26 1 Comment

By Bradlee Dowling & Sienna Lamond, ’26

Co-editor in Chief and Staff Writer

This year, The Hawk has profiled some of the truly special students in the Class of 2026. Each issue, we’ve asked several seniors about their Hanover High School experience to get to know a little bit more about them before they head off into the world. The chosen seniors showcase excellence, whether as a team captain, award winner, club leader, or academic achiever. Read our previous profiles at Senior Spotlight.

Brianna Adams

Brianna Adams moved to Hanover from Randolph when she was just 2 years old! Since then, she’s been attending Hanover Public Schools. In elementary school, she started playing soccer, and she continued through her senior season of high school. She shares, “Through my involvement in soccer, I made a lot of new friends that I am still close with, even though the season is over.”

In high school, Brianna started doing HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). She is currently the volunteer coordinator for the club. She explains, “My role is to facilitate and carry out any service projects proposed by members of the group.” This is the club’s first year competing in the Massachusetts HOSA Leadership Conference, where Brianna will participate in a Behavioral Health event individually and a Health Education event with her team of two other members. “For Health Education, we are creating a lesson about food allergies to provide information and raise awareness about them. We then get to teach this lesson to a local Girl Scout Troop and submit our experiences to be considered for the HOSA International Leadership Conference,” she elaborates. In 2014, Brianna started Taekwondo and became a second-degree black belt before taking a break sophomore year. “I really enjoyed Taekwondo,” she explains, “because it made me feel confident and gave me a sense of discipline.” She misses the friends she made, “but we all meet up at Sweet Frog and hang out sometimes,” she says.

In high school, Brianna has been an exceptional student. She has always loved history and social science classes, so her favorite classes have been AP World History with Mr. Brown, AP U.S. History with Mr. Perry, and AP Psychology with Mrs. McCusker. She has genuinely enjoyed learning the course content in each of these classes and simply learning about historically and scientifically significant events. However, her favorite teacher has always been Mrs. Gately, “for her constant support and positivity both in class and the clubs she advises: Unified Sports and Friendship Connection.”

Brianna’s favorite high school activity has been Vox, the school’s select choral ensemble. “I have found some of my best friends in Vox, and the community is unmatched in its constant support.” Not only has Brianna been a dedicated member of Vox for the past two years, but she is now also the Vice President of the group. As Vice President, she assumes the responsibility of maintaining this special community and ensuring that the same energy is passed on to next year’s members. “It is truly something that has changed my high school experience for the better.” Vox is known for singing the national anthem at high school football and basketball games, and this has been one of her favorite activities within the choir. “I’ve been given the responsibility of handling the new ‘boom mic’ when we sing, and I take my job very seriously,” she adds.

After graduating, Brianna plans to study neuroscience. She isn’t exactly sure which path she will take with this degree, but she knows for certain that she wants to work in health care. “My decision to study neuroscience was motivated by my close relationship with the neurodivergent students that I have become great friends with through Unified Sports and Friendship Connection,” she shares. “In my chosen field, I hope to work with children who face similar conditions and help them live their lives to the fullest despite their differences.”

One accomplishment Brianna has felt proud of during her high school pursuits has been her success in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). As a junior, the first year our school DECA chapter competed in the district conference, she and her partner went in completely blind to what this academic competition was truly like, but they ended up leaving with a clean sweep of the Marketing and Management Team Decision Making category. In her senior year, she and her partner competed in the same category again, scoring second place and earning the opportunity to compete at the state conference in March. At states, they finished fifth and qualified for the national competition, held in Atlanta in late April. “I am proud of my partner’s and my victory in something we were both not initially very experienced in.”

Outside of school, people may not know that Brianna is a preschool teacher at her church as well as the President of her church’s teen group. “I have been teaching since the beginning of my junior year, and I absolutely love it. Since I teach preschoolers, the class curriculum consists of a new craft every week and a small lesson about the Orthodox Christian faith,” she explains, “but the craft is really what the students look forward to.” Although the kids she teaches are 2-4 years old, she has formed personal relationships with each of them, sits with them during church, and enjoys walks to the church classroom together.

