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News

Mamdani: The Dawn of Democratic Socialism

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By Sophie Bunar, ’27

Staff Writer

Zohran Mamdani was recently elected mayor of New York City, and he’s sharing his progressive ideas with the country. Mamdani proudly describes himself as a democratic socialist, similar to Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. So what exactly is democratic socialism?

After President Donald Trump tried to label Mamdani a communist, the candidate became very vulnerable with his political and economic beliefs in public. When CNN’s Erin Burnett asked Mamdani during the campaign if he liked capitalism, he said: 

“No, I have many critiques of capitalism. And I think ultimately, the definition for me of why I call myself a democratic socialist is the words of Dr. King decades ago. He said, call it democracy or call it democratic socialism. There must be a better distribution of wealth for all of God’s children in this country. . . . For too long, politicians have pretended that we’re spectators to that crisis of affordability. We’re actually actors, and we have the choice to exacerbate it, like (outgoing) Mayor (Eric) Adams has done, or to respond to it and resolve it like I’m planning to do.”

Democratic socialism, as described by both Mamdani and Martin Luther King Jr., is a political ideology advocating a socialist economy within a democratic framework. It seeks to achieve a more egalitarian and just society by controlling the economy to benefit the majority, not just the one percent at the top. Democratic socialists support policies like universal health care, higher minimum wages, and worker cooperatives. They strongly distinguish it from both communism, which is seen as authoritarian, and social democracy, which they believe doesn’t challenge capitalism enough.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani holds a press conference at the Unisphere in the Queens borough of New York City, on Nov. 5, 2025. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)

While no country is a pure democratic socialist state, Nordic nations such as Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark are often cited as examples that follow many of the ideals. They utilize a mixed-market economy that combines private ownership with a strong social safety net, and they’re known for their comprehensive welfare system, including universal health care. Public services are funded through taxation. Labor unions, as well as labor market policies, reduce conflict between labor and capital. Other countries influenced by democratic socialism include Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Portugal, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

Despite how beneficial these ideas sound, is America ready for democratic socialism? The U.S. operates under a representative democracy with a capitalist-based economy. Capitalism is a stark contrast to socialism; it features private ownership, free markets and competition, while socialism involves government or collective ownership with a focus on equitable distribution. Capitalism promotes individual economic freedom and innovation through competition, but it can lead to inequality, which is what socialism aims to reduce. However, socialism has potential drawbacks as well. Despite its just basis, it can stifle innovation due to reduced competition and government control. Also, like many “unchecked” economies, it can lead to authoritarianism and gradually devolve into communism. However, under the current administration, many people are asking for either a socialist shift or a mix of both socialism and capitalism.

Mamdani’s own ideals are probably part of the best basis we have when it comes to the modern understanding of democratic socialism. His big policies are all focused on making life more affordable for working people. He aims to:

  • Freeze the rents for one million people in rent-controlled apartments. This means a temporary, legal halt on increasing rent for residential properties, preventing landlords from raising it for existing tenants and sometimes for new ones too.
  • Subsidize New York City buses to make them free to riders, as well as making child care free for New Yorkers.
  • Start a pilot program of one city-run grocery store in each borough to see whether removing the profit motive makes groceries cheaper—a risky arrangement.

    One of Mamdani’s policies is the most ambitious, though: increasing taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and on the city’s corporations. In the same CNN interview, Mamdani goes on to say:

“I think the dream at its core is a dream for stability in one’s life. And what you’re saying is that you work hard enough and that you then reap the benefits — too many New Yorkers, and Americans for that matter, are working eight hours and then still feeling like they haven’t made enough money to keep living in the city they call home.”

Zohran Mamdani speaks during a victory speech. Photograph: Yuki Iwamura/AP

Works Cited

Campbell, Lucy. “Who Is Zohran Mamdani, New York’s Democratic Socialist New Mayor?” The Guardian, The Guardian, 5 Nov. 2025, http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/zohran-mamdani-profile.

“Capitalism vs. Socialism: An Overview | EBSCO.” EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | Www.ebsco.com, 2019, http://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/political-science/capitalism-vs-socialism-overview.

Genovese, Daniella. “Business Leaders React to Zohran Mamdani’s NYC Mayoral Victory.” Fox Business, 5 Nov. 2025, http://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/business-leaders-react-zohran-mamdanis-nyc-mayoral-victory. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Lach, Eric. “The Mamdani Era Begins.” The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2025, http://www.newyorker.com/news/our-local-correspondents/the-mamdani-era-begins. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

National Museum of American History. “Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship.” Americanhistory.si.edu, americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/learn/government-basics/11/learn.

