Tag Archives: featured

Opinion

Students Hold the Keys to Keeping Bathrooms Open

7 Comments

By Danny Campbell, ’27

Staff Writer

Students often complain when our school bathrooms are closed and they have to walk to a different floor or down to the cafeteria to find one open. But in an interview with Principal Mattos and custodian Fabz Saldanha last week, I learned that students are often the ones responsible for the closures.

In the past, Hanover High School regularly had just one bathroom open per floor to minimize issues with students gathering, creating messes and getting into trouble. Also in the past, teachers were assigned duties to monitor the halls and bathrooms. Last spring, concerns about the rotating closed bathrooms were brought to the HHS School Council (composed of students, teachers and community members) and the HHS Student Advisory Council. This led the administration to open all bathrooms after announcements were made to the student body about care and maintenance.

“Students control what happens,” Mr. Mattos said, echoing a message he gave during assemblies on the first day of school. “If students respected the bathrooms, they would be open forever. They only get closed for cleaning and maintenance as needed.”

Unfortunately, only three days into the school year, the bathroom in the World Language wing was seriously vandalized. A student or students pulled the stall dividers right out of the wall. Damage like this has cost the school thousands of dollars in the past, Mr. Mattos said. With the school budget tight this year, and a busy maintenance staff serving all the school buildings, it’s going to take time to fix. That bathroom has been locked since.

While students who commit vandalism are just a small part of the school population, Mr. Mattos said, it’s hard to catch them because the general law prohibits cameras in the bathrooms. Due to budget cuts, the school also doesn’t have enough staff to constantly monitor the spaces.

Aside from that closure, the school has been handling the issue much better than years prior, Mr. Mattos said. I noticed one day in September when both bathrooms on the second floor were closed at the same time, leading students to have to walk farther. But Mr. Saldanha said that was a temporary closure because a motion-activated sink needed repair; town health officials say a bathroom must be closed if a sink or toilet is not working.

The metal gates were installed in 2022 to lock and secure bathrooms as needed, but the idea of closing a school bathroom for cleaning or a repair is not new. Prior to that, the school had used movable plastic barriers for years, but students would simply push them aside and enter the bathrooms. “With the gates, bathroom maintenance has been much better,” Mr. Mattos said.

We should all be aware by now that the administration and custodians are not in the wrong to close the bathrooms when issues occur. It’s up to students to treat the bathrooms with respect. Having a clean, working bathroom close to your classroom is a privilege, not a given. If you are responsible and behave in the bathrooms, they will stay open. Throw your trash in the bins. Do not put unflushable items in the toilets. Show courtesy to your classmates who use the bathrooms and to the custodians who keep them clean. If only as much as one student misbehaves in the bathrooms, they are all at risk of being closed!

I have done my part in covering this issue. Now it is your turn to do yours!

News

Trick or Treating for Teens, According to Parents

Leave a comment

by Siena Oliver, ’27

News Editor

According to a recent survey by CBS News, 25 percent of people say that Halloween is their favorite holiday. Despite this, many give up on the tradition of trick or treating at some point during their teenage years. This tends to happen for a few reasons, including embarrassment over participating in a ‘childish’ activity, social pressure to stop, and interest in other activities such as parties or hanging out with friends. As a high schooler myself, I too have elected to stop trick or treating. Instead I will be handing out candy at my door, which still allows me to dress up and enjoy the festivities. The motivations for children to stop trick or treating are fairly straightforward, but their parents’ views on that decision are a bit more varied. 

The two graphs below show information taken from an informal survey of eight Hanover High School parents comparing the ages their children stopped trick or treating to the age they believe it is best to stop trick or treating. 

While many parents seemed to agree that sometime in high school is, in fact, the right age to stop participating in the tradition, most also expressed sadness that their children had given up trick or treating.

“Like a part of their childhood was lost forever,” said the mother of junior Sienna Lamond. 

Adam Oliver, another parent in the Hanover community, said he was perfectly fine with older kids trick or treating around the neighborhood. “As long as they’re not interfering with the younger kids having fun,” he said.

The rest of the parents surveyed echoed this statement, agreeing that older groups of teenagers trick or treating is only a problem when they decide to cause mischief or be disrespectful. 

While parents and their kids seem to agree on the general age that it is appropriate to stop trick or treating, that decision has as much of an impact on the adults who are watching their children grow up, as on the kids themselves. As grandmother Kathy Kacergis put it, “you have to keep the spirit of fun things alive,” which sums up the bittersweet sentiment of the parents on this topic.

