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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

Click on images throughout the article to see larger versions

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.

Click on the image to view larger

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.

Click on an image to see a larger version and a caption.

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.

Sports

America’s Game: Super Bowl LX Recap

March 10, 2026 gpotter29 Leave a comment

By Greyson Potter, ’29

Staff Writer

I’m just starting to recover.

The Super Bowl is arguably the biggest event in sports every year. It shatters ratings records for sporting events and draws viewers not only for the game but also for the outstanding halftime performances and even the legendary commercials. But, as a Patriots fan, this year’s Super Bowl was hard to watch. We came in with so much hope, and then everything just came crashing down.

Those Seahawks fans out there, they all got their revenge for 2014, despite some amazing play from a different Patriots cornerback by the name of Christian Gonzalez. If you happened to miss the biggest sporting event of the year, then you came to the right place. Even if you watched every minute, it might help to drown your sorrows in reading this Super Bowl recap, or it might make you feel even more victorious if you happen to be a Seahawks fan.

From the get-go, it looked like Super Bowl LX was going to be a defensive slugfest. Both defenses were highly touted coming into the game, with Seattle boasting the league’s best scoring defense, allowing a mere 17 points per game. Neither team could get much going, with Seattle leading 3-0 after the first quarter. The ‘Hawks were sending lots of blitzes from their secondary, with their standout corner Devon Witherspoon getting a drive-ending sack on third down on one of New England’s first drives in the quarter.

The second quarter was no different. The Patriots’ offense was really struggling, and they ended up getting shut out in the first half. Their defense was doing the best they could, limiting Seattle to only two more field goals, putting the Pats in a 9-0 halftime hole. Not a big difference by any means, but any lead feels big when you’re getting shut out.

In the third quarter, it was more of the same. The Seahawks kicked another field goal, and the Patriots continued to struggle putting up any numbers.

The fourth is really where things started to heat up. The Seahawks scored the first touchdown of the game a minute and a half into the final quarter, giving them a 19-0 lead over New England. But the Pats weren’t done yet. Drake Maye, who Seattle’s defense had silenced so far, orchestrated a quick 3-play touchdown drive with two beautiful deep balls to Mack Hollins. Their defense stopped Seattle again, forcing a punt. New England was marching down the field again, until Maye, a finalist for the league’s MVP, threw an ugly interception over the middle of the field, giving Seattle the ball. It was really a terrible pick; the ball was multiple feet behind Maye’s intended receiver. This set up Seattle for a field goal and put them up by 15 with five and a half minutes left. New England needed a quick score, and probably a two-point conversion, to make this a game again. Instead, the Seahawks got a quick score, with Maye throwing a pick-six on the fourth play of the drive. This was the nail in the coffin, putting New England in a 29-7 deficit with four and a half minutes left. The Pats scored a touchdown just before the two-minute warning, but it really didn’t matter; Seattle could have started celebrating pretty much after they took the Maye interception to the house.

And so it was complete; Seattle gets revenge for Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception in 2014, and wins the Super Bowl. Running back Kenneth Walker III took home the Super Bowl MVP honors after racking up 135 yards on 27 carries, plus two catches for 26 yards. Walker really powered Seattle’s offense, running all over the Patriots’ stout run defense.

Takeaways

Seattle: The Seahawks’ defense showed why they were a contender for the best in the league. Their standout defensive line, consisting of Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Byron Murphy II, crushed the Patriots’ offensive line and kept Drake Maye on his for seemingly the whole game. The ‘Hawks put up 6 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 11 QB hits. Their whole defense really had talent at every level. I already mentioned their D-line, but they had Ernest Jones IV in the middle as their game-managing linebacker with five interceptions in the regular season, and an elite secondary that featured do-it-all, All-Pro corner Devon Witherspoon and standout rookie safety Nick Emmanwori. The Patriots’ offense was overpowered by this unit, especially the D-line, which calls itself “The Dark Side.”