Thaywick, Lena. “15 Democratic Socialist Countries and Social Democracies.” HowStuffWorks, 22 Oct. 2025, people.howstuffworks.com/democratic-socialist-countries.htm. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Treisman, Rachel. “4 Things to Know about Zohran Mamdani, Presumptive Democratic Nominee for NYC Mayor.” VPM, Virginia’s home for Public Media, 25 June 2025, http://www.vpm.org/npr-news/npr-news/2025-06-25/4-things-to-know-about-zohran-mamdani-presumptive-democratic-nominee-for-nyc-mayor. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Wolf, Zachary B. “Democratic Socialism, according to Zohran Mamdani.” CNN, 6 Nov. 2025, http://www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/politics/mamdani-democratic-socialism-explained.

Senior Spotlight

Senior Spotlight Highlights Members of the Class of ’26

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

Staff Writers

This year, The Hawk will profile some of the truly special students in the Class of 2026. Each issue, we’ll ask 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. This senior class is packed with incredible people with bright futures, so without further ado, let’s meet the seniors featured in our first Senior Spotlight!

Leo Galvin

Leo came to Hanover in the summer of 2016, starting third grade in Hanover schools. From elementary school to high school, Leo says he has maintained a consistent morning routine. In high school, Leo began to appreciate the little things rather than obsessing over them. One thing Leo misses now that he’s in high school is spending ample time with his family and friends, “which, with the busy schedule of a high schooler,” he says, “is extremely difficult to do.”

His favorite classes that he’s taken have been United States, World, and European History. Leo says he’s “always been interested in studying history, so the material within these courses was very intriguing.” All of Leo’s teachers have made a positive impact on him; he can’t choose a favorite! As far as high school activities go, Leo’s favorite has been participating in sports like Cross Country and Track and Field.

After graduating from HHS, Leo plans on attending college. He believes that taking those history classes, as well as AP Government and Politics in his senior year, has influenced his decision to pursue higher education in Political Science or Homeland Security. Leo is not only an accomplished student, but also an accomplished athlete. He is most proud of having the opportunity to be a captain for three Varsity sports at HHS! Outside of school, Leo works at Marathon Sports in Norwell.

Out of all four years in high school, Leo considers Junior year his favorite. If he could start high school over again, he says he “would’ve tried to invest more time in activities both in school and out of school.” If there is one lesson Leo has learned at HHS, he says, it’s to, “not to stress the little things, and to strive to be a positive influence every day.”

Abigail Kajunski

Abby has been a Hanover resident her whole life! She has played soccer from the time she was a little elementary schooler all the way to now, serving as a captain of this year’s Girls Varsity team. Since she’s been in high school, she’s joined several clubs and started working a job. Upon entering high school, Abby let go of doing gymnastics and playing basketball, but she doesn’t miss them too much as she’s contented by the activities she participated in now!

Her favorite class was sophomore year chemistry with Mr. Mitchell! She enjoyed the freedom and comfort she was granted while exploring this new subject. She recalls enjoying “being able to work at our own pace.” Despite her incredible academic record, Abby’s favorite activity, by far, has been getting to play her favorite sport: soccer!

After high school, Abby plans to become a nurse, or work in the healthcare field. Thanks to her time spent at HHS, she realized she’s more interested in the sciences than English or history. Her proudest accomplishment to date has been being inducted into the National Honor Society! Beyond school and besides playing soccer, Abby babysits and holds another job. 

If forced to choose a favorite year at HHS, she would assert that her sophomore year has been her favorite. If she had the opportunity to repeat high school, Abby would “take freshman and junior year more seriously.” Carrying one lesson away from high school, above all, Abby says, “to not procrastinate and get (your) work done on time.”

Ireland Cronin

Since transferring to Hanover Schools during sixth grade, Ireland has packed her life with dedication, energy, and balance. With athletics, school and three jobs combined, she is a master of staying active and satisfied.

Ireland began playing lacrosse during middle school and learned field hockey as an HHS freshman. “Field hockey is my favorite thing, for sure,” she says. “Every season has been so much fun, and I love all the players.” She did Irish dance for 10 years prior to high school, something she still misses today, though giving it up left her with more time to explore other things.