Her favorite year of high school was easily junior year. Despite finding it difficult to prepare to apply to college while simultaneously finishing the school year with good grades, the year as a whole overflowed with fun memories and enjoyable classes. “My teachers and two best friends, who were in all my classes, are really what made junior year my favorite.” If given the chance to do high school over again, she has a few things she would do differently. Academically, a couple classes she wishes she could’ve taken are Anatomy and AP Calculus. She also wishes she had taken freshman year a bit more seriously, knowing how it sets up the rest of one’s high school career. “However,” she says, “the main thing I would do differently would be to not take high school for granted. The seniors who told me these four years would fly by freshman year really were not kidding. These have been the fastest but some of the best years of my life, and I wish I had truly stopped and appreciated every moment.”

One lesson Brianna puts above all else is, “enjoy the little things and not take any moment for granted.” She has learned how important it is to be present in every moment. Her time left at HHS is limited, and she intends to spend every last moment well.

Heather McGinnis

Heather McGinnis moved to the town and came to Hanover Public Schools in 2013. She started first grade at Cedar Elementary School. When she was younger, she played all kinds of sports like softball, basketball, wrestling, golf, hockey, and soccer. Today, she still plays hockey and softball, and these are very special to her. She believes she is a very competitive person and loves meeting new people, and playing on these teams has allowed her to do both. Whether she was in elementary, middle, or high school, Heather has always kept a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She strongly believes in the importance of positivity, and cherishes her ability to choose it whenever she can.

Upon entering high school, Heather learned the importance of being open to trying things she had never tried before, “hanging out with new people, going to a different sporting event, or spending more time focusing on schoolwork,” she says. Being able to be more social and explore the waters outside of her comfort zone has allowed her to make some of her closest friends who she previously never imagined she’d be friends with. “Being a part of clubs and activities has allowed me to better my communication skills and do more for my community,” she says.

In elementary and middle school, Heather used to spend hours playing outside, bike riding, going on walks and hikes in the woods, and spending time with friends. Now, being so caught up with schoolwork and other activities and responsibilities, she finds it difficult to spend time outside like she used to.

Her favorite classes during high school have been Accounting and Art. For her, “Accounting has taught me many valuable lessons, how to manage money, file taxes, and budgeting, preparing me for adulthood.” On the other side of things, she says, “Art has allowed me to unlock my creative side I never thought I had and create something really special art.” Beyond these being her favorite classes, they just so happen to be with her favorite teachers. “Mr. File has been one of my favorite teachers as he is always so chill and such an encouraging teacher.” Heather expresses that he always sees the best in everyone’s art abilities and has compassion for all of his students. “Mrs. P has also been one of my favorite teachers as she has supported me throughout my four years and has been someone I can always talk to. She is extremely hard working and cares for all her students deeply,” Heather explains.

In high school, Heather’s favorite activity has been playing sports. She has built close friendships through the hockey and softball teams and she always has a good time playing. She also loves attending games: “I love the sports atmosphere and its competitive nature.” After high school, Heather plans to attend college and major in engineering. During her time at HHS, she loved her engineering classes and learned that this area of study excites her most. Some accomplishments she has felt most proud of are being named captain for both softball and hockey, “as well as being named unsung hero for my hockey team,” she adds. She puts so much hard work into her athletics, so being recognized means a lot to her.

Outside of school, she volunteers in the summer helping teach street hockey to kids. “I love the sport and it brings me joy working with kids,” she says. She also has discovered golf and pickleball as fun and interesting activities outside of the classroom.

