Issuu

Spring 2025

CAMMIN DE NOSTRA VITA: A PREVIEW OF ITALY AND THE FUTURE OF HAMMOND ABROAD

by Alex Magargle

This summer, Hammond students will be traveling not just to Florence and much of Italy, but Dr Million and Mr Henderson will take them in a time machine to medieval Italy as well. This trip, titled Cammin de Nostra Vita, is the second installment of the Hammond Abroad program. The main aspect of the class is Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, and its relation to Dante’s life. The book follows Dante as he travels through three places: the underground layers of Hell, the mountain of Purgatory, and the planets of Heaven. The focus of the trip is Inferno, which Dr. Million claims to be the most “attractive” of the three.

Before embarking on the trip, students will have two weeks worth of classes. First, they will read parts of The Divine Comedy, then they will learn how to interpret art, specifically medieval and renaissance art. They will also learn about each location on the trip’s historical importance, specifically the history of Florence from its founding by Julius Ceasar to the Renaissance. “I think Dante tells us something about ourselves,” says Dr. Million. By studying Dante and the art and culture around him, Dr. Million hopes to show how art can move people from one place to another, be it mentally and spiritually through art or literally through the trip.

The nine full days of the trip will feature many locations, including Florence, Pisa, Milan, Rome, and the Tuscan countryside. Each day represents a different layer of Hell as depicted in Dante’s Inferno: Gluttony, Violence, Heresy, Order, Usury, Limbo, Pride, Justice, and Betrayal. Each layer has tours and locations fitting to its nature, such as a culinary tour of Florence to symbolize gluttony. The political history, economic history, and religious history of these destinations help to recreate Dante’s world for Hammond students. Dr. Million hopes that by walking on the same cobblestone streets Dante walked on, people can better understand the art and literature associated with him. Dr. Million is also most excited about going to Florence and to see the Uffizi Gallery.

An illustration of Dante’s Inferno Photo credit to Amazon com

A photo taken looking up between Giotto’s bell tower and Il Duomo. Photo credit to Alex Magargle

After discussing the trip, Dr. Million pitched an idea for those not going. He encourages you to be a part of the future of Hammond Abroad as this program provides a completely unique opportunity for students to travel to a place like Dante’s Florence with others who have studied that topic. He loves how the personalization of the trip, pairing a group of students who truly want to learn with people who love teaching, provides a unique connection between teacher and student. Although it won’t be Italy next year, and it may not be with Dr. Million, he truly hopes every student will have the opportunity to take a trip with Hammond, and he is proud to be a part of the infant years of a program he believes will become a cornerstone of the Hammond experience.

Starch Madness!

by Parsa Adhami

March Madness marks a special time of the year, but basketball is only half the reason The other half is what comes from March Madness every community’s own parody brackets with their own activities and competitions in the place of basketball. At Hammond, the biggest March Madness inspired event is the annual cornhole tournament, this year’s being the third Hammond cornhole tournament. With 48 teams consisting of any two students or faculty that is willing to fight for the bragging rights (and a $25 gift card of their choice), Here are some stats for this year’s tournament:

There were four different freshmen, ten different faculty, sixteen different seniors, twenty different sophomores, and twenty-two different juniors who competed The class of 2025, as usual, is the most dominant as they held four of the top six spots and every top three spot.

Of all the different teams, there were five teams with just faculty, five teams of a faculty member and a student, six teams of students from different grades, and thirty-two teams of students from the same grade. The highest placing freshman was Dansby North with three rounds won, while the highest placing freshman team was Liam Brabham and John Johnston, with two rounds won. The highest placing sophomores were Tripp Cohn and Walker Cason with two rounds won, while the highest placing juniors were Alex Kraemer and Williams Gillespie with three rounds won. The highest placing faculty was Mr. North with three rounds won, while the highest placing faculty team was Mr. Abraham and Mr. Hillard with two rounds won.

At the time of writing this article, the teams in the finals consist solely of seniors, those being Preston Springs and Ben Kirkpatrick versus Everett Edens and Jack Croft.

Of the three different history department teachers in the bracket (Mr. Franke, Dr. Ruehlen, and Dr. Million), Mr. Franke made it the farthest in the bracket and directly defeated Dr Ruehlen’s team, proving that Mr Franke is definitively the best and most athletic history teacher of the three.

Overall, the cornhole tournament was a success despite a decrease in teams, down from the typical sixty-four to forty-eight Seeing that so few freshmen participated this year while over a fifth of all participants were seniors is slightly concerning for the future; however, with the graduation of so many Hammond Cornhole legends, next year’s cornhole tournament is going to be anybody’s game. Considering the wide participation from the current juniors and sophomores, it’s likely that next year’s winner will be of those classes, however, with the rising class of 2029 and hopefully more participation from the class of 2028, the outcome of the tournament for 2026 might turn out to be a toss-up.

TOP: Mr Abraham and Mrs Cruea pose with their corn hats BOTTOM: Senior Ben Kirkpatrick midthrow agasint the IT department. Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

SKYHAWK RUMBLE OPINION

PIECE: THE DISCOVERY OF PLASTIC ICE

by Miguel Shim

A bizarre and long-theorized form of ice, thought to exist in the oceans of alien planets, has been directly observed for the first time. Known as plastic ice, this type of ice shows traits of both solid and liquid H2O. This ice resembles plastic in that it is more malleable than Ih (solid ice) and it can be compressed or squeezed without breaking. Like Ih, plastic ice assumes a solid structure with its cubic crystal lattice structure. On the other hand, its molecules rotate about as fast as those in liquid water. In a paper published on February 12th in Nature, research reported the existence of this elusive substance, opening new doors for research.

