By Siena Oliver and Sophie Bunar, ‘27

Opinions Editor and Staff Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Media Editor, Sports Editor and News Editor

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

Students pursuing biology, nursing and health sciences include:

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

Students pursuing engineering, physical sciences and computer science include: 

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

Students majoring in business fields include:

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

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

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

Students pursuing psychology, social sciences and education include:

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

Students pursuing Communications and related fields include:

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

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

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

Students in the arts include:

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

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

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

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

By Bradlee Dowling, ‘26
Co-Editor in Chief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Ryan Costello, ’27

Social Media Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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