THEEYEOFTHE HURRICANE
UPCOMINGEVENTS
November26
HalfDay
November27&28
ThanksgivingBreak
December6 HVMSHarvestCraftFair
December15 WillyWonkaAuditions
December17 WinterConcert
December23 HalfDay
FallSports Wrapped
by Ella Bissaillon, Lukas Mazzeo, CasonBernier,BellaKlose
Hoosac Valley proudly wraps up an exciting and meaningful fall sports season, one defined not only by competition, but by community, teamwork, and new athletic opportunities for students Football, soccer, cross country, golf, unified basketball and volleyball all showcased the effort and spirit that define Hoosac Valley athletics Several athletes earned special recognition this season, including Athlete of the Week honors for Ben Payton (Football, 9/08/25) and Dylan Rohlfs(Soccer,10/13/25)
The football team delivered a strong postseason push, advancing to the Division8quarter-finals Thoughtheir run ended against fourth-seeded Randolph, the Hurricanes displayed resilience and unity throughout the year
The Boys Soccer team had a standout season, opening with a dominant 6–2 win over Taconic and continuing with a strong undefeated stretch that included victories against McCann Tech, Gateway, Drury, PVCSI, and Lenox After a few ties and close losses, the boys regained momentum with key wins down the stretch Despite falling in the Western Mass quarterfinals, they made program history by beating Upper Cape Cod RVT in a penalty shootout for their first-ever state tournament win Their season ended in the second round of States with a hard-fought0–2losstoSt JohnPaul II.
The 2025 season the Hoosac Valley High School girls’ soccer team faced a challenging schedule, finishing with a record of 2 wins, 11 losses, and 5 ties While the results may not have reflected a winning record. The true victory lies in the bonds formed and the memories made throughout the season Despite tough opponentsandclosematches,theplayers kept pushing forward, supporting each other every step of the way Losing 5 seniors will be tough but as they look to next season, the team is motivated to continue improving, both individually and as a unit. The Hoosac Valley girls’ soccer team may not have tallied the wins they hopedforthisyear
The Hoosac Valley golf team faced a challenging season, finishing 0–8 overall and 0–2 in Berkshire Division III play The roster featured Braydin Clark, Chase George, Landen Langenback, Jack Kelly, AdilioMaldonadoandZachMongeoneach competing in their first year on a school golf team. Despite the tough results, the season served as an important year of growth and experience for the young group (continuedonp 2)
TheEyeoftheHurricaneStaff
Cason Bernier, Vanessa Biddy, Ella Bissaillon, Austin Brazee, Kelsey Brown, Libby Curry, Kyiah Dillard, Kaydence Furrow, Nate Gageant, Tim Harrington, BellaKlose,PaytonKolis,CameronLovato,Makenna Malloy, Lukas Mazzeo, Levi Miller, Griffin Pytko, Kyle Scott,RyanStrek,GracelynWright
Mr.Manley, Science
byEllaBissaillon&LeviMiller
This month, The Eye Of The Hurricane features our new biology teacher, Mr Manley, whose journey to teaching is anything but ordinary. Before stepping into the classroom, he spent years as a professional mixed martial arts fighter,latercoachingathleteswhocompetedin toporganizationsliketheUFCandBellator Afterearningadegreeinbiotechnology,Mr Manleydecidedhe'dlike tobecomeascienceteacherwithhelpfromacollegeprofessorwho encouraged him to join a tuition program for aspiring teachers, and therestishistory
In his biology classes, Mr Manley connects science to everyday life through engaging, real-world topics like diabetes, invasive species, and even the mysterious “Kentucky Blue People.” His goal this year is simpleyetpowerful-togivestudentsthetoolstheyneedtosucceed both in science and beyond His advice to students interested in science?“Staycuriousandkeepaskingquestions Scienceisallabout exploration and discovery Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they're oftenwherethebestlearninghappens”
FallSports,cont.