Opinion

Bridging Divides: Solutions to Political Extremism

Leave a comment

By Samuel Frattasio, ’27

Opinions Editor

In a nation once defined by its shared ideals and a commitment to democratic discourse, the alarming rise of political violence serves as a stark reminder of how deepening divisions can threaten the very foundations of our society. As communities split along ideological lines, the consequences become increasingly evident: violent protests increase, rhetoric escalates into threats and civil discourse becomes chaotic. Most apparent are the two assassination attempts on our former president, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. No matter where you stand, we should all agree that this is unacceptable. We have come too far as a country to be ruined by individuals who are so blindly passionate and extreme toward their respective parties. We must confront a crucial question: can we bridge all that separates us, or are we destined to remain divided? 

I’m well-versed in news and politics, regularly engaging with various sources across the political spectrum. Whether browsing the Apple News app on my phone or reading articles from AP, Reuters, The New York Times and The Boston Globe, I make it a point to stay informed. I also watch broadcasts from NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX. Some are left and right of the political spectrum, while others may be classified as more center. I enjoy getting information on all sides; this helps eliminate some of the inherent biases of most major media networks. For example, Fox leans right and CNN leans left. Even though these networks and their anchors, analysts, and correspondents differ from each other significantly, they all share one common belief: political violence is not okay, and it’s not the way to solve our division. Jeremey Adam Smith and Zaid Jilani of the Greater Good Magazine said it best: “The attempted assassination of Donald Trump highlights a terrible truth: Political violence and support for political violence have been rising in the United States.”

To better understand this issue, we need to discuss a few key topics: historical context, current trends, impact of rhetoric, mental health, consequences for democracy and potential solutions.

 Historical Context: Our country was born amidst political tensions. The great patriots of the “Sons of Liberty,” who dumped thousands of dollars worth of tea into Boston Harbor, did so in response to an increasingly harsh and dominant England. The split into Loyalists vs. Patriots and the Revolutionary War was the result. After the American Revolution, our country saw the emergence of political parties, which fostered intense rivalries, and political violence occasionally erupted in the form of duels. African American resistance was also prevalent during this period, most notably in Nat Turner’s Rebellion. Also during this time, abolitionist movements faced violent oppression from pro-slavery Americans. Fast forward to the Civil War era. The Southern states’ secession was driven by the desire to preserve slavery, leading to violent conflict between Union and Confederate forces. Throughout this period, political violence was often seen as a means to achieve social and political objectives; the tone of this era set the stage for ongoing conflicts that continue to affect our democracy. 

Current Trends: One may argue that our country is more divided than ever, and this is most obvious when one turns on the news and hears stories of violence and destruction, constant arguing, and continuous falsehoods from both sides of the political spectrum. Something has to be done to fix the wounds of our nation. The current trends of our divisive legislative, executive, and judicial branches have proven tragic; most apparently, the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, which came as a surprise for many, raised some eyebrows and questions on who is truly safe from political “extremists.” To better understand the motives of those who wish to destroy, we should examine former successful or failed attempts on politicians’ lives to identify what could have gotten us to this moment. Most notably in the mid-19th century, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated over disagreements regarding slavery and the treatment of the South. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Presidents James A. Garfield and Willaim McKinley were killed over the growing discontent with the existing societal norms. Years later, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. highlighted the extreme opposition to the civil rights movement. Fast forward to present times, and we have seen several assassination attempts on politicians, including former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in 2011 and the attempted bombing of prominent Democrats in 2018. While these examples all were different in some ways, they were all results of individuals who disagreed so strongly with these politicians that they wanted to end their lives. This shows us the beliefs within American society and the complex interplay between ideology, power, and violence. 

 Impact of Rhetoric: As we have come to understand, words have great power, and the spread of hateful, negative, and false allegations has deep impacts on its listeners. We as a society have a duty to determine what words and ideas we want to resonate within ourselves, things that match our own beliefs. Sometimes extreme language evokes strong emotions like fear, anger, or pride, which can galvanize people to act or adopt more radical views. In my opinion, the most prominent effect of Democrat/Republican rhetoric is the Us vs. Them mentality, which often creates clear distinctions between individuals who are “in” groups and “out,”  fostering hostility toward those perceived as opponents. This is the case during political debates and interviews when candidates constantly try to belittle their opponents and spread lies. 

