HHS news
The tassels have come in, the class of 2016 is being hit by the reality that in 5 months they will be walking across the stage. Orders for cap and gowns have been sent in and the schedules for the remaining senior activities have been announced. The anticipation is rising and adrenaline is kicking in along with the anxiety of finals as they head into the second semester after winter break.
On the other hand, more sports have started as the winter sports have begun the competitions. The Girls Basketball teams, JV, and Varsity, have made good vibes with a great environment between them and great teamwork. As for the Boys’ Basketball team, they have started their season off with a win against Roosevelt, and Swimming had their first meet on December 5th. Sports and finals consume the hallways of HHS this winter, but Girls’ tennis has already begun to get in shape for the upcoming spring season
Upcoming Events
Seniors will have a meeting every third Wednesday of the month to prepare for graduation, the senior field trip, and many more activities. With college application deadlines approaching, many students have been taking or retaking the SAT to increase their scores and increase their chances of getting accepted.
Teacher of the Month
It is rare to come across someone who genuinely cares about the state of the people in their work environment. Mr. Nathaniel Foor, a teacher, and tennis coach of Hammond High School has dedicated 14 years of his career to the wildcats. I got the chance to speak to him, and he gave me his whole incite on teaching and being a coach.
He is a very dynamic man. He has welcomed a new baby and still manages time to show his appreciation for his students, “Being a teacher is the best job in the world! The aspect of teacher I love most is building relationships with students, staff, and community stakeholders. In most jobs you may deal with people on a daily basis but you never really get to know them. But in teaching you see your students five days a week and often over multiple years," said Foor.
Foor also talked about the importance of keeping in touch with previous students and building long term relationships with previous students.
"Through the course of this time, you can really see the impacts of a school community on a student and take pride in their progress. I am still in contact with a number of my old students and gratified about their successes," said Foor. "This leads me to the other great aspect of being a teacher. You get to see the results of your hard work every single day with the student’s growth. Helping young people to grasp a concept, or develop a love for learning is extremely rewarding.
Foor also finds enjoyment outside of teaching through his love of coaching tennis.
"This is my 14th year coaching tennis. The girls on the team are like a second family. My goal for tennis team is to give the girls a program that they are proud to be a part of because of the dedication and perseverance that is needed for success," said Foor. "Teaching discipline, work ethic, and teamwork through the lifelong sport such a tennis builds unity and character. I couldn’t be more honored than to be their coach.”
He will continue to shed his gracious light on the school. making positive impacts in the lives of his students and athletes.
Student of the Month.
Artistic and creative kids are all through the hallways at HHS, but there’s a certain student that stands out, and not by voice but by art. Luis Romero, class of 2016, doesn’t speak much about his art but it speaks for itself. I had the chance to get into the artist's mind and see where the creativity has come from.
He gave his thoughts on when he noticed his talent and the future he sees in it, “I think I began to enjoy drawing in 8th grade, it wasn't until someone said they liked my work that I guess I was good, I argued that it was decent but nothing to special.”
The amount of skill is amazing that he can make from a picture in his mind, he spoke “When I draw I tend to get lost in items forget about everyone around me. Drawing causes me to focus and when I'm done it gives me a sense of accomplishment. The feeling varies however, at other times drawing makes me frustrated not being able to get something right and at other times it relieves me.”
Romero allows himself to get lost in his art, letting his mind focus on creating something and being free from outside distractions.
“When I draw I tend to get lost in items forget about everyone around me. Drawing causes me to focus and when I'm done it gives me a sense of accomplishment. The feeling varies however, at other times drawing makes me frustrated not being able to get something right and at other times it relieves me,” said Romero.