Her favorite year of high school was freshman year: “it was full of meeting new people and exploring a new school.” She recalls everything being a little scary and intimidating, but with the promise of everything to come, she thinks of that year fondly. She also loves her time so far as a senior, “as I know everything and can be more confident,” she answers. Heather admits that if she could do high school over again, there isn’t much she would do differently. “I’m glad with all the experiences I’ve been through,” she explains. If she had to do anything differently, she would wish she had more confidence going into high school, “to be more successful in my classes and have the reassurance that everything was going to be okay.” Her one lesson to take away? “Be yourself and always have a positive attitude.”

Entertainment

Im Cabaret, Au Cabaret, To Cabaret!

March 27, 2026 sbunar27 1 Comment

By Sophie Bunar, ’27

Staff Writer

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing The Company Theatre’s production of Cabaret. This iconic musical, which premiered on Broadway in November 1966, tells the story of American author Cliff Bradshaw, who visits a Berlin nightclub and falls for the vivacious English performer Sally Bowles. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Germany, the play also explores the lives of those around them—like Fraulein Schneider, a struggling landlady, and Herr Schultz, a Jewish man deeply in love with her. As fascism and the Nazi party rise, embodied chillingly by the deceptively charismatic Herr Ludwig, the characters’ lives unravel, forcing them apart. In the words of The Company Theatre, Cabaret is “a powerful music and dance-driven immersive experience that explores the intoxicating and turbulent life of Berlin under the emerging Third Reich.”

@Companytheatre on instagram — Haley Shaye as Sally Bowles

Throughout the performance, the audience is repeatedly drawn back to the Kit Kat Club, where Sally performs. Michael Tokar’s brilliant portrayal of the Emcee offers a darkly playful escape from the world’s troubles, inviting the audience to “Leave your troubles outside! So, life is disappointing? Forget it!”

Yet beneath the Emcee’s humor and innuendo lies a harsh reality. The first act bursts with love, laughter, and performative joy, but this façade shatters at Schultz and Schneider’s engagement party when Herr Ludwig reveals his Nazi allegiance. The haunting anthem “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” follows—a song crafted to mimic a traditional Nazi march. The brief intermission leaves the audience to grapple with this unsettling revelation before plunging them back into the seductive atmosphere of the Kit Kat Club.

The second act spirals into darkness. Schneider and Schultz’s engagement dissolves, and Cliff and Sally clash bitterly over politics. Ultimately, one line from Cliff lingered with me: when Sally dismisses the Nazi rise as “only politics” that doesn’t affect them, Cliff retorts, “Don’t you see? If you’re not against all this, you’re for it.” This confrontation ends their relationship, with Cliff leaving for Paris and Sally returning to the nightclub’s illusion. In her final number, Sally calls life “only a Cabaret”—a dazzling performance that distracts us from our harsh realities. Today, many remain too privileged to recognize that politics matter deeply and shape our lives. Ignoring them only traps us in the end.

In the end, Cabaret warns that immersing ourselves in distractions blinds us to the dangers unfolding around us. When reality finally crashes in, we risk being caught in a downward spiral toward ruin.

Entertainment

St. Patrick’s Day: Story Behind the Symbols

March 27, 2026 sweiner27 Leave a comment

By Sophia Weiner, ’27

Staff Writer

Every year around March 17, many people wear green, go to parades, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But do they know what the holiday is really about? St. Patrick’s Day honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is known for spreading Christianity throughout the country in the 5th century. Over time, and with the migration of the Irish to America, the holiday has grown into a mix of history, culture, and fun traditions. Many of the symbols we associate with St. Patrick’s Day – like leprechauns, shamrocks, and pots of gold – actually have deeper meanings connected to Irish culture and stories.

One of the most well-known symbols of St. Patrick’s Day is the leprechaun, a small and mischievous fairy from Irish folklore. Leprechauns are usually recognized as tiny, old, bearded men dressed in green who enjoy playing tricks on people. According to legend, they are shoemakers who hide their gold at the end of the rainbow. If someone is able to catch a leprechuan, the creature is supposed to grant three wishes in exchange for its freedom. Even though leprechuans are not directly connected to Saint Patrick himself, they became part of the holiday because they come from traditional Irish stories.