 Mental Health: Kevin Boyle, Professor of American History at Northwestern University who was featured on PBS just days after one attempt on the former president’s life, said, “So what that means is that you essentially have motives and means. I don’t know anything about the motivation of this young man, but I think we have to be willing to acknowledge that it is also tied, to a striking degree, to the mental health crisis that does afflict young men, particularly, and that leads some of those young men to extraordinarily violent behavior.” What Boyle is alluding to is that there has been an immense rise in violence in the last decade perpetrated by individuals who may have mental health struggles. According to an article in The Hill, the Trump shooter in Butler, Pa., had a form of depressive disorder. This issue raises many questions like, “How does one get to this point?” and “Is political rhetoric to blame?” In the case of the man who shot at the former president, one must ask “How can someone with a (known) mental condition have access to a weapon?” To answer the first, there are various reasons why an individual can become radicalized. Mental health struggles can exacerbate feelings of isolation, leading one to join extreme groups for a sense of belonging. In addition, mental health conditions can affect judgment and impulse control, potentially increasing the likelihood of violent behavior. And to answer the latter, it is hard to control what people do and what they have access to. “Are the parents to blame?” That is a question that gets asked after incidents of violence. In my opinion, I believe that individuals who are struggling with mental health disorders should not be anywhere near harmful objects; this was the complete opposite scenario for the man who hoped to assassinate Trump. 

 Consequences for Democracy: This alarming rise in political violence poses a significant threat to the very foundations of democracy. This phenomenon not only undermines public trust in democratic institutions but also deepens societal polarization, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to engage in constructive dialogue. The fear of violence deters many from participating in elections, protests, and civic activities, ultimately weakening the democratic process. The big issue with this is that it opens the door to others with beliefs of violence toward people with whom they disagree. We must commit to fostering dialogue, understanding, and respect for democratic processes to combat this rising tide of violence and protect the ideals that underpin our societies.

Potential Solutions: This pressing issue requires immediate attention and thoughtful solutions. One effective approach is to promote political unity across different groups. When leaders and citizens alike focus on common goals rather than differences, it could significantly reduce tensions and foster collaboration. Additionally, the language used in political discourse matters greatly. Leaders should strive to avoid harmful words and negative ideologies that can incite violence or deepen divisions. Instead, promoting a message of empathy and understanding can create a more positive political climate. Public awareness campaigns that encourage civil discourse and highlight the importance of listening to differing viewpoints can also play a critical role. Ultimately, addressing political violence involves a commitment to unity, respectful communication, and proactive engagement in communities.  

A Call to Action

It is time for us to take a stand against political violence. We live in a country not riddled with hate but with freedom, kindness, and, at our center, unity. Days after the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, politicians from all parties expressed their strong opinions on the matter, including how relieved they were that the president was not badly injured. Unity is possible. We’ve seen it done, not just after this incident but also during the aftermath of 9/11, where many Americans came together, or the pre-American Revolution, where a once divided 13 colonies joined together under a shared desire for independence. The stories in the news today can be frightening; they can be violent and negative. However, when I am overwhelmed by this, I try to remember moments when we have come together, and that is what gives me hope. Political violence is not and will never be ok. While all politicians and people may never agree on all the issues, we can agree to be civil, working for a common good and remembering that our democracy is worth preserving.

News

SENIOR ISSUE: Friendships Will Be Missed

Leave a comment

By Emily Davis, ‘27

Staff Writer

With the Class of 2024 focusing on their plans ahead, some can’t help but look back on their time shared during high school. Seniors who responded to The Hawk survey said they will miss most the friendships and community they formed at Hanover High.  After going to school together for so long and building so many close relationships, it will be hard for many students to be away from them. 

“I will mostly miss my friends and all the memories we have made here,” said Kaleigh Carthas. Paige Canny agreed, saying “I’ll miss living amongst such a tight knit community.” Mary Waters will miss being part of the band. Devin Goslin said he’ll miss “being able to say hi to at least four people every time I’m in the hallway.” 

Eddie Yoo will miss John McDonald and Billy Radzik will miss Ryan Murphy.

For several seniors, the thing they’ll miss most is what happened on the fields and courts. “Being involved in sports teams and attending the sports events,” said Emma Dolan. Dylan Howard added: “seeing my friends everyday and all the sports.”

Many students said they’ll be sad to say goodbye to HHS teachers and staff. For Ashley Stracco, that includes “amazing teachers like Mr. Henderson and my favorite librarian!” For Kaelyn Chase, it’s the “nurses and Guidance department.” For Ed Vedeikis, it’s Mr. Sprague and for Nikki Bliss, it’s Mrs. Curley. Morgan Sullivan named “the Turocys, my favorite couple.” Kyle McCarthy said it’s “the teachers and counselors that I have created a close bond with the last four years.”

“I have gotten to build relationships with teachers from all departments,” said Aidan O’Connor. “Getting to talk and learn from them was something I had not gotten to do at this level before, and I will miss all the faculty that got not just me, but all students, to where we are now.”

Jazzy Clark said she will most miss the lunch ladies. “All of the lunch staff are so kind and accommodating, always making sure our needs are met and that we are never left hungry.” This leads to another thing students said they’ll be sad to say goodbye to, some of the lunch items. Both Gaby McAllister and Maeve O’Connell said they’ll miss the cafeteria nachos.