The common type of ice found in everyday life is called Ih, and it is arranged in hexagonal lattice that resembles a honeycomb. The history of discovering new types of ice began in the early 20th century when scientists first identified Ice II in 1912, created under high-pressure conditions. Since then, over 20 types of ice have been discovered. Usually, these ices form under the pressure of tens to hundreds of thousands of bars (a measure of atmospheric pressure), or nearly 10,000 times Earth’s atmospheric pressure.

Unfortunately, these ices are not as exciting as icenine, a fictional type of ice that dismantled the ocean in Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle, one of Hammond’s 2024 summer reading books.

At the moment, there are still many ices that have been theorized to exist but have not yet been found. For example, ferroelectric ice (ice chi) has been predicted through computational studies. Characterized by a high mass density and ferroelectric properties, it has been predicted to be stable but remains synthesized. Another is Supersonic Ice, theorized to occur at a higher pressure than found at the core of Uranus or Neptune. In this phase, oxygen atoms form a solid lattice while hydrogen ions move freely, resembling a liquid. The unique properties of this phase of ice could give a rise to understanding planetary magnetic fields, but experimental validation is still pending.

For students and aspiring scientists, this serves as a reminder of the unknown and the endless possibilities that are to be explored. Who knows? The next groundbreaking discovery might come from a mind at our very own school!

The molecules of plastic ice Photo credit to Science News

2025 Mock Trial Team Success

by Adelaide Helmboldt

Hammond School’s Mock Trial team has soared to new heights this year under the leadership of junior Shindara Olatosi and seniors Harper Evans and Isabella Aguilar. Their extraordinary performance has captured attention within the school community and beyond, as they secured major victories at both the regional and state levels Now in her second year on the team, lead attorney Shindara Olatosi reflected on the team’s success as the result of steady growth, increasing experience, and a strong team bond. “Success comes from members of the team communicating, trusting each other, and gaining confidence through practices,” she said. Their journey to victory wasn’t easy it took countless hours of preparation between developing arguments and questions to refining delivery and cross-examinations.

Their efforts paid off Not only did the team impress at competitions, but they also broke records. This year’s team became the first in school history to win every single round at regionals. Further, judges and coaches alike noted the team’s professionalism, polished delivery, and the strong impression left on their opponents. The team earned many awards at both the individual and team levels. Effective attorney awards were earned by Shindara Olatosi, Harper Evans, Hayes Martin, Kelly Grace Lalumondier, and Shelby Mason. Effective witness awards were awarded to Sophia White, Madeline Gerland, and Parsa Adhami Evans and Adhami also won Jury awards on the state level, which is especially competitive. The team received the Professionalism and Civility Award as well, recognizing not only courtroom skill but also respect for opponents and decorum in high-pressure settings.

Looking ahead, Olatosi believes this year’s momentum has set a precedent for future Hammond mock trial teams. With a solid foundation and a new standard of excellence, the team is poised to keep growing. “It’s good to now know how well the team can work together,” she said, highlighting how younger students can continue to build on what this year’s group achieved. As this chapter of Hammond mock trial comes to a close, it leaves behind not only awards, but also a powerful legacy of teamwork, excellence, and strong student leadership.

Much of the team’s success, students say, would not be possible without the dedicated support of their sponsor, Mr. Simpson, Hammond’s 11th grade English Teacher. From holding lunchtime practices twice a week to offering guidance and encouragement during tough rounds, Simpson has been a “godsend,” per Olatosi. His commitment to the team has allowed members to thrive and take risks in a supportive environment. Mr. Simpson’s role as the mock trial sponsor has gone far beyond the typical expectations of a faculty advisor as his unwavering commitment and steady encouragement have led him to become a central figure in the team’s growth and success. Students often describe him as a deeply dedicated sponsor who is always willing to stay late, host longer meetings, and provide valuable insights that sharpen their arguments and boost their confidence Olatosi continued that Simpson’s support during rough patches and his constant belief in their potential helped the team push through challenges and reach new levels. Mr. Simpson created an environment where students felt seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.

TOP: The mock trial team posing before a round of competition BOTTOM: The mock trial team posting for a post-victory selfie with faculty sponsor Mr Simpson Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool) and Hayes Martin

PIECE: THE BIGGEST AWARD SEASON SNUBS THIS YEAR

by Natalie Peavy

This past awards season culminated, in many ways, in history being made. Beyoncé, for example, dominated the Grammys field in the categories of Album of the Year and Best Country Album, bringing her Grammy win count to a record-breaking 35 Also, the film Anora, a lower-budget indie film, surprised viewers by winning five of the six Oscar nominations, including Mikey Madison for Best Actress and Sean Baker for Best Director. However, this season came with its fair share of snubs that surprised not just the nominees, but the whole world.

In typical Oscars fashion, many of the blockbusters that were expected to perform well were snubbed for more niche, independent films. The remake of the beloved Broadway musical, “Wicked”, immediately took the world (and social media, to boot) by storm However, the film’s awards were limited to Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, but none of the fanfare over the movie translated into wins for them. Also, the film Emilia Perez, after multiple nominations, was snubbed from the Oscars seemingly due to the lead actress’ resurfaced social media comments that got her cancelled. Her action prevented them from receiving an Oscar, but the film was commended later at the Golden Globes, with Zoe Saldaña winning Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, and the film winning Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture as well as Best Foreign Language Film.