In the classroom, Ireland has enjoyed Accounting and Marketing the most, and has made some favorite teachers: Mrs. Pereira, Mr. Perry, and Mrs. Curtis. “They’re not just great teachers,” she says. “They’re also so funny and easy to talk to.”

Those courses also have influenced her career path. She was initially interested in the medical profession, but Ireland changed direction after she enrolled in an accounting course and now plans to major in Accounting in college. “High school definitely impacted my career,” she says.

Outside of class, Ireland juggles three jobs! She works as a barista, hostess, and babysitter, while still keeping up with school and sports. “One accomplishment I’m proud of is balancing it all and still getting everything done,” she shares.

Her finest year to date? Junior year. Looking back, she says she’d do a few things differently, if she could: “I’d be more involved in clubs and be more serious about school as a freshman.” Taking inventory, Ireland offers one simple lesson to underclassmen: “The effort you put in is what you get out, and your grades don’t make you who you are.”

News

Flexing our Future – GENYOUth

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By Samuel Frattasio ’27

News Editor

I was recently selected, along with 22 people from across the country, as a member of the GENYOUth National Youth Council. As part of my orientation, I attended the GENYOUth National Youth Council summit this past June in Washington, D.C. Our council gathered to begin the process of helping address issues relating to food security and the physical wellness of students in US schools. As a national youth council member, I had the opportunity to collaborate with peers, as well as national leaders and government officials, in an effort to help drive change and policies in health, wellness, and education. To better understand the impact of the organization behind this work, it’s essential to examine GENYOUth’s broader mission and reach. 

GENYOUth is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of young people, particularly within the school environment. Founded in 2010 by the National Dairy Council, the National Football League (NFL), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, GENYOUth works to ensure children have access to nutritious foods and opportunities to stay active. Since its founding, the organization has raised over $200 million to support initiatives nationwide, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles for students. Through its School Nutrition Grants, GENYOUth has reached 17,464 schools and impacted 18.2 million students. Its Cafeteria Equipment Grants have helped serve 1.89 billion meals annually, and its Physical Activity Grants have benefited 23,893 school communities, encouraging 21 million students to be active before, during, and after school. Overall, GENYOUth programs operate in 76,287 schools, covering 69% of all schools in the U.S. and present in 83% of Title I schools. The organization’s initiatives reach 40.9 million students, which includes 82% of those eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

While in Washington, I participated in leadership development sessions, mentorship workshops, and lectures. I also met with government officials, legislative aides, and senior executives from leading organizations such as Amazon, Tyson Foods, and the National Dairy Council. The information sessions, open dialogue and platform for sharing ideas was an invaluable learning experience on youth leadership, public policy, and social responsibility. Each council member is also tasked with designing a project to implement within their school community. With an equipment grant and a $1,500 stipend, I am working to introduce yoga and reintroduce flag football to Hanover High School, as well as other schools in the district. My goal is to focus on both mind and body, introducing more cardio and stretching, while also having fun along the way. If successful, yoga could be offered as a regular PE offering, and Flag Football is under consideration for MIAA-sanctioned status. Beyond my own school, I am collaborating with our nurse, Ms. Nee, to take these lessons into the wider community, visiting other schools in the district to share information about proper nutrition and the benefits of physical wellness. We also aim to connect with local nutritionists to further promote healthy lifestyles among students.

I’m very proud to be representing New England on the GENYOUth Council and bringing some ideas home to Hanover. It’s more than just promoting physical activity and proper nutrition; it’s about empowering young people to take charge of their own health and well-being. By sharing these initiatives, I hope to create opportunities for my peers to lead healthier, more active lives. At the heart of this work is the principle that young people deserve a voice in decisions that affect them. As GENYOUth’s National Youth Council motto reminds us, “If it’s about us, don’t do it without us.”

Members of the GENYOUth National Youth Council with GENYOUth CEO Ann Marie Krautheim (center) and members of the board. Washington D.C., June 2025

News

Class of 2025: Parting Words

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By Jenna Clasby, ‘27 and Sophie Bunar, ‘27

Staff Writers

As underclassmen, we often look to the seniors for advice. Whether it’s which classes to take, which extracurriculars to check out, or just how to get through high school, seniors often have the most valuable knowledge and experience. As this school year comes to an end, members of the Class of ‘25 shared their best pieces of advice for younger students.