Aiden Moody said he’ll miss “that atmosphere.” Michael Haleem will miss “the fun times.” Michael Costello said he’ll be sad when he can no longer be “in the library every period sitting in the comfy orange chairs. All my friends were in the study and I mostly just talked instead of doing my VHS.”

One thing that won’t be missed, according to Kyle Gonsalves, is “waking up at 5 in the morning.” 

News

SENIOR ISSUE: Roll the Highlight Reel!

Leave a comment

By Paulina Leskow, ‘24

Staff Writer

As a member of the Class of 2024, I am happy to say that I have made life-lasting memories at Hanover High School. If I were to choose my favorite moments from my four years at HHS, it would be an even split between performing as Donna in our school’s production of Mamma Mia!, making puzzles with my best friend every day in the library, and participating in Senior Assassin. 

Classmates shared their highlights of HHS in response to The Hawk senior survey, ranging from once in a lifetime experiences to everyday, ordinary interactions. 

“Everyone going to each others’ ‘senior night’ equivalent event. Whether it was a sports game, art showcase, or concert, seeing what my classmates are capable of doing is an amazing thing. I wish I had done it my whole high school career.” – Devin Goslin

“Vox, playing tennis, and going to Italy and Spain” – Samantha Curtis

“Playing sports with my friends” – Tia MacVarish

“Expanding my friend group in senior year” – Alex Fredette 

“The history classes and the marine bio field trip this year” – Maeve O’Connell

“Being with my friends during the late quarantine” – Alex Wing

“Being a part of the wrestling team” – Anthony Mann

“Rocket Golf in Engineering 3” – Cameron Dillis

“Getting the chance to play at Gillette Stadium and TD Garden” – John McDonald

“Talking to Mrs. McHugh” – Ryan Murphy

“Watching Mr. Henderson play tug of war on Spirit Day 2024” – Bodie Poirier

“My freshman year lacrosse season” – Isabelle MacLellan

“Classes where we get to watch movies” – Payson Fowler

“Talking, learning, and getting to know people” – Nick DeMarco 

“Getting to play with all the talented people on the tennis team” – Jacob DeMong

“Senior sunrise and championship games” – Adrianna Bates

“Going to senior prom as a junior” – Nicole Bliss

“The first day back this year was a ton of fun. I got to have only classes I was truly passionate about for my future studies in my schedule, and getting to realize what a fun year it will be made be super excited.” – Aidan O’Connor

“Vox trip to Disney” – Hannah Bush

“Prom” – Tyler Fassel

“Mask breaks” – Claire Kenney

“My first soccer season when I first got to high school” – Liam DeMong

“Goofing off with friends” – Matt Wildman

“My library study senior year” – Caroline Drummy

“The Peru, Italy and France trips” – Landon McLaughlin

“Every year was full of hanging out with friends in my classes. I loved just being able to make more friendships and being with friends constantly.” – Michael Costello

“Going to the Hockey and Football championship games.” – Sophia Leary 

“Senior corner.” – Drew Dyer 

“So far, all of the senior events have been pretty memorable from senior assassin to powderpuff.” – Bella Almieda 

News

SENIOR ISSUE: Words of Advice for Underclassmen

Leave a comment

By Bradlee Dowling, ‘26, and Sienna Lamond, ‘26

Staff Writers

Give your best effort from day one, but don’t take things too seriously. Have fun with friends, but don’t neglect your schoolwork. Join clubs, play sports, get out of your comfort zone. These are some of the words of advice from seniors who responded to The Hawk survey.

High school is, first and foremost, about learning, many students advised. “Work as hard as you can freshman year,” said Katelyn Carney. Shannon Barrett agreed. “Actually try your hardest in classes,” she said. “Get things done on time.” Kyle Gonsalves echoed that: “Just do your work as much as you don’t want to.”

“Pick classes that further your goals in life,” said Payson Fowler, “and don’t be obsessed about getting perfect grades.” But do try to keep your grades up, said Mikey McLoone. “It makes the college application process so much easier,” he said.

Kenny Southwick encouraged underclassmen to “make good relationships with your teachers.” Ian Darcy advised students to “focus on yourself and learn from your mistakes, this will improve you academically and as a person in general.”

Exploring your world socially is as important as academics, seniors advised. “I would tell (students) to try and branch out and join a bunch of different clubs and sports,” said Kaelyn Chase. Paige Canny agreed, saying, “I have made amazing friends that I may have never met had I not joined extracurriculars or spoken up when I was sitting with new people in class. You will never regret forming connections.” 

“Don’t let fear stop you from doing something or else you will regret it,” advised Clyde Thibeault. “Play sports,” said Vinny Mancini. “Get involved in as many clubs and extracurriculars as you can,” added Connor Hutchison.