Another major loss was from Dune: Part II, which only won two awards despite being nominated in some of the biggest categories, like Best Picture. Its lead actors, Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, were both snubbed in the Best Actor and Actress categories, even though the film was the seventh highest-grossing film of 2024, just behind “Wicked”. This trend toward recognizing more niche films and celebrating them has certainly added some tension to awards season, as many actors and filmmakers see themselves as being recognized by the public more than by their peers.

The movie poster for “Wicked”. Photo credit to Microsoft.

Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya in Dune: Part II Photo credit to Polygon

New traditions on Hammond’s Costa Rica adventure

by Sullivan Epps

The idea of being thrown into the jungle with a group of classmates isn’t one that would appeal to every junior in my class, but it ended up being something every one of us enjoyed. Being “forced” into this situation with a random group from your grade may sound like a potential catalyst for issues, but instead it brought each of us closer together. Although it’s impossible to fit in all of the memorable moments of this trip, I will highlight some of the best ones and how the change in itinerary made it even more enjoyable

Before the trip could begin, we faced a major obstacle. A full day of travel without cell phones or any digital entertainment. On top of this, most of us were a bit fatigued from the 5 am wake up call, excluding those who responsibly went to bed early. Despite these two potential setbacks, every seat had students turned to one another, talking in excitement during the drive to Charlotte. Such conversations carried over to the plane, where the buzz continued all the way to the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica. Upon our descent, the sight of lush, green mountains and anticipation for who we would be grouped with galvanized our excitement. Each of us were split into three individual groups, which we would be stuck with for the rest of the trip. First, the Toucan group pulled away on their tour bus, followed by the Sloth group, and finally I was called to join the best of them all, the Jaguars. Stepping onto the bus, I was immediately greeted in Spanish by my amazing tour guides, Evan and Liz. This bus would act as a sort of mobile home, featuring card games, deep conversations, and sleep between destinations.

Each group began at different locations, with my group beginning at the newest addition to the trip: rafting to the Pacuare Reserve. The hotel allowed us to not only stretch our legs, but also hold our first group night circle, where we reflected on our day. In previous years, groups would have spent the following nights on the coast with the occasional (and infamous) three AM turtle walks. Instead, our trip followed a new itinerary at the Pacuare Reserve. We spent the next morning rafting to our camp, a river experience that was even more beautiful than it was exhausting. Between playing long sessions of hacky sack with Mr. Mancke, climbing a waterfall, and having close group sessions at night, our experience at the Pacuare Reserve was amazing and I am so glad it is now a part of the trip. Other groups agreed that this part of the trip is where we got to be the most connected with nature, as we were thrown right into the middle of the jungle.

TOP: Junior girls pose for a photo during their service learning in Cañitas BOTTOM: Junior guys pose for a photo before ziplining in front of the Arenal Volcano. Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

Following this portion of the trip was our service learning in Cañitas. Personally, this was the most special part of the trip as we were able to help improve the conditions of a local clinic through painting, digging, and hammering away. Not only did all of us get an amazing workout thanks to our service, but we were also able to use the resources Hammond gives us to provide help to a community in need The following day, we got to hear personal experiences about the formation of the beautiful Monte Verde community from the wife of one its first settlers. This segment of the trip, while being the shortest, allowed us to see a beautiful Costa Rican community and immerse ourselves in its culture through service.

Those who love adrenaline would absolutely love our final segment of the trip, at La Fortuna. Before we could reach our hotel, we stopped to visit the tall canopies of the Costa Rican jungle. With our legs tucked and fingers crossed, we ziplined across incredible heights at speeds that made mist feel like blinding rain. By the end of the day, each of us had come down from the extreme adrenaline rush we had experienced, and we were released to enjoy warm and relaxing hot springs. This part of the trip was perfectly timed, as it offered a brief period of relaxation between the exhilarating ziplining and the next adrenaline inducing activity, repelling.

The next day was without a shadow of a doubt the most exciting. Despite the comfortable sleep and longbuilt anticipation for this portion of the trip, none of us were ready for what the day held. To lean back and allow yourself to fall, even at a controlled speed, brought about a feeling and excitement that had us all shaking. The most famous part of this segment was the long awaited “monkey drop”: a zipline into a long freefall. Although everybody who went in front of me screamed, I believed that I could endure it without yelling anything embarrassing. I have rarely been more wrong in my life, as the moment I felt my stomach drop I thought it was over. This experience gave us all a good laugh later and is an experience that none of us will ever forget. To close the trip, we spent the next day learning about the creation of chocolate in Costa Rica, followed by our final stop in the last hotel. That night, despite how excited we were to see everyone again, was one of sadness and nostalgia as we reflected on the amazing memories of the trip.

The bus ride, the flight, and the final ride home from the airport all shot by at a blinding speed, as we could not stop excitedly sharing stories with our friends in other groups. All the experiences I’ve described in this article came together to form one of the best trips of my life and an incredible growing experience as a person. Each person who went on this trip could tell you a memory that they will take with them the rest of their lives, and never has the junior class felt as close as we are now.