“Enjoy the time you have, and enjoy the moment. Live in the present.” – Aidan Boutin.

“Being perfect isn’t needed. You are allowed to make mistakes and you should make them. If you’re stressed about being perfect all the time, you’ll miss all the good stuff.” – Aevyn Brink 

“Don’t take anything for granted, it goes by way too fast so enjoy it.” – Abby Hannah

“You’ll never see these people again.” – April Hamilton 

“Do everything for yourself.” – Alexandra Marinis

“Keep your grades up and you’ll be fine. I also wish I had done more sports and joined more clubs, because it is an advantage of making new connections.” – Ava Curren

“Keep your GPA up and turn in assignments on time.” – Bell Keenan

“Don’t be absent all the time.” – Brooke Barber

“Get involved in as much as you can in high school and don’t be afraid to go out of your own comfort zone. High school goes by fast, and the more you put yourself out there, the more experiences and friendships you’ll create.” – Catherine Reinhart, class president

“Don’t be afraid to get involved and don’t stress yourself out too much.” – Thomas Perkins

“Take notes on Thomas Perkins.” – Cam Scott

“Keep open communication if you are struggling. Your teachers want to help you succeed and not asking for help won’t benefit you in the long run.” – Izzy Latessa

“Don’t feel the need to impress anybody. Be yourself.” – Ryan Shea

“Take risks even when you don’t know if you’ll succeed! Apply for the job or leadership position or group outside of school you want because you never know what could happen!” – Julia Fitzgerald

“Shave your facial hair and get a haircut.” – Tyler Neville

“Spend every minute with your friends! You’re all going separate ways after graduation.” – Casey Labelle 

“True kindness comes from lifting others up without lowering yourself. You’re worthy of standing tall, just as you are.” – Addison Baldinelli

“Give the janitors less work to do.” – Malcolm Beliveau

“My advice is to figure out what you want to do after high school as soon as possible and start working towards that goal as soon as you start your freshman year.” – Connor McCue

“No one expects you to know everything, and it’s okay to ask questions when you’re struggling. Teachers, friends, and family are there to support you” – Ella Brinkman 

“Don’t let drama get to you.” – Kaylee Lupien

“High school isn’t for everyone, find something that you enjoy to do whether it is in school or not and put more time into that.”  – Dylan Clark

“Only try your sophomore and junior years.” – Matt Lombardi

“Work hard, even if you’re unmotivated. Surround yourself with people who motivate you to be the best person you can be.” – Grace Witt  

“Take the right classes. Ask upperclassmen what to take.” – Macklin Ball

“The best advice I would give to younger students is to always keep your head up and don’t get past yourself and just focus on the moment. Be you, not something else.” – Michael Sawaya

“Take classes that are the best fit for you. Don’t pick classes just because they are popular to take.” – Tyler Vincent

“Take advantage of every opportunity, as cliche as it is, you will be a senior before you know it, so enjoy it.” – Sophie Schiller

All in all, advice is important to shape the young minds of underclassmen. It can provide guidance and support which leads to better decision making overall in the future. As underclassmen, we are forever grateful for the advice from our seniors that allows us to better ourselves on our own journey through High School.

News

Class of 2025: What We’ll Miss Most

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By Billy Hersey, ‘27 and Siena Oliver ‘27

Hawk editors

As our seniors look toward new beginnings, many can’t help but look back on their fond memories of our community. Students who replied to The Hawk senior survey said they would miss many things about their time at HHS. A common theme among responses was that students would miss their friends, teachers and sports.

“I will miss the teachers that showed up every day and cared about us deeply,” said Thomas Perkins. For Noey Giardina, it will be the lunch ladies. For April Hamilton and Adrian Nickerson, it’s the art classes and teachers. James Bison will miss “Doc.” Michael Sawaya will miss “hanging out with the office ladies.” Samantha Ferguson said: “I’ll miss my friends and my favorite teachers.” Sophie Schiller echoed that sentiment and added that she’ll miss her coaches too.

Connor McCue will greatly miss the atmosphere at HHS and the people. “They do a great job at creating a positive environment that people want to be a part of.” 

Many seniors are sad to be separated from their friends and will cherish the memories they have made with each other. Max Aikins will miss “classes with my friends who are going to different schools.” Scott Theriault will be sad to end “socializing with the people I’ve grown up with.” Cat Reinhart said she’ll miss “seeing everyone in 6th period library every day.”