The idea of a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow also comes from Irish folklore. The legend says that leprechauns hide their gold in pots and keep it only at the end of the rainbow, which is nearly impossible to actually reach. This symbol of the pot of gold represents luck and the idea of chasing something valuable or magical, even if you may never reach it. Over time, the pot of gold became another fun and recognizable symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, even though it is more connected to folklore than the real history of Saint Patrick.

The shamrock is one of the most important symbols of St. Patrick’s Day because it connects directly to Saint Patrick. It is a small three leaf clover that, according to legend, Saint Patrick used to explain the idea of the Holy Trinity, which in Christian faith represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because of this, the shamrock became a symbol of Irish identity and religion. Today, people throughout the world wear shamrocks or the color green on St. Patrick’s Day to show pride in Irish culture and take part in the tradition.

Overall, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just wearing green and going to annual parades. While the holiday started as a way to honor Saint Patrick, it has grown to include Irish traditions, myths, and symbols that make the holiday more fun and exciting today for people around the world. Understanding where these symbols come from helps us see that St. Patrick’s Day is not just about luck or leprechauns, but also about history, culture, and how traditions can change over time.

Sports

Hawks Rack Up Titles, Smash Records in Winter Season

March 10, 2026 lcurran27 Leave a comment

By Luke Curran, ’27

Sports Editor

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This year, our Hanover High School winter sports teams outperformed expectations and made historic achievements. Both boys’ basketball and boys’ hockey played for state championships; hockey brought home the crown. In wrestling, junior Emma Leonido earned her second state title, became the school’s first All-State Champion, and finished fifth in New England; seniors Conlan Geary and Peter Clarke won state titles. In indoor track, senior Ben Willis and junior Altonio Royster set records, broke them, and improved them again. Several individual athletes also hit career milestones. For a wrap-up of every winter sports team, read on.

Boys hockey – The team continued its pattern of success, reaching the state finals for the 7th time in 12 years. With an impressive 16-2-2 regular season record, the Hawks earned the Patriot League Fisher Division title and captured the No. 1 seed in the Division 3 tournament. During the exciting season, senior captain Cam Melone scored his 100th career point. In the first Round of tournament play on February 26, the team easily defeated the 32 seed Easthampton 5-0. In the Round of 16 on February 28, they topped 17-seeded Lynnfield 6-1. In the Elite Eights on March 5, they won 4-3 over the 9th-seeded Essex Tech, with Melone netting a hat trick. In the Final Four on March 8, the Hawks beat 5th-seeded Shawsheen Valley Tech 3-1, scoring three unanswered goals in the third period, which punched their ticket to the state title game against the #3-seeded Medfield. On March 15, the Hawks beat Medfield in a 7-5 back-and-forth game, with two unanswered goals in the third period. The Hawks also won state titles in 2022 and 2016, and were celebrated as co-champions when the final was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID.

In addition to Melone, the team was led by captains Shane Mahoney and Henry Phillips, both seniors, and juniors Luke Munroe and Connor Hines. Several players won individual honors this season, highlighted by Melone’s selection as Patriot League MVP. Phillips, Munroe, junior Ryan Kisiel, and junior Shane Fanning were selected as League All-Stars. Mahoney received the League Sportsmanship Award, while senior Flynn Gardner was honored with the Boston Bruins–MIAA Sportsmanship Award. Brody Kiley was recognized as a League Scholar-Athlete.

Girls hockey – The team went 14-6-0 in the regular season and won the Patriot League Fisher Division Team Sportsmanship Award for the second straight year. They earned the 13th seed in the Division 2 tournament, capturing a 2-1 overtime win against No. 20 Walpole in the Round of 32. The season ended in the Round of 16 on March 2, with an 8-3 loss to the 4th-seeded Pembroke.