A photo of the group’s campsite along the Pacuare River Photo credit to Aylin Lopez

LEFT: Juniors pose with their Costa Rican Guide Photo credit to Ben Kiser MIDDLE: Will Frate before he repels down a rock face RIGHT: Junior girls pose for a funny photo before ziplining Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

Then, I ask for what comments he had on the Hammond experience, as he has lived through it for many years; he called it “challenging but nurturing. I haven’t been to a lot of private schools, but I can say Hammond has high academics. My son was a chemistry tutor in college because he was taught chemistry at a high level I would describe it as being well rounded; students can explore their passion through academics, arts, athletics, and community service, as well as the opportunities and experiences Hammond provides outside of Columbia... There’s nothing holding you back to try different things for your own betterment; people aren’t ridiculed for doing different things.”

To close out this faculty spotlight, I’d like to put in a word of advice from Dr. Turner himself to any Hammond students reading this article. I found value in this myself, and I can only hope you will too:

“Focus on who you want to be as a person, establishing a set of values that will direct your actions. My values that guide my actions are love, respect, honesty, family and my faith. I encourage you to establish a set of values for yourself. Doing so will help you with those future tough decisions and your interaction with others. Working at Hammond has been both wonderful and challenging. I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I wish every Skyhawk the very best. Go Skyhawks!”

Our love for Dr. Turner extends beyond just this article. Every day students are greeted by a great smiling man, one who cares deeply about us and acts upon this care, helping everyone become their best self. Dr. Turner has served and enriched the Hammond community for 11 years, and an amazing 11 years it has been From the Sentinel staff and everyone at Hammond, thank you Dr Turner!

TOP: Dr Turner stands for a photo after a special Friday in the Kiva BOTTOM: Dr. Turner smiling in front of Barks Hall. Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

Skyhawk Rumble Opinion Piece: Watching Shoes

by Aspen Brooks

Having asked the question of the purpose of music, I think it is now appropriate to ask: what is music? To put it bluntly, music is just noise we give meaning. It is (sometimes) rhythmic and harmonic sound meant to express or convey something, and it can be literally anything Music can range from classical chamber music to pure static and raw noise –– I find that to be the absolute beauty of it. However, many people limit music, confining it to the shimmering, mass-produced, and “clean” sound that has taken hold of the zeitgeist of our society. The world has become hilariously “gatekeepy” about noise. Yet outside of the current milieu of sound exists some of the greatest music ever that has and continues to completely stretch our modern notions of music… So, let’s talk about something that pushes these boundaries: Shoegaze and My Bloody Valentine!

Shoegaze is an offshoot of rock born in the late 80’s and early 90’s, coming after New-Wave and predating the Grunge and Brit-Pop movements. It gets its name from how the artists within the genre would always stare at their many effects pedals whilst performing, giving the appearance that they are watching their shoes. In its simplest form, Shoegaze is alternative rock with extremely dense and muddy soundscapes, drowned in layers of distortion and reverb to create a “wall of noise,” which very often overpowers the song, making the vocals and drums unintelligible.

Many people credit the boom of this genre to the band My Bloody Valentine and their magnum opus album, Loveless (which I consider to be the 2nd best rock album ever made). The band was made up of Colm Ó Cíosóig, Debbie Googe, Bilinda Butcher, and Kevin Shields, and took nearly 10 years to come to fruition –– and funnily enough, the creation of Loveless was just as long and arduous. The band spent months making it and apparently bankrupted their record label in recording fees, yet upon release the album fell flat. They had had moderate success as a band, yet people did not really like this album. This is “not” surprising considering how the album sounds. The guitars are sharp, piercing, dense, and overwhelming. It grabs you as the listener and sucks you in completely, suffocating you in its grip (which is quite fitting as Kevin Shields is often joked about as the guy with the “vacuum cleaner”). It is an amalgamation of noise and alternative rock. Unsurprisingly, after the release the band even fell apart, with Kevin Shields going “crazy” at one point, similar to Syd Barrett. Who wants to listen to vacuum cleaner music? Can vacuum cleaner rock even be considered music?

TOP: Members of My Bloody Valentine BOTTOM: Those same members of My Bloody Valentine. Photo credit to Classic Album Sundays and Vogue

You might be asking how this album that was made by a crazy guy, fell flat on its face, and bankrupted a record label is the 2nd greatest rock album ever (second to Deathconsciousness of course). Well, just listen for yourself! It is a cacophonous mess of sound, yet it somehow works perfectly. Luscious melodies, unique and one-of-a-kind songwriting, and a hazy, fuzzy warmness shine through. The first song opens with one of the tightest snare sounds I’ve ever heard followed by a crazy melody, sounding as though Kevin and Bilinda are just playing random notes and banging on their guitars. Yet it works. The vibes throughout are shimmering and jangly (reminiscent of the Smith’s or later to come Brit-Pop groups) and layered with pure noise. Yet it works and even somehow has an airiness to it. It is extremely heavy yet isn’t angry–– it even jerks tears at points, sounding the way a tight painful hug might feel with parting lover. Yet it works.