“I’ll miss having my friends around me all the time and just being able to drive a mile or two to see them,” said Grace Witt. Madi Pongratz agreed. “I’ll miss seeing everyone together in one place because once we graduate we won’t see a lot of these people ever again,” she said.

Sports are a huge part of life at HHS, leading to lifelong connections and great memories. During the Class of 2025’s time at HHS, girls soccer won the state championship in 2022 and made it to the finals in 2024. Boys hockey won the state title at the TD Garden in 2022 and returned to the finals in 2024. Rugby made it to the state finals in 2022 and 2024. Girls Lacrosse reached the final four in 2024. Football made it to the state semifinals in 2022 and 2024, and to the Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium in 2023.

Abby Hanna, who played softball and hockey, will miss her teammates and coaches. Max Goitia will miss playing rugby; for Matt Jenkins, it’s soccer, and for Cam Fish it’s baseball. Addison Baldinelli will miss playing field hockey and performing with the dance team.

Liz Curtis will miss field hockey the most. “Being part of the team has been such a huge part of my high school experience!” she said.

Aidan Boutin, who played football and rugby for four years and wrestled for three, said he will miss the opportunities to practice and compete with close friends. “It deeply saddens me that I will never be able to suit up and play with my childhood friends ever again.”

Watching sports was as memorable as playing, according to Ava Good and Ava Puzzangara. 

Clubs, community service and performing arts provided fond memories for many students. Tyler Neville said he will miss “performing at concerts for the symphonic and marching band.” Julia Fitzgerald, who counted band and tennis among her activities, said she will miss the friends she made inside and outside the classroom. “Even if I keep them up in college,” she said, “I know I will miss their presence.”

While the Class of ‘25 will embark on different paths, hopefully their memories of friendship, guidance and support will bolster them in whatever they take on next. It is clear that, for many students, their time at HHS has left an indelible mark.

“Over the past eight years since I moved here in 4th grade, I have gotten to know the people around me here in Hanover and I have grown to love it,” said Lochlan Garvey. “Being able to come to school every day and be surrounded by this community that we have created over the past years has been a gift and I am going to miss it terribly.”

News

Vo-Tech School to Get New Building

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By Ryan Costello, ’27

Staff Writer

It is no secret that the South Shore Technical School is growing outdated. The Webster Street building is more than 60 years old and can’t serve all of the students who want to attend. With the trades currently facing a shortage of skilled workers, a new, modernized vocational school could be filled with more students than ever before as well as new programs of study. Thanks to a recent vote, that new building is coming soon.

Opened in 1962, the school has an enrollment of 685 students and a considerable number of students on a waiting list. The school offers programs in Automotive, Culinary Arts, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Electrical, Design & Visual Communications, Computer Information Technology, HVAC-R, Allied Health, Advanced Manufacturing Electric Technology, Metal Fabrication/Welding, and Horticulture & Landscape Construction. Students from nine towns can attend the school: Abington, Cohasset, Hanover, Hanson, Marshfield, Norwell, Rockland, Scituate, and Whitman. 

Why a new build?

Building a new school would mean an increase in taxes for residents of the nine towns it serves, but advocates of the plan argued that renovations would have a poor long-term value. A renovation would require up to four years of construction, which would mean four years of noise, learning disruptions, parking constraints and traffic impacts. New programs such as plumbing and veterinary science couldn’t happen in a renovated facility without closing other programs. A new facility would allow an enrollment of up to 900 students each year, over 200 more than currently served, as well as the expansion of programs.

On January 25, the $276 million project to build a new South Shore Technical High School received overwhelming approval, with 78 percent of voters in support. In Hanover, 80 percent of voters approved the plan. The state will reimburse the towns an estimated $100 million of the cost. The new building will be constructed on the playing fields behind the current facilty, allowing the school to remain open during construction. Groundbreaking is set for April 2026, with hopes that the new building will open for the 2028-2029 school year.

Opinion

Does the MCAS Still Matter?

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By Danny, Campbell, ’27

Staff Writer

So I bet most of you are aware of the fact that on November 6th, the people of Massachusetts voted in favor of getting rid of MCAS as a graduation requirement. I personally believe this was a great decision, since it means that students won’t have to worry about not getting their diploma for scoring poorly on it. However, I think we still have to take the standardized tests seriously because of how much they still can affect students and our school.