Seattle’s quarterback, Sam Darlond, also silenced a lot of his critics after this Super Bowl run. Darnold was the third overall pick in the draft in 2018. The fact that he was drafted by the Jets is all that needs to be said. He lasted three very bad years before getting cut. Everything culminated with him claiming to be “seeing ghosts” after throwing four picks and losing a fumble, and generating only 86 yards passing in a 33-0 loss to the Patriots. He spent some time with the Carolina Panthers, but that didn’t work out, so he went to the San Francisco 49ers and served as a backup to Brock Purdy. Not being under as much pressure as a backup and playing under a genius like Kyle Shanahan really helped Darnold improve, though he didn’t know it yet.

Darnold signed with the Minnesota Vikings before the 2024 season, expecting to back up rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. Except McCarthy tore his ACL in his first preseason game, opening the door for Darnold to be the starter. Out of the blue, Darnold had an incredible season, throwing for 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading the Vikings to an outstanding 14-3 record and the #2 seed in the NFC. However, he had some rough games down the stretch and choked in the first round of the playoffs, getting bounced by the #6 seed LA Rams. It was about as good a contract year as you could have, but there were still questions about whether Darnold could perform under pressure when it really counted. He signed with the Seahawks this offseason, and his clutch performances in the Super Bowl run this year silenced his critics. Sam Darnold is finally the player he was supposed to be.

Patriots: New England was the surprise team of this season. New head coach Mike Vrabel pressed all the right buttons and led a 10-game regular season turnaround and the two seed in the AFC just a season after getting a top-5 draft pick. They had a healthy mix of young talent and proven veterans, which took them to a Super Bowl. However, this wasn’t exactly a proven playoff squad. Only 5 players on New England’s roster had Super Bowl experience. It’s no easy feat playing on the game’s biggest stage, especially when you’ve never done it before.

There really isn’t one person or thing to blame for the Patriots’ loss. A lot of it was just inexperience. Seattle’s D-line squashed New England’s offensive line like they were stepping on a bug. The left side of the Pats’ O-line was made of two rookies, number four overall pick Will Campbell at left tackle and third round pick Jared Wilson at left guard. Campbell, in particular, was in fits the whole game, showing marginal resistance to the opposing pass-rush. But when it wasn’t him, somebody else on the line was always letting up some sort of pressure on Maye. Speaking of Maye, he didn’t exactly play to an MVP level, especially with those two costly fourth-quarter picks. He also lost a fumble at the end of the third quarter, highlighting some ball-security issues that Maye has had. He also went into the game with an injured shoulder, receiving a painkilling injection in the shoulder before kickoff. You can imagine it is hard to throw a perfectly accurate ball with an injured shoulder, especially when constant pressure is speeding you up. The defense played very well, although they had multiple sack opportunities and couldn’t finish. Kenneth Walker III also ran all over them.

Most surprising of all the Patriots’ struggles, in my opinion, was the play-calling. Josh McDaniels was in his third stint with the Patriots, won multiple Super Bowls here, and was a key part of Maye’s takeoff this year. Yet the play calling was nothing short of horrible. The offense seemed to be very vanilla, and Seattle seemed to know what was coming every time. Maye’s shoulder injury could have been limiting his options, but the whole process wasn’t very efficient. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson had only seven carries, but he put up 35 yards, coming to a good average of five yards per carry. Yet the run game was very quiet. If you are in a hole like they were, you do want to pass the ball and move down the field quickly, but you need to run the ball sometimes just to keep the defense on their toes.

Standout corner Christian Gonzalez was a bright spot for the Patriots. He was the one who kept them in the game for most of the time, locking up Jaxon Smith-Njigba and showing why he deserves a big payday on an extension this offseason.