Music doesn’t have a definition or bounds or ends. It is enigmatic and without form. I truly think that My Bloody Valentine shows that best. They stretched the boundaries of alternative rock, coming out of what was once a clean and bright genre. Noise was their weapon, and as much as it sounds aphoristic, noise is the truest spirit of music 10/10

let her bake

by Ali Dorrington

1 ½ cups cake flour

1½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup salted butter

softened

⅔ cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs room

temperature

1 ½ teaspoon coconut extract

½ cup full-fat coconut milk

For the glaze

½ cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

¼ teaspoon coconut extract

Coconut loaf cake

This recipe is special in my heart because Christina Rizos, Illeana Lopez, and I attempted to make this cake doing the blind, deaf, mute challenge. I yelled through dangerously loud headphones to Christina, who signaled to me with a taped mouth as Illeana danced around with a sleep mask on. It’s probably the most fun I’ve had baking with friends. This is a reasonably simple recipe as long as you don’t cut off all of your senses, and I’m happy to be finishing this series with such a delicious and special treat.

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 325ºF. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan.

2.Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3.Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

4.Beat in eggs one at a time, then add coconut extract.

5 Mix in dry ingredients and coconut milk until smooth

6.Pour into pan and bake 55 mins, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7.Cool in pan for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.

8.Whisk glaze ingredients, drizzle over cooled loaf, and top with shredded coconut if desired.

The album cover art for “Loveless”. Photo credit to Amazon.com

Coconut loaf cake Photo credit to Cake Babe

SKYHAWK RUMBLE OPINION

PIECE: THE NECESSITY FOR FRO-YO

by Harper Satterfield

“I love froyo, oh, oh, oh-oh It's so yolo, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh-oh” - “Froyo Yolo”, The Liv and Maddie Cast

As the 2024-2025 school year comes to its close, we prepare for the resurgence of ice-cream: the pinnacle of summer desserts. While delicious, this sweet treat provides minimal variation beyond different flavors and toppings. Ice cream is simply ice cream. Additionally, ice cream is messy. The appeal of a waffle or sugar cone is close to irresistible, yet the sticky mess following your treat is always a pain. The answer to the annual trappings of this sticky dessert lies in its alternate form: frozen yogurt.

Frozen yogurt’s self-serving nature makes it completely customizable. The wall of flavors in addition to the numerous toppings provides for a near unlimited number of combinations, with total control over portion sizes and the ratio of chosen flavors. With ice cream, one is limited to the unit of the scoop: a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of vanilla, etc. The lever pull of frozen yogurt machines provides an abstract measurement fully determined by the individual.

The food industry is dominated by fads and trends, diets and meal plans, and unique culinary creations. For example, for the period of a season, rolled ice-cream took the summer months by storm. According to Refinery29, the fall of frozen yogurt may be attributed to a similar phenomenon. While more permanent than rolled ice-cream, there is no doubt that frozen yogurt can be considered trendy. The word “yogurt” gives a false pretense of frozen yogurt being the healthier alternative to ice-cream, potentially contributing to froyo’s few years of fame. The nail in the coffin for the reign of frozen yogurt may have been the effects of COVID-19’s social restrictions. As the frozen yogurt industry was already reliant on the fragile force of popularity, an inability to gather and go out to froyo shops marked the end of this trend.

All this being said, I believe that frozen yogurt plays an important role in our summer society For the reasons mentioned above, I argue that it is the supreme alternative to ice cream, easily beating out others like rolled ice-cream, sherbet, Italian ice, etc. Columbia’s closest froyo shop is Menchie’s in Lexington a far drive for many Hammond students. Yet, our willingness to traverse the miles for this frozen rarity necessitates closer, and more numerous, locations.

TOP: Menchie’s in Lexington. BOTTOM: The immense array of Fro-Yo toppings Photo credit to Patch and La Mirada

Addison Sanders, who plays Tanya, had the most to say about her selection: “I think she just has a fun sense of humor like Tanya and always brings the fun in every class she teaches Tanya likes to dance, and Ms Crabb loves to sing and dance and be the star of the ‘show,’ a.k.a. her class. She is kind and listens to situations with her students like how Tanya always gives advice to the Dynamos”. I struggled coming up with a faculty member to play Harry, but I settled on Dr Million, the only Hammond teacher whose fashion sense could rival Harry’s. Mr. Simpson would play Sam Carmichael, as they are both extremely “witty, charming, and a bit of a nerd”. Mr. Rice’s role as Bill Austin needs no explanation, but I’ll give one anyway. Bill is an avid outdoorsman, living out of a backpack his entire life There is no Hammond upper school faculty member more in tune with nature and the wilderness than Mr. Rice. Mrs. Daniels would be our Sophie because of her former acting prowess. She had several big roles during her time in the Hammond drama department and gave the show her muchappreciated assistance this year And last, but not least, Mr. Franke would play Sky because, as he has personally joked, he is a trophy husband, and Sky could very well be described as a trophy husband.

While I’m sure these teachers would have absolutely killed it on the stage, I can’t imagine a better cast than the one I performed with. We spent so many hours working on this show, and it turned out amazing. Through drama, I have left my comfort zone mentally and physically. Sure, I learned new acting techniques, but I can also walk on stilts now, which I think is way cooler. My time might be done, but for ¾ of you, it isn’t. I encourage you to audition next year because, in my opinion, it is one of the most unique and rewarding experiences Hammond has to offer. I’ve had ups and downs doing theater, but I’ve never regretted doing a show.