When it comes to navigating through life, there’s one essential piece of advice, according to Addy Potter: “Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.” Anthony Mann echoed that sentiment.  “Just be yourself and follow what you want to do, try new things and figure out what you like,” he said. “Be unapologetically yourself,” said Kate Baldinelli, “and do not do anything you don’t want to do.” 

Keeping perspective, and not stressing about the small stuff, was a common theme. “I would tell younger students to not stress over their classes too much and to just enjoy high school,” said Bella Almeida. “It goes by quicker than you can imagine so don’t beat yourself up over a ‘bad grade,’ especially since the switch from middle school to high school is very different.” 

Sam Curtis expressed a similar sentiment. “I would tell younger students not to stress too much about the smaller things,” she said. “I wish I knew that not everything was a huge deal and I wish I gave myself more grace to enjoy my time in high school.”

“Have fun,” said Alex Fredette. “Not everything needs to be taken so seriously.” Added Christina Meehan, “Nothing matters as much as you think it does.”

High school is a time of growth and change, especially when it comes to friendships. As one senior said anonymously, “Friends will change a lot throughout high school, so my advice is to not be afraid to reach out to new people.” Nick DeMarco added, “I wish I talked to more people earlier, to get to know as many people as I could.”

“High School is not scary,” said Joe Picard. “It will be one of the best four years of your life. Make sure you have a very good friend who will always be reliable whenever you need it.” 

Each stage of high school offers its own unique set of experiences, so don’t be in such a rush to grow up. “Enjoy your time as an underclassmen,” said Thomas McNamara. “Don’t wish that you can be a senior ASAP.  Live in the moment.” When you do get to senior year, though, Morgan Sullivan encourages students to “bring lunch and give yourself an easier schedule. I wish I knew that senioritis is inevitable.”

Sophia “Jazzy” Clark covered many bases with her response to The Hawk survey. “Some advice I’d give to younger students is 1.) Stop waiting for Friday, the weekend, school vacations, and the summer to be happy. 2.) It doesn’t matter if you have a bad hair day or wear the same clothes twice in one week, no one cares. 3.) You can’t work towards your goals if you are wallowing in your past. Just like you can’t ride a bike while staring behind you. 4.) Spend less energy on what’s out of your control and more on how you react/handle it. 5.) No one is born a professional athlete, a doctor, or a businessman. If successful people can do it, so can you. 6.) In 20 years you will regret more of what you didn’t do than what you did.” 

News

SENIOR ISSUE: Hawks Prepare to Leave the Nest

Leave a comment

By Billy Hersey, ‘27, and Siena Oliver, ‘27

Staff Writers

As the school year comes to an end, Hanover High will have to say goodbye to our 182 seniors. In doing so, we will bid farewell to our teammates, friends, classmates and leaders. Seniors who replied to The Hawk’s survey (or posted on Instagram by our publication deadline) plan to pursue a variety of interests and passions. Though nobody likes to say goodbye, we at HHS have high hopes for our seniors and wait patiently to see all the beautiful ways they will impact the world.

Business 

Many of our seniors hope to become movers and shakers in the world of business. Ben Elliot is going to St. Anselm for business management, which Gaby McAllister will study at UMass Amherst and Sophia Leary will pursue at Bentley. Mary Kate Flynn is heading to Babson College for business administration. Michael Costello will attend Bryant University for finance and entrepreneurship. Olivia Campo will head to Marist College for economics, which Stella Schipper will study at UConn. Anthony Mann plans to major in accounting at Sacred Heart University while continuing to wrestle. Alex Fredette will attend Endicott college for hospitality management.

For business degrees, Clyde Thibeault will attend High Point University; Andrew Sheridan heads to Sacred Heart; Connor Hutchison, Mikey McLoone and Erin Condon will head to Umass Amherst; Nick Pineau and Sean Porter will attend Elon; Ryan Murphy will study at Roger Williams University; Thomas McNamara will go to the University of Alabama; and Dylan Howard will go to Quinnipiac. Joe Picard will study business at Salve Regina, where he’ll also play football. Eddie Yoo isn’t sure where he’s going yet, but he hopes to study business and hang out as much as possible with John McDonald, who plans to study business management at Providence College.

Emma Dolan will attend Merrimack College for marketing, which Maura Canny will study at UMass Amherst, Paige Canny will study at the University of South Carolina, Jadyn Molloy will focus on at Bentley, and Tom Rocci will pursue at Charleston Southern University. Emma Schlumper is heading to Quinnipiac for advertising and integrated communications. Kate Baldinelli will attend Texas Christian University as a double major in finance and accounting. Tia MacVarish will study biomedical marketing at Quinnipiac, and John Regan will pursue media and society at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he’ll also play football.

