What’s recently happened?
On December 21, Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) decided to throw its annual kickoff to winter break by hosting Coffeeshop. Coffeeshop is described as a fun environment to give everyone a chance to show off their skills.
HAST students prepare for weeks on end to perfect their talents. Creativity and determination to rock the stage make their performances seem like a scene in a movie. The possibilities are endless, and going on stage in front of the whole school gives students confidence and improves their social skills.
“I had no idea what to expect until I watched some videos of other people performing. They were all smiling and actually enjoying themselves. Once they were done performing, all you could hear were claps and cheers. The smiles on their faces convinced me to give it a go and I am so glad I did. I love cheering, and showing everyone our routines that we work so hard to learn made it a really good experience,” Victory Cortez, a performer, said.
Coffeeshop is always entertaining and vibrant. Whether it be full of dancing, singing, or telling jokes, students always have a great time sitting with their friends enjoying the show.
What’s coming up?
The National Honor Society (NHS) has decided to help its community by having a Warm Clothes Drive at HAST. The drive will begin on January 10 and will run until February 2. Excitement has been flowing through students as preparation begins.
To make sure everyone in the community is safe, the NHS is prioritizing winter clothing. This includes jackets, mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, sweatpants, sweaters, sweatshirts, and undergarments. Blankets will also be greatly appreciated.
The NHS has decided to donate all of their gatherings to A Sure Foundation. Students will be able to put all of their donations in a giant box in front of the school, and by the deadline the NHS will be on their way to make a change.
Donating the smallest thing will make such a huge difference in someone else's life. The NHS members will continue to encourage students throughout the school to donate and make a change.
Staff spotlight:
Joseph Ivezic is one of the newest members of the HAST staff committee. He started earlier this week and has so far been enjoying the job.
Ivezic received the opportunity to work at HAST as a security guard from Daniel Perchak, another new member of the HAST staff committee. After hearing about the chance to work at HAST, Ivezic landed the job.
“I’m pretty glad I work here now. The past few days have been pretty good, and everyone has been pretty friendly towards me,” Ivezic said.
Ivezic has been working as a security guard for the past two years and is a graduate from Whiting High School. At 17 years old, he joined the Army and joined the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Student spotlight:
Saidah Ramos is a junior at HAST and a pageant queen for Indiana.
Ramos has been in pageantry since she was 8 years old when her parents signed her up for the Union Benefica La Mexicana. It was her very first time entering a pageant with no experience, and she ended up winning the queen crown of Tiny Miss East Chicago. Little did she know, it would just be the beginning of her journey in pageantry.
At first, Ramos did not enjoy doing pageantry; however, as she got older she realized that doing it would allow for more scholarships to come her way and finally began developing a liking to her pageantry days. Ramos’ next title would continue to be Miss Teen Hammond Latina and finally, Miss Teen Indiana Latina.
Ramos has kept busy during her three years of high school. She is head of HAST journalism and is on the yearbook committee. She also plans on joining tennis later this year and playing basketball her senior year, given her experience managing the team last year.
“Managing my time has always been important due to everything I have to do. At first I was always on top of my work making sure everything was done. However, as time went on, I would take breaks and not want to do my work anymore. I later realized that the routine I was getting used to was not working and finally made a change. The calendar on my phone and planner helps me so much, and I recommend everyone to consider purchasing any type of organizer,” Ramos said.