TOP: Extras dancing in Mamma Mia! MIDDLE: Junior Sullivan Epps break dancing during the show. BOTTOM: The cast of Mamma Mia! posing for a mid-scene group photo Photo credit to Jenna Barrett and Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

TOP RIGHT: Peden Brabham as Sophie in Mamma Mia! TOP LEFT: Addison Sanders as Tanya BOTTOM: The six main stars singing Waterloo Photo credit to Jenna Barrett and Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

PROM: A RECAP & A COMMENTARY

by Ann Pollard Barnes

The Junior/Senior Prom has no doubt loomed large in the minds of the Upper School. Whether they be staff diligently preparing for the event or students scrambling to find dates, order dresses, tuxedos, corsages, and boutonnieres; we must admit that the buzz around Prom is like no other. The word “Prom” has taken many forms, morphing every few decades to embrace modern trends. In fact, the earliest “Proms”–known then as “promenades”–were highly distinguished. Not to say our Prom wasn’t distinguished, but I think placed 200 years ago, our modern-day Prom would baffle attendees. Though this may be true, I’d say the Hammond community is more than capable of producing a successful Prom. With all the hard work and dedication from the Prom committee, Hammond staff, parents, and students, we are able to enjoy Prom. With this success of a night, there is surely much to be highlighted. It is not lost among Hammond students that the first and foremost priority of the night is what to wear. Do we not all love an opportunity to dress up? I know that most of us girls relish an excuse for a new dress, and even though most of the guys would probably rather be in sweatpants, it’s okay to admit that you liked putting on a tux. Most of the dates wind up in almost identical tuxedos (classic, no doubt), however, some students have taken it a step further. When a date adds a special touch to their ensemble, adorning their jacket with a matching boutonniere or a bowtie that compliments their date’s dress, it does not go unnoticed

This year, it was popular to style a feathered bowtie. Those worn varied from colorful feathers with notes of pink, green, and blue, to others with more muted, natural tones. Conversely, other dates went for a more classic, sort of James Bond-like look. Either way, I applaud the thought and effort that went into every outfit. And while I love a classic look, a few couples sprang for even more coordination, wearing matching jackets sporting gold details. Some even went for an alternate tuxedo style, being that an all-white look or a light gray. All in all, a tremendous amount of effort from the boys was on display.

Senior Preston Springs who sported both a feathered bowtie and a boutonniere matching his date Photo credit to Shell Suber

Senior Luke Martin who wore a pink bowtie matching his date’s pink dress Photo credit to Shell Suber

For the guys, choosing an outfit is not nearly as difficult as it is for the ladies. The mere task of finding an outfit is simply one variable in a much larger equation. For us ladies, I cannot even begin to describe the extensive preparations that begin days before prom night. With all of this in mind, the very first step in a process which seems to take place over the span of a lifetime is to find a dress. Finding a dress is no easy task. Dress shopping likely begins around January, or possibly earlier if there’s one you want to secure before it’s found by someone else. Then there’s the matter of originality. Every girl deserves to shine on Prom night, and everyone does. This year the style of dresses varied from girl to girl, but some stood out more than others. For instance, one senior’s dress drew inspiration from that of a 1920’s flapper girl, very chic, and something I had personally never seen before. All of the dresses, spanning from pastels to bright spring colors, dark blues to greens, metallic pieces, and classy black numbers, were worn well. They all blended so beautifully, and yet each was strikingly different. With fun straps, interesting patterns, unique necklines, bold embroideries, glittering silhouettes, and shining bodices, no piece was remotely the same.

Growing up there was always so much buzz around Prom. The sheer number of rom-coms and coming of age movies centering around Prom made this fact clear. Scenes of Prom queens being crowned, girls cascading downstairs in the spotlight, and highly anticipated slow dances with their dates are most notable. Sad to say, Prom is not exactly like this No diss to Prom, because it really is the epitome of the high school experience, all I mean to say is that Prom is made out to be some sort of enigma. Is Prom a night that will forever change the course of one’s social life? Perhaps. For those who attend, is Prom an enjoyable and fun night? Certainly. It’s a canon event for high schoolers and the hype is undoubtedly well deserved. Every student, especially at a place like Hammond, works hard enough to deserve a night of fun and a break from the red, white, and blue polos. This is exactly why students spend as much time as they do on Prom. It’s why there is such a buzz around the event It's a night to show your best self; to clean up a little

That is the beauty of a night like Prom. Be yourself; as cliché as it is, it’s good advice. Prom is a time to show your personality outside of the classroom or the field. It's an opportunity to have fun, to let loose, and to celebrate your hard work. So, take advantage of it. Enjoy it. Wear whatever you want. Just because you’re a guy doesn’t mean you have to wear the penguin suit. Be like some of the students this year; Wear a fun jacket Wear a cool bowtie Match with your date (it’s not embarrassing) Come to Prom in a horse drawn carriage. And girls, pick whatever you want. Don’t let other people’s judgement cloud your own. At the end of the night, after all the strife over outfits, hair, makeup, and shoes, everyone looks beautiful and everyone looks different. Have fun with it; you’ll only get two years–three, if you’re lucky–to go. So be unique, or don’t. Whatever it is you decide, though, make Prom night your own.

TOP LEFT: Manning Redd in a white jacket TOP RIGHT: Christina Rizos and Zachery Head BOTTOM LEFT: Vaughn Evans and Maxine Palisin BOTTOM RIGHT: Drew McCall and Hailey Inman Photo credit to Shell Suber

FEIER DES STUDIENLANDES

by Hayes Martin

Hammond’s Country of Study has long been a notable and successful tradition We often are so absorbed in the culture of Hammond that we miss out on the world around us. That’s why the Country of Study program is so important. It’s important as students to be constantly aware and knowledgeable about the world around us, and the Country of Study program allows us to simultaneously learn about the rich culture and history of a country while enjoying a fun day of activities.