The MCAS, or Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, is a series of standardized tests created in 1993. Starting in third grade, all students take tests in English Language Arts and Math. A Science, Technology and Engineering exam is given in grades five and eight. Civics is administered to 8th graders and biology is given to 9th graders. Passing the tests had been a requirement for a diploma in Massachusetts, while schools used the data to evaluate teaching and learning. After the vote, the graduation requirement has been removed, but schools are still giving the tests to collect information.

But how did this movement to remove the MCAS graduation requirement get onto the ballot in the first place? You see, this movement was started by a mom in Lexington and the Massachusetts Teachers Association because they felt like MCAS was unfair to students who don’t take tests well. The movement was further spread by Adriana Mason and another mom from Hanover who helped to get the word out locally and get the question on the ballot.

One of the main concerns that went into having MCAS as a graduation requirement is the belief that students with special needs are treated unfairly by the system. I can relate to this concern from personal experience; while I was in elementary and middle school, I was given extra support in my classes to address my needs. However, when you are taking the MCAS, you are not allowed to have the same extra support you have had for the entire year. This would cause issues for students, who might have to take the high school tests repeatedly to finally earn a passing grade and qualify for their diploma. Teachers were forced to spend a lot of time each year preparing students for MCAS. It is either that or risk having students unprepared for test day.

Between 2003 and 2024, 400-450 students left HHS without their diploma, according to Mason. This large number has to do with their MCAS grades, and many of the students impacted were students with disabilities. Most students with disabilities already have hard lives, and not being able to get their diploma made their lives unfairly harder. Without a diploma, your job opportunities are reduced. You cannot go to college or into the military, and you cannot become a police officer or firefighter. Thankfully, with this law passing, students who graduated HHS from the 2003-2024 are able to now receive their diploma.

With all of that being said, and with the ELA test taking place at the high school this week, it leads me back to my question, “should we still be worried about the MCAS?” I will say once more that I am beyond glad that this law has passed, and I have NO complaints about this vote. However, as a sophomore, it feels very anti-climactic after being told numerous times since middle school that the 10th grade MCAS was the extremely important one that would determine whether or not I received a diploma. Now, the test feels just like an extra thing to do.

Still, my final verdict is that while MCAS shouldn’t be treated AS seriously as it was in previous years, I do believe students should still try to do well. The test results will be used to check in on how students are doing in school, and to make sure that teachers are successfully providing instruction in important skills. All of this can now be done without stressing out students yearround.

featured image: https://www.boston.com/news/education/2021/09/21/mcas-scores-2021-pandemic/

News, Sports

Unified Sports Win is About More than Final Score

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By The Hawk staff

The Hanover High School Unified basketball team made a powerful statement as they took on a team fielded by Student Council in a packed gym on Feb. 6. While the final score stood at Unified 79, StuCo 21, what counted more than the many, many (many) baskets made was the teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendship on display.

For the Unified team, top scorers were Danny Campbell, Bre Thomas, Jillian Richards, JJ Molina-Para, and Adel Mustafa-Rivera. Dom Castaldini and Maeve Patten showed determination as they made passes and grabbed rebounds. Molina-Para wowed the crowd with his 360-turns before sinking several baskets, and Richards’ countless steals from StuCo players were almost criminal.

The StuCo team kept their spirits high, with several members of HHS basketball teams making impressive shots. The atmosphere was festive thanks to the play-by-play of HHS senior Thomas Perkins, and the Hanover Hawk mascot rallying the crowd. Congratulations to players from both teams! Special thanks go out to Unified Sports organizers Ms. Mann and Ms. Gately, Athletic Director Scott Hutchison and all the fans in attendance.

The HHS Unified team will take part in a Jamboree at Abington High School on Feb. 12, playing teams from Abington and Carver high schools. We wish them best of luck!

Pioneered by Special Olympics, the goal of Unified Sports is to partner people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. By training and playing together, Unified teams promote inclusion, friendship and self esteem, according to the Special Olympics website. An estimated 19 million young people participate in Unified Sports nationwide.

News

Eagle Scouts Soar to New Heights

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By Bradlee Dowling, ’26

Staff Writer

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is no small achievement: it requires years of dedication, leadership, and service. Five scouts from Hanover High School have gone above and beyond, using their projects to make a meaningful impact on our community. From improving accessibility and transportation to preserving local history, their efforts demonstrate the values of scouting and the lasting difference one individual can make.