Seattle’s defense is set and under contract for years to come, and they are young. Plus, they have arguably the best receiver in the league in JSN. New England has an MVP-level quarterback who is only going into his third season in the league, and a good, young core to build around. Both of these teams should be competing for Super Bowls for years to come. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a rematch in the big game in the next five years.

featured image: https://www.mininggazette.com/sports/2026/02/patriots-maye-had-pain-relieving-injection-in-shoulder-before-3-turnovers-in-super-bowl-loss/

News

Internship Provides Primer on Hanover Government

March 10, 2026 rcostello27 Leave a comment

By Ryan Costello, ’27

Staff Writer/Social Media Editor

After three months as an intern in the Hanover municipal government, I have learned a surplus of knowledge of its functions and operations. Working with Town Manager Joe Colangelo, I have been assigned tasks and projects that have broadened my understanding of local government. I have had the privilege of attending various meetings, such as the Select Board, Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, and Bylaw Review Committee. I have read and discussed the Town Manager Act and Hanover General Bylaws to understand why we have certain rules, regulations, and a complex system of government in place. I learned key administrative and organizational skills to help me in the workforce. I’ve even encountered challenging subjects involving the town’s budget with an override and levy limit. Since students are impacted by the decisions of the town government and will eventually have their own say, I wanted to share a quick rundown of some municipal operations.

The Special and Annual Town Meeting is the gathering of registered Hanover voters who weigh in on articles proposed to address different concerns. It is where people make decisions on spending taxes and other rules that guide town operations. The elected Town Moderator directs the meeting in a fair and orderly fashion, guiding the public comments and the voting procedure to make sure everything runs smoothly. Some items that people vote on are the budget, spending, bylaws, and zoning. This is a direct form of democracy in which the people use their legislative power to vote for an article (aye) or against an article (nay). The Annual Town Meeting occurs on a yearly schedule, while a Special Town Meeting is called as needed to address urgent issues that cannot wait. This year’s Special and Annual Town Meeting is set for Monday, May 4, beginning at 7 pm in the Hanover High School auditorium.

The Advisory Committee is a nine-member group appointed by the Town Moderator that represents the legislative body of the town and guides voters on their decisions on proposed articles. Many articles are submitted by town officials or departments, but constituents can also submit articles in the form of a petition. With enough signatures — 10 for the Annual Town Meeting and 100 for the Special Town Meeting — the article can be presented to the Town Meeting. This year, there is a petition for an article led by Lexie Schiller, a junior at Hanover High School, that would create a new section in our bylaws to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags.

The Town Manager is the chief executive officer of the town and is appointed by the Select Board. This position is usually held by someone with experience in business administration or public management. They are in charge of all non-elected department heads, including the appointment of the Police and Fire Chiefs. They also ensure that all the policies adopted by the Select Board are carried out effectively. The Town Manager directs the town’s administrative functions, including preparing the annual town budget alongside the Budget Director to ensure the town is financially stable. If the Select Board sets a vision or policy for the town, the Town Manager is the one who executes it.

The Select Board, made up of five at-large members, is the elected leadership of the executive branch of the Hanover government. They establish the overall policy and priorities of the town and have the ability to hire and remove, if necessary, the Town Manager. The Select Board reviews and approves budgets before they go to Town Meeting to be voted upon. They grant different business licenses and permits for possessions such as alcohol. The Select Board acts as a bridge between the residents and town officials. They create the Annual and Special Town Meeting warrants for the legislative branch to consider. They are elected for a three-year term and run during the Annual Town Election in May. The Select Board, like some other committees, has a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Chair runs the meetings and is the spokesperson of the Select Board. The Chair also guides the group’s decisions on issues and is in direct contact with the Town Manager. Meanwhile, the Vice Chair supports the Chair and runs the meetings when the Chair is absent.