The day itself started with a school-wide assembly, where we were the audience for a quartet from the South Carolina Symphony Orchestra that performed several works from Austria’s famous classical music scene, including works from the great composer Mozart Perhaps more importantly at the assembly, we all got to see Mr. Hillard’s Austria themed costume, as well as Dr. Turner’s yodeling, both of which marked a memorable start to the day.

Over the summer of 2024, College Counselling’s own Mrs. Daniels visited Austria, where she learned about the nation’s rich culture and history, as well as its natural beauty In the months leading up to Country of Study Day, Mrs. Daniels taught us interesting lessons about Austria’s deep and intriguing history as part of the extensive Habsburg empire. Overall, her assemblies on Austria’s history and her journey provided us with a great foundation for the incredible activities we spent Country of Study doing.

From there, the Upper School split into advisory groups and went to our various activities. One of the most exciting activities was the Austrian sports section in the IC Nest, in which students could play a miniature curling game or simulate skiing via a game system. Austria, famous for its chilly climate and high altitude, is perfect for winter sports like skiing and curling. Nearby, in the Sci-Dome, was the salt mining station. The salt mining was largely based off the Austrian Hallstatt Salt Mines, which many Select Ensemble members had the privilege of visiting Students at this station watched an informative video about the history of Austrian mining and then got to create our own bottle of seasoning. The mine is also famous for its slide mechanism for transportation. As such, on the steps to Sci-dome, there was a slide meant to simulate the famous slide from Hallstatt. Students greatly enjoyed both stations, especially going down the slide full speed.

Dr Turner yodeling during the school-wdie assembly Photo credit to John Cuda

Students playing the skiing simulator in the IC Photo credit to John Cuda

SKYHAWKS LEAVING THE NEST: CLASS OF 2025

by Anika Gupta

The graduating Class of 2025 has not only demonstrated remarkable resilience but also achieved great success across various fields. From securing millions in scholarship funds to excelling in athletic endeavors, this cohort has set impressive records. Their accomplishments reflect their hard work, dedication, and determination, all being a testament to their potential and future promise.

As the Class of 2025 prepares to walk across the graduation stage, it's hard not to feel inspired by all they’ve accomplished and excited about what lies ahead. With 82 seniors 40 young women and 42 young men this class has proven that passion and hard work truly pay off. Whether it was late nights studying for AP exams, leading clubs, winning championships, or just cheering each other on from the sidelines, this class has made an impact that will be remembered long after their caps are tossed in the air. From breaking numerous athletics records on the school, SCISA, and state level to founding new clubs like the Philosophy club, these Skyhawks have surely left their mark.

College admissions season is always stressful, but the Class of 2025 handled it like pros. They were admitted to a staggering 116 colleges and universities in 33 states, Washington, D.C., and even as far as Spain. Each student applied to an average of six schools, balancing essays, applications, and deadlines with the rest of their senior responsibilities. In the end, they chose to attend 31 different colleges across 17 states and the District of Columbia Some are venturing far from home, while others are choosing to stay closer, but no matter where they’re going, all of them are chasing their dreams.

About two-thirds of this class will stay right here in South Carolina, while the other third is heading out of state for new adventures The University of South Carolina proved to be the most popular destination, with 21 seniors heading there—some accepted into the prestigious Honors College. Clemson University was another top choice, with 14 students enrolling across the Honors College, regular admission, and Bridge Program. Others will be attending schools like Anderson University (including its Honors Program), Furman, Wofford, Winthrop, Presbyterian, College of Charleston, and Columbia International University. Everywhere these students go, they are embracing a variety of paths and showing that success doesn’t look just one way.

TOP: Some of the seniors attending Clemson this fall BOTTOM: Some of the seniors attending South Carolina this fall Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

Out-of-state schools include some of the most competitive and diverse institutions in the country From the ivy-covered walls of Dartmouth College to the tech-driven labs of Carnegie Mellon, our seniors are reaching far and wide. They’ll be joining programs at Duke, Purdue, American University, Penn State Honors, UF Honors, and UGA Honors. Others are heading to Wisconsin, Auburn, TCU, USC (Southern Cal), Appalachian State (honors), Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Hampton University, Valdosta State, and Tennessee Tech. This wide range of destinations reflects the diversity of interests, talents, and goals found in the Class of 2025.

And if you think these students just quietly applied to college, think again—they made a lot of noise, and in the best way possible. The class earned an incredible $15.7 million in scholarships. Of that, $10.3 million came from academic awards, and $5.4 million from athletic scholarships. These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent hours of hard work, years of training, and an entire high school career full of commitment and effort. But beyond the numbers, this class has distinguished itself through prestigious national recognition. Hammond is sending off six National Merit Finalists and two Commended Scholars achievements that reflect not just intelligence, but incredible dedication. Five seniors received awards from the College Board National Recognition Program, and three were named U S Presidential Scholar Candidates, one of the nation’s highest academic honors. On top of that, 19 students are expected to be named Palmetto Fellows, South Carolina’s top state-funded academic scholarship. Their athletic careers have been equally as impressive. Members of the Class of 2025 will be continuing their sports careers at the college level in many ways, playing basketball at Columbia International University, lacrosse at Anderson University, and soccer at American University and Winthrop University. On the football field, our students will play for schools like Dartmouth College, The Citadel, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of South Carolina, Valdosta State, and Tennessee Tech. These athletes have represented our school with pride, and now they’ll carry that same spirit into their college careers.