Senior Leah Toner won the individual League Sportsmanship Award, junior Kiki Carroll was named a League Scholar-Athlete, and league All-Stars were senior Vanessa Federico, junior Allie Condon, sophomore Liv McCormick, and sophomore Caitlin O’Neill. Federico also received the Boston Bruins-MIAA Sportsmanship Award. The team was captained by Toner, Federico, senior Heather McGinnis, and Condon.

Courtesy of Friends of Hanover Girls Hockey

Boys basketball – The team packed the gym many nights this winter in their longest tournament run since 2018. They went 19-1 on their way to earning the Patriot League Fisher Division title and top seed in the Division 3 tournament. Senior Captain Ryan Mutschler was named Patriot League MVP. In the Round of 32 on March 1, the team topped #33 Randolph 56-44 at home, and Mutschler scored his 1000th career point. The team hosted 17th-seeded Lynnfield in the Round of 16 on March 4, winning a nail-biter 70-60 and earning another home playoff game. In front of a roaring crowd in a sold-out gym on March 8, the Hawks beat the 8th-seeded Medfield 65-40 to advance to the Final Four. In the semifinal at Emmanuel College on March 10, they defeated #12 Greater Lawrence Tech 46-33 for a chance at the title game. Unfortunately, on March 15 in the title game against #2-seeded Salem, the Hawks fell short of the state title, losing 57-51 in a close, highly contested game.

In addition to Mutschler, seniors Sebastian Brown and Sam Light led the team as captains. Mutschler and Brown were named Patriot League All-Stars along with seniors Cole Madden and Brad Peterson. Light was named a League Scholar-Athlete.

Girls basketball – After going 12-8 on the season, the team was seeded 9th in the Division 3 tournament. Captained by Ava Jones and Haley Ray, both seniors, and junior Sawyer Bradford, the team defeated #41 Lynn Classical 60-26 at home in the Round of 32 on March 1. They then took on the 8th-seeded Pentucket in the Round of 16 on March 3, falling 51-30 to end the season.

The team’s hard work and strong spirit earned them the Patriot League Team Sportsmanship Award, while senior Shannon Murphy received an individual Sportsmanship Award. Bradford and junior Addie Monahan were named League All-Stars, and senior Hope Miller was recognized as a League Scholar-Athlete.

Wrestling – Led by senior captains Peter Clarke, Conlan Geary, and Matt Costello, it was a record-breaking and championship-filled winter. The team went 11-4 and finished second in the Patriot League Fisher Division. Clarke secured his 100th career victory on January 8, while Geary broke the school’s career wins record in December with his 115th victory, surpassing Anthony Mann’s mark of 112. At the Division 3 Sectionals, Geary and Clarke each claimed first in their weight classes, leading the team to a third-place finish out of 16 teams. The success carried into the D3 state meet, where Clarke and Geary were crowned state champions alongside junior Emma Leonido, who regained the title she won in 2024 after missing a year due to injury. All three advanced to All-States, where athletes compete in multiple rounds over two days with others from all divisions and school sizes. Leonido captured HHS’s first-ever All-State Championship; Geary placed second, and Clarke finished fifth. The three advanced to the New England Championships in Providence, R.I., March 6-9, where Leonido finished 5th in her weight class.

Swim & Dive – Both the boys’ and girls’ teams competed with Marshfield this season. The girls captured their third straight Patriot League title and followed it up with a first-place finish at the Patriot League Championship meet. At the league meets, junior McKenzie Gezotis placed first in the 200 medley relay, fourth in 200 freestyle, and first in the 400 freestyle relay. Senior captain Grace Gilligan finished first in one-meter diving, scoring 192. At the Division 1 South Sectional, freshman Anna Tocchio placed third in both the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke and swam on two relays that finished in the top eight, helping the team earn a 10th-place overall finish. The boys went 5-2 on the season, with senior captain Dean Gomes competing in the Division 1 South Sectional in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 medley relay, and 200 freestyle relay.