After reading all of this information, you may wonder, how does this impact me? Well, many high school students are at voting age or close to it, and therefore have a say in Town Meeting or at the polls. The decisions made in municipal government can impact students, as has been felt in recent budget votes and overrides. Snow days are determined by the Department of Public Works in cooperation with the Superintendent of Schools and the Town Manager. Voters can impact decisions on new parks, police cruisers, sidewalks, and town bylaws. If you want to engage in the decisions made in this town, I encourage you to fulfill your civic duty by listening to what is going on and voting when you’re eligible. Volunteering is welcome at Town Hall or other public facilities if you want to get more involved. If you have an issue with something, do not be afraid to reach out. Everyone has a voice in this town, so let it be heard.

Opinion

“The Perils of Indifference”

March 10, 2026 sbunar27 1 Comment

By Sophie Bunar, ’27

Staff Writer

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”

These are the words of Romanian-born activist Elie Wiesel, a noted Holocaust survivor who has dedicated his life to advocating for human rights and fighting intolerance. He is most commonly known within school systems for his memoir Night, which described his life as an adolescent when he survived the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps.

Wiesel’s speech “The Perils of Indifference” delivers a profound warning about the dangers of apathy in the face of human suffering. Delivered at the White House in 1999, the speech emphasizes that indifference (an absence of concern or empathy) is more harmful than hatred because it enables oppression and tyranny to persist unchallenged. Wiesel recounts how, during the Holocaust, the world’s indifference allowed atrocities to unfold. He stresses that indifference dehumanizes both the victim and the bystander. “In denying their humanity, we betray our own,” Wiesel says.

Wiesel warns that indifference allows injustice to flourish, creating a dangerous silence that enables violence and oppression. When people choose not to speak out or act against wrongdoing, they become complicit in the suffering of others. This message resonates deeply today, as many witness the ICE raids and the notably tragic losses of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, yet remain silent. Although many in Minneapolis, as well as across the nation, have stood up against this outrage, those who refuse to protest or even acknowledge these events perpetuate a cycle of harm, making indifference a form of passive acceptance.

A protester in Oakland held a sign urging the public to “Avenge Renee Good” at a vigil the night of her fatal shooting. (Getty Images)

In standing up against oppression, protest becomes more than just an act of defiance; it is a vital expression of dignity, compassion, and solidarity. Additionally, it honors the humanity of those affected and challenges systems that devalue human lives. As Wiesel’s life and words remind us, the fight against intolerance and violence requires courage from all of us—not just to confront hatred, but to resist the quiet force of indifference.

In this era, in this moment, choosing to raise our voices, join protests, or simply bear witness is a way to ensure that history does not repeat its darkest chapters. As Wiesel states in his speech, “Together we walk towards a new millennium, carried by profound fear and extraordinary hope.”

Elie Wiesel and Former President Barack Obama

Works Cited

Stuart, Tessa. “Minneapolis ICE Shooting Protests: Photos from Vigils across the U.S.” Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026, http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-pictures/minneapolis-ice-shooting-protests-photos-1235496024/renee-nicole-good-killing-protest/. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

White House Archived. ““In the Face of Evil, We Must Summon Our Capacity for Good.” — @POTUS on Elie Wiesel: Http://Go.wh.gov/C9asbs.” X (Formerly Twitter), 2026, x.com/ObamaWhiteHouse/status/749389707650314240. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

Wiesel, Elie. “The Perils of Indifference.” Americanrhetoric.com, 12 Apr. 1999, http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ewieselperilsofindifference.html.

News

The Context Behind Crisis in Venezuela

March 10, 2026 jcoviello27 Leave a comment

By Jolie Coviello, ’27

Staff Writer

Oftentimes, having a deeper understanding of a nation’s history allows us to understand why it takes certain actions in the present. Venezuela is one nation in particular with a long and tumultuous history, which must be taken into account to understand the current political situation.