Aiden Moody is going to the University of Tampa to major in finance, which Christina Meehan will pursue at Bentley, James Courtney will study at Stonehill, and Billy Radzik and Ben Cataldo will pursue at Quinnipiac. More finance majors include Kyle McCarthy at Bryant University, Matt Kisiel at St. Anselm, Myles Joyce at Sacred Heart, Vinny Mancini at Syracuse, and both Ryan Butzbach and Owen McDonough at the University of Tampa. To get out of the cold, Morgan Sullivan will study finance at the University of South Florida. Sophia Foley will major in finance and play soccer at UMass Amherst.

Sports management is a unique aspect of the business world. Seniors pursuing this field include Brody Leibfarth at Endicott, Connor Donlan at James Madison University, and Robbie Obreza at Xavier University.

STEM Fields

Those who pursue science and technology often have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Perhaps some HHS grads will make world-changing discoveries as they explore these fields. Seniors majoring in biology include Ashley Stracco at Holy Cross, Caera Flynn at Curry College, and Bella Almeida on a pre-med track at the University of Maryland. Katie Radzik will play field hockey while she studies bio at Union College.

Alec Jewson and Landon McLaughlin will head to the University of South Florida for marine biology, which Mae Buchanan will study at the University of New England. Katelyn Farrell will study biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. To pursue environmental science, Bradley Arnold will attend Endicott College, where he will play rugby; Ellis O’Brien heads to Fordham University; Matt Bertoncini will go to Northeastern; and Maddie George will head to the University of Vermont.

Aidan O’Connor plans to major in computer science and work in the tech or aerospace industry. Others pursuing computer science are Cameron Dillis at Syracuse University, Liam DeMong at Cornell, Ruby Murphy at Suffolk University, and Finn Schoenberger at Wentworth. Jacob DeMong will attend Miami University in Ohio for computer science and bioengineering. Charlie Phillips is going to Clemson for biomedical engineering. Caitlin Fortuna and Eva Kelliher will both attend Boston College for engineering. Dylan Mihaley will study math at Virginia Tech, Richie Squires will pursue civil engineering at the University of Rhode Island, and James Ritchie will study mechanical engineering at Penn State. Ed Vedeikis will study cybersecurity at Bridgewater State, which Ian MacDougall will pursue at Wentworth.

Several students will enter trades after graduation, including Kyle Gonsalves, who will join a union, and Matt Wildman, who wants to be an electrician.

Health Care

Many seniors will pursue careers that may save and change lives every day. Nursing majors include Adrianna Bates; Shannon Barrett at Curry College; Anna Canniff and Kaleigh Carthas at Endicott; Claire Kenney at the University of Rhode Island; Elizabeth Munroe at the University of South Carolina; Kaelyn Chase at UConn; Maren Hines at Florida State; and Ayla McDermod at St. Anselm, where she’ll also play lacrosse. 

Kendra Rogers heads to James Madison University to study psychology, which Peyton Scymczak will pursue at Gordon College. Nick Fountas will attend Plymouth State for exercise and sports physiology.

Michael Haleem will attend college for radiology. Samantha Curtis heads to MCPHS on a 3+3 bachelor’s and masters dual degree physician’s assistant track. Gianna Beer will focus on animal behavior and pre-vet at the University of New England and Mary Waters will study veterinary medicine. 

Education & the Humanities

The children are the future, and we are proud to see so many seniors taking up the challenge of educating America’s youth and investing in the future of the nation.-. Dominic Ford will major in secondary education at Bridgewater State, which Mckenzie Foley will pursue while playing field hockey at Roger Williams University. Ian Darcy hopes to become a high school history teacher with a degree from Roger Williams, while Maeve O’Connell follows a similar path at Bridgewater State. Early childhood education majors are Erin Willoughby at Bridgewater State and Kiley Gilligan at Westfield State. Alex Wing will study history at UMass Amherst with a possible business minor. Bella Macdonald hopes to become a social worker with a degree from Bridgewater State. 

Leah Dillon will attend the University of Vermont for English and writing, while James Solari studies English at Stonehill. Abby Van Duyn will major in political science at Northeastern University.

Criminal Justice and Emergency Services

These professions focus on keeping the streets safe and deserve more gratitude than we can give. Devin Goslin will double major in criminal justice and history at either Colby College or Roger Williams. Drew Dyer will attend the University of Tampa for criminal justice, where Kenny Southwick will pursue criminology. Others pursuing criminal justice include Karen DeOliveria at Roger Williams; Austin Parker at The Citadel; Tim Carlson at Roger Williams, where he will also play rugby; and Gabe Knudsen at St. Anselm, where he will play baseball. Katie Ward will pursue forensic science at Curry and Mikey DiCarlo will major in homeland security at the University of New Hampshire. Bodie Poririer will attend Mass Maritime for emergency management, as will Nunzio Minasi, who will also play rugby.