According to EagleScout.org, the projects these high schoolers participate in must be challenging, valuable to the community, “demonstrate leadership of others and provide service to a worthy institution.”  Eagle Scout is the highest rank a scout can achieve.

After seeing how many bikes were being thrown out at the Hanover transfer station, senior Gavin Hardy organized a bike drive for his Eagle Scout project. He collected about 100 bikes from the dump in one weekend, refurbished the bikes that could be saved and donated them to schools, veterans and families in need. Spare parts were sent to Cameroon, Africa. He credits Rich Bonanno, the founder of the Scituate-based nonprofit Rolling Wave Foundation, with helping him connect with organizations and individuals in need. Gavin’s project shows how a simple idea can bring mobility and independence to others.

Drew Keith’s journey to Eagle Scout has been lifelong, filled with challenges and memorable moments. Attending the National Jamboree in West Virginia stands out as a highlight, while navigating the extensive paperwork for his Eagle Scout project proved to be his greatest hurdle. An HHS junior, Drew built a bog board to replace an old one between the middle and high schools, making the trails accessible for people and their dogs. Despite facing weather challenges, Drew’s perseverance shone through, and he credits scouting with instilling leadership, life skills, and values like good citizenship. When asked for advice, Drew shared, “Stick with it. It’s a fun experience if you go into it with the right mindset.”

Tyler Jewson’s Eagle Scout project also involved building bog boards to bridge muddy areas, improving accessibility and usability for the community. The HHS junior’s project demonstrates a hands-on commitment to solving local challenges and leaving a lasting impact.

Since joining scouting in 2019, junior Matthew Bell has held the leadership position of “historian.” For his Eagle Scout project, Matthew built paddle board racks for the Hingham Maritime Center. In addition to that, he refurbished their flagpole, built in the 1920s. His role as troop historian reflects his dedication to leadership and legacy and his project reveals a deep understanding and appreciation for the local history.

Junior Liam Anderson’s path to Eagle Scout began with a unique twist: quitting in 5th grade only to rejoin in 6th. His determination paid off as he rose to the rank of Senior Patrol Leader, managing a troop of 60 scouts. For his Eagle Scout project, Liam created portable exhibit signs for antique vehicles to support the local historical society. Communication challenges during the project taught him the importance of persistence and follow-ups. Liam credits scouting with shaping his leadership and communication skills, making him a more well-rounded individual. His advice to aspiring Eagle Scouts: “Overlook the tedious, see the light at the end of the tunnel, and imagine yourself in the future without it. You’d be pretty sad if you saw all the others and wish you had stuck through it.”

From bike drives to bog boards and historical preservation, these scouts’ projects highlight the diverse ways Eagle Scouts make meaningful contributions. Through their dedication, leadership, and resilience, they’ve not only achieved scouting’s highest rank but also left lasting marks on their communities, setting powerful examples for future generations.

Students from HHS and the area celebrate earning the rank of Eagle Scout in a ceremony Jan. 4. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Hardy.
Opinion

The Wonderful Life of Ants

1 Comment

By Siena Oliver, ’27

News Editor

Throughout the span of human evolution, there have been great strides made in the areas of technology and science. Individualism has also become an important part of many societies, and has helped lead to many of those innovations. One constant throughout all of this, though, has been conflict. In the form of wars, political strife, or just general disagreements, conflicts have hindered the progress of humans, making it almost impossible to efficiently accomplish even simple community-based goals. The definition of conflict, as seen in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “to be different, opposed, or contradictory: to fail to be in agreement or accord.” This suggests that it is possible to avoid conflict by compromising and communicating. These skills, which seem to be hard for humans to use effectively, come naturally to ants. 