It’s easy to see why many Venezuelans anticipate reform with the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by the US military, which was ordered by President Trump in early January. In fact, a 2017 poll by Datanálisis, a respected Venezuelan research firm, showed that 80 percent of Venezuelans desired Maduro’s removal. President Maduro has caused great harm to his nation’s economy, government, and people since taking office in 2013. Due to the severe economic debilitation, persistent social unrest, and blatant election fraud under Maduro’s administration, conditions nationwide have worsened. Venezuela is experiencing one of the largest displacement crises in the world as millions try to escape terrible living conditions. Over 80 percent of Venezuelans live in poverty under a socialist government. The murder rate of natives has increased to 91 percent, surpassing that of the most dangerous cities in the world. According to research by the United Nations Refugee Agency, over 23 percent of the population has fled the country since Maduro was elected into office.

Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez, built an economy dependent on oil exports. During his presidency, oil generated significant income for Venezuela, making up approximately 95 percent of export earnings at its height. This boost in national income provided an incentive for the government to spend over $230 billion on social programs and nationalization. Although Chávez succeeded in reducing poverty by 26 percent with social welfare programs–federal food subsidies and improvements in education and health care, these reforms relied on a thriving economy. When Maduro came into power, he failed to adjust to a dynamic market, and a significant decrease in oil prices proved to be devastating for the economy. Venezuela fell into a massive spending deficit―around 17 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This number only increased over the course of Maduro’s presidency.

Now, Venezuela has the highest rate of inflation worldwide—almost 946 percent at its peak, making food and medicine virtually inaccessible. After oil prices fell, its GDP declined a whopping 35 percent — more than that of the United States during the Great Depression. And instead of working to resolve the economic crisis, Maduro gave government officials, military elites, and close business associates access to an exclusive exchange rate, which they could profit from in the black market. As the gap between the black market exchange rate and hyperinflation rates grew, Maduro’s elite allies continued to profit from economic debilitation, often working with the Central Bank–Venezuela’s national bank–to artificially maintain low exchange rates.

Along with crippling the economy, Maduro has been accused of electoral fraud by multiple democratic countries and organizations, turning out elections that were statistically improbable and did not qualify as democratic. For fear that he was losing power from the representative branch of government—the National Constituent Assembly, he replaced the body altogether in 2020. This led to massive protests nationwide. Instead of resolving this issue, Maduro utilized the military and law enforcement to attack, oppress, and detain peaceful protestors. Many propaganda outlets blamed the violence on the opposition, despite Maduro having escalating the situation.

Free speech is not a constitutional right in Venezuela. In fact, the Human Rights Watch covered the brutality, torture, and political persecution of protestors nationwide. They detailed how armed security forces and pro-government groups attacked protestors using extreme force, causing dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Thousands of civilians were detained and prosecuted in military courts without trial. The government also sent intelligence agents into homes or onto the streets to detain people without reason and at random.

On top of having no due process, those in custody have been subjected to various forms of torture and abuse. In a joint report by the Human Rights Watch and the Penal Forum, there have been at least 88 cases involving at least 314 people whose human rights were infringed upon. Despite obvious evidence of human rights violations, no indication had been made of any legal consequences for the aggressors’ actions, which the Human Rights Watch called a humanitarian crisis. Therefore, high-level officials not only bear responsibility for these actions but blatantly permit them. The majority of Venezuelans—90 percent—desire government reform. Despite their persistent protests since Maduro’s election, there has been little to no reform in government.

Since the capture of President Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez — the Vice President of Venezuela — has taken charge of Venezuelan goods and government as the acting president of the regime. Rodríguez has publicly reinforced the legitimacy of the regime while President Maduro remains in US custody. It seems as though Rodríguez does not hold favor with the majority of Venezuelans, who are impoverished and increasingly restless.

