What’s recently happened?
Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) had its annual winter showcase earlier this month. The showcase, “Love,” was a huge success and brought in many loved ones of HAST students.
“The winter showcase is always student produced, student written, and overseen by the Fine Arts director, Therese Hartz. Students create their own costumes, write their own acts, and really everything in between. We didn't want the show to be a cliche and wanted to instead show all the different forms love can be felt. Friendship, self love, and of course, romantic love were all acknowledged. I was really glad to see how all of our hard work was appreciated,” said Mia Rucoba, a senior at HAST.
The showcase took place on January 31 and February 1. It was meant to show students’ lives and how they navigate through rejection, affection, and showing their true selves through the events that occurred.
The play was written by seven HAST high school students and the theme followed was in honor of Valentine’s Day. It was one of the biggest showcases ever presented at HAST.
What’s coming up?
Nearing the end of the school year, it’s finally time to finalize the HAST yearbook. Clubs at HAST get to have their picture taken on February 18.
“I’m glad everyone in clubs is getting their own pictures. It’s actually very interesting to see how many clubs have been formed since I first started at HAST. Everyone gets to show a part of themselves through their clubs, and I think that’s great,” said Emalie Patino, a senior at HAST.
Clubs getting their pictures taken include Chess Club, Science Olympiad, the classes of 2028, 2027, 2026, and 2025, National Honors Society, Yearbook Club, Mock Trial Club, Hammond Academy Chorus, HAST Theater, Bowling, and Art Club.
Candid pictures will also be taken all throughout the school as soon as pictures for each club are taken.
Staff spotlight:
Viane Landa has been a staff member at HAST for 1 1/2 years and has had many positions. Currently, Landa is the administration/business office assistant at HAST.
“I was a soccer coach at HAST while I was still in college when I was offered the job to help out with accounting and finance at the school. I was also asked to help with translating for our Hispanic families, among other things,” said Landa.
Apart from being the business office assistant, Landa still kept her position as the soccer team assistant coach/head coach.
“I am currently still the high school Boys Soccer team assistant coach and head coach of the middle school Boys and Girls Soccer teams. This will be my fifth year coaching for both teams. I am also the sponsor for the class of 2026,” said Landa.
Soccer is a passionate hobby for Landa. She currently has a soccer training academy for the younger generations which she started when she was only 17 years old.
“I still enjoy playing soccer myself as I do have to keep up with my teams, but I also like to work out, paint, play tennis, shop, travel, and hang out with my friends,” said Landa.
Student spotlight:
Lynette Montes has been a student at HAST since 2019, when she first began the sixth grade. Now a junior, she has kept herself involved every year of high school.
“My freshman year, I did cheerleading and enjoyed it. I’ve found myself busy both my sophomore year and this year though, so I sadly ended up not doing it. I’ve done tennis for the last two years and plan on doing it this year as well, so that's exciting. My sophomore year, I was also focused on Mock Trial Club and being the high school soccer manager, so that definitely took up most of my time. Right now, my main focus is National Honors Society. That's kept me busy, which I enjoy being,” said Montes.
Montes hopes to decide on what career path she will be pursuing once she enters her senior year of high school. After high school, she plans on attending a college in Indiana.
“In my free time, I enjoy doing a variety of things to be honest. I’m always up to learn new things and do them with my friends. I like to hang out with friends, go out and explore with them or family, and I’ve become very fond of working out. I can’t wait for summer,” said Montes.