But maybe the most memorable part of the Class of 2025 isn’t the awards or the college acceptances it’s the energy, the spirit, and the way they’ve supported each other. Between dancing at pep rallies, delivering iconic senior speeches, winning cornhole games, creating incredible works of art, and killing it in the classroom, our seniors have lived the true Hammond experience. They’ve grown into a group of leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars who care deeply about one another and about the world around them and they’ve left a legacy of kindness, resilience, and drive that will inspire future classes for years to come. From virtual classrooms to realworld hurdles, they've adapted, evolved, and emerged stronger. Their journey is not just about academic achievement, but about personal growth, friendship, and the shared experiences that have shaped their path. As the class of 2025 steps into a new spotlight, one of limitless possibilities, they bring with them a unique blend of resilience, creativity, and ambition. We can’t wait to see what these Skyhawks accomplish in their futures. Farewell, Class of 2025 and remember, once a Skyhawk, always a Skyhawk!

RIGHT: Theodore Lumpkin and Aspen Brooks who will attend Duke LEFT: Creighton Cook and Logan Rivers who will attend American University. Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

RIGHT: Isabella Aguilar who will attend UW Madison LEFT: Those seniors attending Wofford in the fall. Photo credit to Hammond School Instagram (@hammondschool)

PARADISE OF ROCKS

by Theodore Lumpkin

The Paradise of Rocks has a lot of Rocks, but it’s no Paradise.

The Paradise of Rocks can be found near the South Fork of the New River, divided in two by a winding, curving road, lashing across the landscape, choking the hillside like a belt. High above, a wealth of boulders, the scalp of the mountain dotted with an abundant plethora of oaks; below, an old hovel, and a Chevy submerged waist-deep in the grasses of poorness and discomfort. I haven’t had access to a shower in days, and the last place I want to be is Paradise.

The Paradise of Rocks has a lot of Rocks, but it isn’t Paradise or so I thought.

At the Paradise of Rocks, you’re equally likely to see passerby in a tractor as you are in a truck. Simon and I wantonly roll lethal stones down the hill, dangerously close to the gleaming Tacoma resting at the foot of Paradise. My father looks ungainly as he clambers over an old barbed-wire fence, a meaningless boundary left to rot, in search of luxurious Rocks to plunder from the rich earth, amongst fallen trees and horse manure. I’ve seen my dad move a lot of Rocks before even helped before, on rare occasion. These Rocks found at Paradise are different, though.

The house? It’s old. Hot. Smelly—it reeks of exhaustive Appalachian decades. Its resident human is a man poor enough to live here, and rich enough to live here, to be steward and tenant of Paradise, to find a spry energy in the wielding of a chainsaw even after eighty years of output. Following his passing, a premium was put on Paradise, lost to the highest bidder. I won’t go back to the Paradise of Rocks. I’ll find some Rocks at college, but they won’t be the same.

Maybe this was Paradise.

Hammond Sentinel comic section

Senior Year - by Immanuel Johnson

Letter from the Editors

My junior year I asked to be a part of the Sentinel staff. I wrote a few articles per edition and had free time left over to do whatever else Then, as I wrote and reported more for the paper, I became more involved I began to brainstorm about what could go into a student magazine and I grew into the creativity the Sentinel brought me. I paid more attention not only to The Sentinel but also to my community.

Before this year, I anticipated struggling to grow this community at Hammond However, as Ali, Isabella, and I met, I knew we could not only find new ideas but also get new people involved. We tapped into the true nature of The Sentinel as a student publication. Our Sentinel saw a bit of a culture shift. As a student publication, we wrote and reporting on student events. Some of these, yes, were also Hammond events, but articles like Theodore’s interior design wars, Miguel’s Science column, Ali’s let her bake, Aspen’s music review, and many more are what made our student publication both creative and informative.

Thank you to our faculty support, thank you to our current staff, and a pre-emptive thank you to next year’s staff (you got this!). Most of all, thank you to our readers.

– Co-Editor in Chief, Drew McCall

I’ve been on The Sentinel since I was in 9th grade when about 3 people were running it. I didn't know much about what I was doing but I always had someone to support me wether that be Ms. Crabb or William Grantland. I have watched The Sentinel grow and change so much and cover a variety of topics but I’ll always be grateful I was able to yap about baking in almost every publication I’ve mostly been a writer but doing graphics has taught me so much (especially people’s names) Thank you to everyone who writes, designs, edits The Sentinel and thank you to the people who read the articles Good luck next year!

– Graphics Editor, Ali Dorrington

I have been a part of the Sentinel since Freshman year, and I would not trade this experience for anything The Sentinel has been a great experience for me no matter what I was doingwriter or editor- it has always been amazing I love seeing the culmination of the work of a range of writers come together While I know the Sentinel has been through some tough times the team has always been resilient I hope that the Sentinel continues to grow and allow Hammond students to write about the world around them. Good luck everyone!

– Co-Editor in Chief, Isabella Aguilar

Us, your editors Photo credit to Christina Rizos