Fine Arts 

The arts have shaped cultures from past to present, and provide us with both entertainment and comfort. Addy Potter will study acting. So will Paulina Leskow, who will attend New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts for drama. Baylor Speckman will head to Emerson College for media arts production, and Ella Nadeau will study sound recording technology at UMass Lowell. Nikki Bliss will major in painting and minor in ceramics at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Communications 

In our information-rich world, those who report, create and share content play an important role. Isabelle MacLellan will major in English and communications/journalism at Ohio Wesleyan University while Rebecca Minichino studies communications and film/media at the University of Rhode Island. Other communication majors include Caroline Drummy at UMass Amherst and Ashley Delprete at St. Anselm. Meaghan Lynch will pursue public relations at Syracuse. 

The Sky’s the Limit

Some seniors who replied to The Hawk survey are still deciding what they will study in college. The choice is a big one and shouldn’t be rushed. Abby Lamb will attend Curry College, Aidan Coffey heads to High Point, Beverly Lynch will study at Bridgewater State and Hannah Bush will attend Simmons College. Katelyn Carney heads to Fairfield University, Nik Klos will attend UMass Boston and Natalie Mutschler will study and play soccer at Villanova University. Tyler Fassl heads to Mass Maritime. Payson Fowler will head off to a “starter college and get ready for the next portion of my life.”

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

Entertainment

New Fiction Titles Explore Thrills, Chills, Hopes and Fears

Leave a comment

By Mrs. McHugh

HHS Librarian

An adventure in the wilds of Alaska. A creepy old house that possesses its inhabitants. A high school senior facing unique challenges in her college search. I recently read three very different books: one thriller, one horror and one realistic fiction. But despite the differences in genre, they all plucked at my emotions and had me glued to the pages.

The North Line by Matt Riordan – After a foolish mistake costs Adam his college scholarship, he hopes to make quick tuition money by working the summer on fishing boats in Alaska. The job introduces him to the rough characters, grueling routines and physical risks that are part of the  industry. When the captain of Adam’s boat decides to defy striking fishermen, the danger escalates. The author draws from his own work experiences to instill real grittiness, tension, and even humor. 

My only criticism is that the author sometimes grows philosophical about nature, evolution, and purpose, breaking up the action. In addition, halfway through the book, readers learn that it is set in the 1990s during the Gulf War. It’s never really clear why the author includes this historical element, and it’s not integrated throughout the story. 

Aside from those issues, the adventure may appeal to readers who liked Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Peak by Roland Smith or Adrift by Paul Griffin. The theme of shedding your past and forging a new identity also may resonate, although the coarse language and references to sex and drug use may make this book best for older teens. The ending is tense, thrilling, and unexpected. 

A Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat – After a failed suicide attempt, teenaged Libby and her family try to make a fresh start in a mysterious home that’s been abandoned for decades. But while the family struggles to cope with its trauma, it must also face the secrets of the house, which include a history of seances, rumored disappearances and creepy bugs – so many creepy bugs. The author deftly balances a story about a shattered family and mental illness with a thrilling tale of hauntings, possession and the supernatural. Libby, her younger sister, their mom and a quirky boy next door are well developed and relatable. The supernatural elements will make readers’ skin crawl and the ending is fast-paced, tense and thrilling. 

The bugs may turn off some readers. The discussion of suicide may be too heavy for some, but the author focuses on the aftermath and recovery, not the act itself. While it may trigger some readers, who are warned in an author’s note at the front of the book, the discussion is handled honestly but carefully, showing how that level of desperation impacts everyone connected.

Readers who like horror stories and don’t mind being creeped out will devour this book. Fans of Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury and White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson, other stories where the haunted house is almost another character, also may enjoy this.

Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest – Effie is a high school senior who uses a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts her mobility and reflexes. She longs to go to college far from home and become a voice for people with disabilities. But she struggles with obstacles in her current school and fears leaving her support network of family and friends. Will her wheelchair keep her from following her dreams? Spoiler alert: of course it doesn’t. But watching Effie navigate the journey from a shy teen afraid to make waves to a confident advocate for herself and others is powerful. How she pursues her dreams and pushes past challenges sends a strong message to others.

This book offers the rare perspective of someone with a chronic illness and a wheelchair user, and it’s eye opening. When Effie and her parents visit her dream school in New York City, readers see firsthand how hard it is for someone with limited mobility to catch the subway or cross a snowy campus. Readers learn how easy it is for colleges and businesses to make excuses for not being accessible, blaming the age of buildings or the cost of making upgrades for their failure to do so. The story brings to light sacrifices that people with disabilities are expected to make, such as forgoing the chance to have a roommate because the only dorm rooms that will fit a wheelchair are singles. When Effie tours a campus that has made strong efforts to improve accessibility, it is amazing what can be done, making the excuses offered by others even harder to accept.

