What’s recently happened?
Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) recently had its Fall Banquet. In the banquet, each player of the fall sports season gets congratulated on all of the hard work they put into the season.
“It was my first time going this year. Last year, I went to the movies instead with my best friend. This year, I didn't know what to expect or anything about it except the basics. In the end, though, I’m glad I went since I actually had a good time,” said Mia Rucobia, a senior at HAST.
Volleyball, soccer, and tennis players were all in attendance. High school and middle school students came together during this time to support and congratulate each other on all they’ve accomplished.
“As a photographer who is always in attendance at these types of events, I would say it’s very heartwarming to see everyone’s faces light up when they walk up to get their award. People clap, friends make noise, and parent’s give proud smiles. It’s a full circle moment when all the players kind of take in that their season is over and reel in how much they committed to their sport,” said Lyila Vega, a senior at HAST.
The Fall Banquet was a success and included food, drinks, and a great time for the players and their families.
What’s coming up?
The National Honor Society (NHS) is back for the 2024-2025 school year.
“When I first got the letter that I was eligible to apply to the NHS at the end of the year last year, I was shocked. After the initial shock wore off, I got very excited. Now at this time, I submitted my application and am excited for all to come. I know the annual NHS ceremony is coming up so I’m also looking forward to that,” said Leah Lopez-Morales, a senior at HAST.
For the month of October, the NHS has planned a food drive.
“Since all of our members have been incredibly busy with their hectic schedules, we decided to take this month slow. A food drive is an excellent choice. We did it once last year and it was a huge success. The community got so many resources from HAST that it was immediately in my plans to do it this year. I know many will contribute and am excited to see how this will end,” said Madelyn Mendoza, a senior and member of HAST NHS.
The food drive will begin on October 21 and last till November 15. All non-perishable food items will be greatly accepted. The grade level with the most items will earn a dressed down week.
Staff spotlight:
Elizabeth Burton has been a staff member at HAST for 15 years.
“I’ve been here since the very beginning of our school. Before we even had an actual building. I was hired in the summer of 2010. I was on a curriculum team to help plan our first year. We taught out of St. Catherine of Siena. Then, in 2011, the building was finally up and ready to go,” said Burton.
Burton knew she wanted to go into teaching since she was born.
“I always loved to read, write, debate, argue, etc. As a kid, I would make fake quizzes and give them to my cousins and friends. Then, in high school, I found the classes that I really loved were my English courses. Ms. Greenberg was a true inspiration in AP English. There were only nine students in the class. Every week, she'd print out a weekly progress report with my rank out of the nine students. She was tough and pushed us. I was terrified of the class. It pushed me to a level of literacy that I hadn’t known before. I needed to be first. I quickly realized that I loved the class. As soon as I graduated, I started my courses for Secondary English Education,” said Burton.
During her free time, Burton enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys reading a good book or watching one of her favorite movies.
Student spotlight:
Noah Michniewicz has been a student at HAST since the beginning of his sophomore year in 2022 and is now a part of the graduating class of 2025.
“It seems that I have been waiting for the start of senior year since the first day I set foot in a classroom, and now that it is here, it feels surreal. I have more responsibilities than ever in having to submit college applications and think about what I want to pursue in my future. But I am looking forward to spending my final year in high school with my friends,” said Michniewicz.
During his free time, Michniewicz enjoys going to the gym and listening to music.
“I have been going for about three years now and have just fallen in love with it,” said Michniewicz. “My plan after graduation is to either perform extremely well in baseball to receive a college scholarship or pursue electrical engineering at either a trade school or a college.”