Gymnastics – Hanover competed this season with Duxbury, gaining three gymnasts and a coach. According to senior captain Natalie Frank, the team was one of the smallest in years, so “our main goal wasn’t to just win competitions, but to build connections with new teammates.” Athletes tried new skills and events throughout the season, cheering each other on regardless of meet scores. Frank was recognized as a Patriot League All-Star in beam, Patriot League Senior Gymnast, and a Patriot Ledger Scholar-Athlete. Fellow senior captain Morgan Curtis received the Patriot Ledger Sportsmanship Award.

Dance – Led by senior captains Alana Cole, Sophia Rowsell, and Addison Goitia, the team performed at halftime during home basketball games. Throughout the season, they perfected several routines and hosted a clinic for youth dancers. The competition squad placed fifth in the Pom division at the MSAA State Championships on February 28 with one of the highest scores in team history. A showcase performance at HHS on March 13 wraps up their season.

Indoor track – Check out the full article about this season, written by a member of the team: https://hhshawks.org/?p=13029

Sports

Indoor Track: A Season for the Record Books

March 10, 2026 John Owens Leave a comment

By John Owens, ’28

Staff writer

As they braved the cold and unforgiving winter season, members of the Indoor Track team surpassed personal goals and toppled school records. Track and field offers many opportunities for someone who looks to soar and succeed, someone who wishes to showcase their capabilities and make a difference in the sports world. This year was no different.

In comparison to last year, the team saw a major increase in athletes across all grades. Alongside the new arrivals, this season was the first without Coach Nee, whose dedication and impact on the team will always be remembered and appreciated. We welcomed Coach Molly Ferro for the girls team and, together with Coach Sullivan for the boys team, we had a phenomenal year.

Our first Patriot League meet back in December served as a benchmark for athletes to understand where they were starting from. Seasoned athletes once again found themselves back at the Reggie Louis Center, striving to beat PRs and earn points for the Hawks. Those new to the sport would find their main event that would showcase their abilities. The leadership of the team captains helped guide them through the first meet and throughout the season, providing ongoing encouragement and support.

At every meet, each member of the team showed up ready to give it their all. The unprecedented amount of snow this season prevented the team from practicing outside, forcing them to use the school hallways and stairwells as training grounds. But the Hawks persevered, remaining dedicated and determined to win.

That determination delivered a season full of record-setting performances. At the Patriot League Championships, junior Callie Delaney broke the school record in the 55 meters (7.60), while senior captain Ben Willis reset his own 600-meter record in 1:24.63 and added another record in the 300 meters. The 4×200-meter relay team of Willis, junior Altonio Royster, junior Cody Hofeman, and sophomore Lucas Almeida also set a new school mark. Willis now holds a hand in five school records, an impressive feat to achieve in any sport.

At the Division 4 Championships, Royster broke his own long jump record with a leap of 20 feet, 7 inches, and placed eighth, while also taking third in the high jump. Willis placed fourth in the 600 meters. At the Meet of Champions, Willis lowered his 600-meter record again to 1:24.03 to finish ninth overall, and Royster matched his personal best in the high jump, clearing 6 feet, 2 inches. Royster truly soared at the New England Track and Field Championships, clearing 6 feet, 3 inches in the high jump, a personal milestone that also ties the school record.

The boys’ team was captained by Willis and fellow seniors Joe Lynch, James McDermod, Matt Bell, and Leo Galvin. The girls’ team was led by senior captains Bella Ciccolo, Anna Egan, Emma Ryan, and Liz Winnie. These seniors will be remembered for their positive attitude, strong work ethic, dedication to the team, and encouragement of all underclassmen. While the winter season is over, many athletes are already looking ahead to the sunny days and tough workouts of spring sports.