Ants, like humans, have populations living almost everywhere around the world. Unlike humans, though, ants are not often engaged in debates or conflicts; according to the National Wildlife Federation, they are able to make meaningful progress in accomplishing goals for the good of their entire community. The collaboration we see in ants provides an obvious contrast to the way that humans live. One of the most valued concepts in human society is freedom: of speech, religion, to protest and disagree. All of these freedoms, laid out in the constitutions of the U.S. and many other countries, are vital in maintaining personal autonomy and expression, and protecting individuals from an overreach of government power. But freedom also opens the doors to conflict. For the U.S, 2021 was a time defined by protests and social change. During the year, many individuals in the U.S. exercised their rights and freedoms by participating in protests and movements for causes such as Black Lives Matter, pro- and anti-vaccination, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. Many of these movements were successful and peaceful, but some instances –such as the politically charged riot against the capitol on January 6th — ended up turning violent. In a 2021 article from the Pew Research Center, 81 percent of Americans felt that the country was “more socially divided” than ever before. This shows that, while valuable, freedoms of opinion and speech can lead to conflict and division. To be clear, I am not proposing that we get rid of human rights. However, it would be beneficial to recognize that, while humans are free to have differing opinions, and these opinions can lead to positive change, our differences should not come at the cost of progress and collaboration. After all, if humans cannot agree on even simple issues, how are we supposed to make meaningful progress in any area?

In an ant colony, each individual helps to make up a part of a larger system. Worker ants, who constitute the biggest part of the colony system, divide up chores such as finding food, creating and defending the nest, and even raising the young, according to Time Magazine. They do all of this in exchange for the protection and benefits of the work of others. Humans, however, tend to follow an ‘every man for himself’ system, where each person focuses on their own goals and survival rather than that of the group. For many, the average lifestyle consists of going to work, and then buying food and other necessities with the money earned from working in order to sustain themselves until the next time they are paid. This system allows for upward mobility in social and economic classes, but because of the need for self-subsistence and self betterment, humans are often more inclined to focus on those personal goals rather than those of the overall community or world. Imagine the potential if humans, like ants, worked together for the betterment of the community as a whole. For an ant, it is easy; it is in their nature to work collectively, but for humans, working together is a choice. The question is, why not choose ‘every man for every man’ rather than ‘every man for himself?’ If we can put our differences aside to accomplish a goal, important progress may be made. 

As a species, ants are exceptionally good problem solvers and teamworkers. They are notoriously good at carrying objects much heavier than themselves, but when a piece of food or an object is too large for an ant to carry by itself, a group forms to help. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology shows that, when working together, ants can easily transport objects weighing up to 1900 times the mass of a singular ant back to their nest. This collaboration ensures that difficult tasks and problems are easily and efficiently resolved. Humans are capable of leveraging teamwork to complete difficult tasks just like ants, but, often, individual interests or opinions get in the way of working together — especially when a problem is high stakes or very large. Currently, climate change is a problem at the forefront for many people. Climate change is a global issue that requires nations to work collaboratively, but, due to conflicting priorities or political disagreements, progress is moving slowly. A report from the United Nations states that this lack of collaboration has been a barrier to achieving important climate goals. Just as ants work together to solve challenges, humans must use a similar approach to solve large global issues, such as global warming, where individual efforts alone are not enough. 

Think of the world like an ant hill: no different colonies or separate nests, just one large home that needs protection from its residents in order to survive. Think of humans as ants, working together to solve challenges and ensure the health of every other ant in their hill. Ants are often looked at by humans as small and inconsequential, but these small creatures may just be the key to the prosperity and survival of the human race. By setting aside individual interests and opinions, and focusing on the greater good, humans can overcome conflict and make progress on pressing global issues. So, perhaps it’s time for humans to take a closer look at the life of an ant, and apply their collaborative ways to our own lives. 

Sources

“Ants.” National Wildlife Federation, http://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Ants#:~:text=Most%20species%20live%20in%20soil,than%2010%20times%20their%20weight.&text=Ants%20use%20their%20keen%20senses%20to%20communicate%20with%20colony%20members. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Blanchard, Heather Campbell and Benjamin. “What Ants Can Teach Us about Working Together.” Time, Time, 17 Feb. 2023, time.com/6256519/ants-working-together-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania/.

“Conflict Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Devlin, Kat. “People in Advanced Economies Say Their Society Is More Divided than before Pandemic.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 23 June 2021, www.pewresearch.org/global/2021/06/23/people-in-advanced-economies-say-their-society-is-more-divided-than-before-pandemic.

“Inadequate Progress on Climate Action Makes Rapid Transformation of Societies Only Option – UNEP.” UN Environment, http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/inadequate-progress-climate-action-makes-rapid-transformation. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Jeb.Biologists.Org, jeb.biologists.org/content/222/17/jeb206821. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

“A New Era of Conflict and Violence.” United Nations, United Nations, http://www.un.org/en/un75/new-era-conflict-and-violence. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

The Protests and Unrest That Defined 2021 – The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/protests-world-year-review/. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.