Readers with a disability or chronic illness will see themselves in the story, but so will any teen facing the decision about what to do after high school. Choosing a college or a career to pursue can be scary, confusing or ripe for comedy. Other books that cover the same transition include Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertelli and When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Entertainment, Opinion

Wish Honors Disney Classics, But Likely Won’t Become One

Leave a comment

By Billy Hersey, ’27

Staff Writer

I didn’t have high hopes for Wish, Disney’s latest animated film, mainly because of the negative press around it. After watching it, I can say that while it’s far from Disney’s best, it isn’t awful. The film’s message and soundtrack make it worth watching, at least if you’re a fan of Disney.

The creators wanted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney and the company’s legacy, so they designed a whole new art style combining methods from the classics like Pinocchio and Snow White, but also using present-day technology. They wanted to prevent the film from feeling old while paying homage to the many films made through the years. Being so used to the recent animation style of films like Moana, I was originally surprised and skeptical of the art in Wish, finding it a little “off.” But after seeing the making of the movie and learning more about the creators’ vision, I started to understand and found the new style a nice change of scenery. 

This aspiration to honor Disney’s many classics led the filmmakers to include references or nods throughout the film. Some say there were too many “Easter eggs,” and in some cases I agree. But the nods also remind viewers of their favorite films and add to their appreciation, which I feel is just what the architects of the movie wanted. 

Critics of Wish have said that the plot is basic and the movie is too fast paced, and I have to agree. I feel there was a need for more character development which could have slowed the movie and made the writing and story more complex. Some also longed for the classic Disney villain and felt the “bad guy” in Wish was barely evil and his reasons for turning evil were valid. I also felt the villain was missing something and I feel that adding more background especially with the father would have been nice especially since the filmmakers are trying to show he and Asha, the main character, had a close relationship. We barely know anything about Asha’s friends or how they met, especially Dahlia, who she seems closest to. I think perhaps the film could have benefitted from more of a background behind their friendship especially when thinking about all the things Dahlia did for Asha and the trust they have for each other.

Since this is a movie whose intended audience is mainly children, there were many reviews from adults seeing it with their young children and loving it. A simple story that is easy to follow is probably better for kids who may not be able to follow a more complex plot preferred by adult viewers. Lots of people love the character Star, who has lots of personality and a strong connection with Asha even though he doesn’t speak. But they noted the missed opportunity to add more after reading or hearing about the different ideas that arose during the character’s development.

One thing that really added to the film was the creative and beautiful soundtrack, especially the song “This Wish” because of its hopeful lyrics and sound. Something else that redeems the movie’s flaws is its theme. The creators try to convey to viewers that it is never too late to try to make a dream come true, and that if you want your wishes to come true, you have to work for them.

While this is far from my favorite movie, I would recommend that Disney fans watch it at least once to experience the beautiful art, hear the songs and feel the message. The movie has its issues, but I feel its goal to celebrate a century of classics created by the company has been achieved.

News

New Club Links Volunteer Hours to Career Goals

Leave a comment

By Bradlee Dowling, ’26

Staff Writer

This year, my classmate Isabella Reed and I lobbied to create the Career Club at HHS. The club aims, according to the mission statement we crafted, to “tailor our volunteer activities to the wild dreams and grand aspirations of our members for their future careers.”

“We’re all about laying the groundwork for our members’ futures by diving headfirst into service opportunities that sync up with their personal and professional dreams,” continues the mission statement. 

The Career Club is creating a platform where students don’t just clock in their community service hours – they actively mold their careers through hands-on experiences that they personally choose to participate in. For example, if an individual shows interest in working in the medical field, the Career Club will allow them to obtain community service opportunities in places such as a hospital. Even if someone doesn’t know where their professional passions lie, they still have a place in the Career Club. Those who are unsure of their career aspirations will be able to experience a variety of different places, and might just find their passion! 

At its core, the Career Club is a platform for self-discovery and fulfillment. It’s a space where students can transform their aspirations into action, where dreams are not just imagined but actively pursued. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful engagement, members will not only serve their community but also lay the groundwork for their own future success.

To learn more about the Career Club, contact me, Isabella or our advisor Mr. Mitchell. Let us embrace this opportunity to ignite passion, foster growth, and transform futures. Together, we can create a legacy of service, empowerment, and purpose that will resonate for years to come.

“Aspire, Serve, Thrive: The Career Club – Tailoring Dreams, Transforming Futures in Hawk Nation!”