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News

Students Win Awards for Music, Art, Public Speaking

March 10, 2026 The Hawk Leave a comment

By The Hawk Staff

Hanover High School students have earned recent accolades in the areas of music, art, and public speaking. Whether on the stage, in the studio or at the podium, these Hawks have shown that hard work, creativity, and passion can help you soar.

Vocal and Instrumental Music

After being postponed by the Blizzard of 2026, the HHS Jazz Ensemble finally got to perform at the MAJE Cape Cod-Coastal Jazz Festival at New Bedford High School on March 3. After extensive rehearsals, sectionals, and individual practice, students performed for three adjudicators. The ensemble received a Silver Rating, improving by several points from our last trip in 2024 and a hiatus due to budget constraints last year. After the performance, the band received a clinic from George Murphy, retired band director and decorated jazz educator from the Foxboro Public Schools. The band will incorporate feedback from all of the adjudicators as we prepare for our spring performances and beyond. Special awards were given to juniors Maria-Rita Silva, Daniel Freedman, and Ronan Blum for outstanding musicianship.

Anna Dillon and Avery Porro, both juniors, were accepted into the Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Festival. Anna qualified for the Treble Choir and Avery made the Mixed Choir. They were chosen from more than a thousand Massachusetts students who auditioned in January. The festival will take place March 20-21 in Worcester, where top students from across the state will work with collegiate and professional conductors at the top of the field. The ensembles will perform an afternoon concert at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester on March 21.

Anna, Avery and 20 other HHS students were accepted to the SEMSBA Senior Festival after auditions Feb. 7, a record number for our school (see image below for full list). SEMSBA, which is the Southeast Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association, will combine students from the region’s schools for performances to be held March 13-14 at Plymouth North High School and Plymouth Memorial Hall.

Junior Maria-Rita Silva and sophomore Ben Smith were selected for the High School Honor Band, an annual program run by the UMass Amherst Music Department. Ben played principal Baritone Saxophone in the Bronnenkant band and Maria-Rita played principal/solo flute in the Westgate band. The students had sectionals and master classes with UMass applied faculty and current students, and then rehearsed with other students from across Massachusetts for a performance on Feb. 21 at the UMass Fine Arts Center. A highlight was the chance to work with Michele Fernández, a professional composer and conductor.

You can hear these talented musicians and more in performances at the Hanover District Arts Fest on April 7 and the Spring Concert on April 30, both at HHS. Congrats to all the performers, and to music teachers Mr. Harden and Mr. Wade for their instruction and support.

Scholastic Art Awards

Juniors Siena Oliver and Owen Cleary were recognized by the Scholastic Awards, a competition among teens across the United States and Canada. Siena won a Silver Key for her piece “Beach Day,” rendered in colored pencil on paper. Owen won honorable mention for his pieces “Monster” and “Empty,” which were both made with graphite on paper.

The Scholastic Awards is the nation’s longest-running and best-known recognition program for creative teens. Each year, more than 100,000 students in grades 7-12 enter their art and writing for a chance to receive recognition, exhibition, and scholarships. While students submit their own work, they are guided at HHS by art teachers Mr. File and Mrs. Curley.

You can see more work from these and other talented artists at the Hanover Schools District Arts Fest at HHS on April 7.

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Lions Club Speech Contest

Junior Siena Oliver has advanced to the state round of the Lions Club Youth Speech Competition, the first HHS student to do so in recent history. The annual contest, sponsored by the international service organization, gives high school students a chance to write and then present publicly a speech on a topic of general interest. This year’s prompt was “what can past America teach future America?” Siena spoke about how letters from historical figures such as Abigail Adams, Martin Luther King Jr., and ordinary people teach us to stay connected today despite technological advancements. Her speech included a story about writing to President Barack Obama when she was little and asking him to be her pen pal; he wrote back! Siena won the school and district competitions to advance to states, which will be held March 28. About 400 students from across Massachusetts take part in the speech contest each year.