What’s recently happened?
The National Honor Society (NHS) at Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) worked very hard on its January community service project which consisted of a Warm Clothes Drive. This past month, members have been collecting clothes everyday after school and sorting them to their rightful place.
“Being able to help people in this way is the best feeling. Seeing families and elders outside during bad weather makes me feel really bad and leaves me with a desire to help them, but I never know how. Donating clothes in good condition to help anybody is a huge accomplishment for me. The hope that someone out there will immediately have a good day from receiving warm clothes makes me want to work really hard on this project,” Rafael Padilla, a junior and member in NHS, said.
A variety of clothing was donated including blankets, jackets, mittens, scarves, hats, and much more! NHS is very appreciative of all the students, staff, and teachers that were able to donate and are excited to announce its next project to help better the community.
What's coming up?
HAST is excited to present its very own Turnabout Dance! The dance will take place on February 17 in the school gym. The theme of the dance has been revealed as Y2K but with a little twist – Y24.
“I am so excited about this dance because we’ve never done a theme like this before. It’s always been your typical ‘dress to impress’ event, but now it’s actually giving all the high schoolers an opportunity to wear something for the theme. When I went shopping with my friends for a dress, finding a sparkly and unique dress was so much fun. Our dates were kinda new to the idea of what they had to wear to match with us but, in the end, it was so funny watching them actually like their outfits. I’m surprised at how excited me and my friends are about this dance,” Student Leah Lopez-Morales said.
HAST supervisors have also announced that there will be a DJ, nacho bar, and dessert bar included. Tickets are on sale from Monday, February 6 to Thursday, February 16. If tickets are purchased at the door, it will be an additional $5.
Staff spotlight:
Chris Wander has been a teacher at HAST for the past eight years. He is an Algebra II teacher that has always had a passion for math and hopes to continue teaching for at least a few more years before he retires.
“I learn something new everyday. As a matter of fact, I just learned something new a few minutes ago about myself. I never ever stop learning. The students think they’re the ones that do most of the learning, but most of what I learn has nothing to do with math – it’s learning about how to deal with these extraordinary young people,” said Wander.
In his free time, Wander is a musician. He has been a pianist for the past 40 years and is even part of a band. Wander has such a passion for music, that he has taken in students to teach them about music theory and how to play simple tunes solely on the piano.
Student spotlight:
Leah Thomas is a junior at HAST and has been a student at the school since she entered middle school. She is very athletically active and has learned to manage her time since she was 11 years old. Thomas has been a part of volleyball, softball, basketball, cheerleading, mock trial, and Journalism Club.
”I’ve been doing this since I was 11, so I have good knowledge of what I can and can’t handle. I remember when I was doing all these clubs while also being in sports and draining myself trying to give 100% to all my responsibilities. I eventually realized I can’t give 100% unless I feel good physically and mentally. I got out of some clubs that I really wasn’t that interested in and focused on sports since I’ve always been passionate about them. I also learned how to manage my time, get enough sleep, and train my body to help better myself and teammates. As time went on, I learned more about myself and what sports I actually want to do. I think this is the best I’ve ever played and the best mindset I’ve had in a while,” said Thomas.
Outside of school, Thomas enjoys being in her room, eating her favorite snacks, and watching her favorite shows or movies. Going out with family and friends is a close second. She hopes to always play a sport at whatever time period she’s at in her life.