The leader of the opposition, María Corina Machado, has attempted to run for President in the past but was barred by the Venezuelan government. Despite the government corruption, Machado believes that Venezeula can return to a fair democracy, starting with the removal of Maduro. On the other hand, the severe economic debilitation, persistent social unrest, and blatant election fraud in Venezuela are a significant precedent that prevents a full transition to a democratic government. After all, mass protests have been omnipresent for a decade, and they’ve caused little change in government. But Machado stated that the Venezuelan people have already unified over political oppression, so they will succeed in reforming the government together, as 90 percent of Venezuelans share the desire to reform the corrupt administration. In her opinion, the absence of religious, social, and racial tensions within the populace is a promising sign of national unity, yet the obvious political tension between the administration and its people remains prevalent. The future remains uncertain in the midst of a dynamic political environment.

Currently, the Trump administration is attempting to reinstate diplomatic relations with Venezuela, despite having just arrested its leader. President Trump has made some progress, encouraging a new amnesty bill in Venezeula that could lead to the release of dissenters, including politicians, activists, lawyers and many others. This would be a public acknowledgement that the Venezeulan government has held hundreds of people in prison for political motivations, marking the beginning of much-needed reform in modern Venezuela.

Works Cited

“2024 Venezuelan Presidential Election.” Wikipedia, 8 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Venezuelan_presidential_election.

“Eight Million and More Vote in Venezuela Election.” Thevincentian.com, 2017, thevincentian.com/eight-million-and-more-vote-in-venezuela-election-p13696-149.htm. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

Gupta, Girish. “Exclusive – Venezuelan Vote Data Casts Doubt on Turnout at Sunday Poll.” Reuters, 2 Aug. 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/world/exclusive-venezuelan-vote-data-casts-doubt-on-turnout-at-sunday-poll-idUSKBN1AI0AM/. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

Human Rights Watch. “Crackdown on Dissent | Brutality, Torture, and Political Persecution in Venezuela.” Human Rights Watch, 15 Jan. 2019, http://www.hrw.org/report/2017/11/29/crackdown-dissent/brutality-torture-and-political-persecution-venezuela.

KOMO News. “FULL REMARKS: Venezuelan Leader Maria Machado Says Venezuela Will Be Free with the Help of the US.” YouTube, 17 Jan. 2026, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoOMpeEaN8E&list=RDNSHc8K866Vw34&index=5. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

News, PBS. “Venezuela Approves Amnesty Bill, Paving Way for Release of Hundreds of Political Detainees.” PBS News, 20 Feb. 2026, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/venezuela-approves-amnesty-bill-paving-way-for-release-of-hundreds-of-political-detainees.

News, PBS. “U.S. And Venezuela Agree to Reestablish Diplomatic Ties in Major Shift after Maduro’s Ouster.” PBS News, 6 Mar. 2026, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-and-venezuela-agree-to-reestablish-diplomatic-ties-in-major-shift-after-maduros-ouster.

Puyosa, Iria. “Venezuelan Government Strategies for Information War on Twitter.” SSRN Electronic Journal, 2018, https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3459724. Accessed 24 Oct. 2019.

Scripps News. “Trump Meets with Venezuelan Opposition Leader as Senate Backs Military Authority.” YouTube, 15 Jan. 2026, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc8K866Vw34&list=RDNSHc8K866Vw34. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Seelke, Clare Ribando. “Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy.” Congress.gov, 2025, http://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10230.

UNHCR. “Venezuela Crisis | USA for UNHCR.” Unrefugees.org, 2024, http://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/venezuela/.

“US Dollar to Venezuelan Bolívar Exchange Rate History | Currency Converter | Wise.” Wise, 2020, wise.com/us/currency-converter/usd-to-ves-rate/history.

Vox. “The Collapse of Venezuela, Explained.” YouTube, YouTube Video, 25 Aug. 2017, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1gUR8wM5vA.

Wikipedia Contributors. “National Electoral Council (Venezuela).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Jan. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Electoral_Council_(Venezuela).

Worldometer. “Venezuela Population (2026) – Worldometers.” Worldometers.info, 2019, http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/venezuela-population/.

“Xe Currency & Money Transfers.” Xe.com, 2025, http://www.xe.com/en-us/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=VEF.