The McCann Tech–Hoosac Valley co-op cross country team had a strongseasonbuiltonsteadywork, depth, and solid performances from both schools. With McCann and Hoosac athletes training and competing together, the program developed a competitive and supportiveteamculture Theroster includes two runners from Hoosac Valley,PrestonHnatonkoandLayla
Pulley (pictured) who added to the team’s overall strengthandconsistencythroughoutthefall
This fall also introduced two major additions to Hoosac Valley’sathleticofferings:Forthefirsttime,HoosacValley students were able to compete in girls’ volleyball thanks to a cooperative team with Drury High School. Hoosac athletes practiced and played at Drury, forming close bonds with teammates from both schools while gaining the chance to participate in a sport not previously availableatHoosac Thepartnershipbroughtexcitement, fresh talent, and a new avenue for student-athletes to shine.The Drury volleyball team closed out its inaugural season with determination, steady improvement, and a spirit that set the foundation for the program’s future Despitefinishingwinless,theBlueDevilsshowedresilience each time they stepped on the court, including in their late-season matchup against Mount Greylock, where the opposing coach, Greg Geyer, praised Drury as “a team with awesome attitude, supportive coaching and strong athletes,” adding that “it is really great they started this volleyball program” Throughout the fall, Drury’s athletes developed new skills, built team chemistry, and gained valuable experience, creating strong momentum for a growing program that is excited and ready to continue buildingintheseasonsahead
Oneofthemostimpactfuladditionstothefallseasonwas the launch of Hoosac Valley’s Unified Basketball team Unified Sports brings together special olympic athletes and partners to compete side-by-side, creating an environment rooted in teamwork, encouragement, and inclusion The season was not only successful but it was also deeply rewarding for everyone involved. Players, partners, coaches, families, and classmates all described the team as one of the most uplifting and joyful parts of the fall athletic schedule The energy at games, the friendships formed, and the sense of community created by Unified Basketball made it a highlight of the season andapowerfulstepforwardforHoosac
As winter sports begin, Hoosac Valley celebrates the achievements, growth, and new traditions that shaped this fall Congratulations to every athlete, coach, and supporter who made the season memorable, and here’s tocarryingthatspiritintotherestoftheathleticyear.
We are proud to share that Keith Wright has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the State Science EducatoroftheYearAward.Thisprestigioushonor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science education acrosstheCommonwealthofMassachusetts.
Keith’s dedication, passion, and impact in the classroom and beyond truly exemplify excellence ineducation.
He will be formally recognized at the annual awardsbanquetonTuesday,November4,2025,in Marlborough,MA.
KristenPalattwasrecognizedatourProjectLeadtheWaykick-off as the LEADER OF THE YEAR! She was recognized as a leader who consistently strengthens PLTW in HVRSD and across the community She conducts instructional walkthroughs with the framework in hand, helping teachers keep the problem at the center of learning and ensuring high-quality classroom experiences Kristen also champions PLTW awareness by giving studentsaplatformtopresenttheirworktotheschoolcommittee and even inviting the local newspaper to capture the amazing thingshappeningintheirclassrooms Alwayseagertosharewith peers,shehaspresentedattheBack-to-SchoolWebinarandother sessions,offeringpracticalideasforhowtobringPLTWtoolstolife Through her focus on instructional quality, student voice, and community awareness, Kristen exemplifies how thoughtful leadership can expand the impact of PLTW for students and educatorsalike
Congratulations,Ms.Palatt!
NationalHonorSociety
byEllaBissaillon&GrecelynWright
On November 6th, nineteen Hoosac Valley juniors and seniors were officially inducted into the National Honor Society, joining a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and community leadership. This year’s inductees include Logan O’Connell, Richard Colon, Niya Borawski, Sophia Summner, Aurora Jones-Daigneault, Axell Sheerin, Ben Payton, Tim Olver, Cash Kolodziej, Emma Akromen, Eva Akromen, Abigail Martel, Olivia Silvernail, Alexandrea Silvernail, Leyah Brown, Rylin Larabee,ReaganShea,TylerHakes,andAlyssaMaselli.Toearn aplaceintheNHS,studentsmustmeettheorganization’sfour pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service. All students must maintain strong academic standing, show leadership in school or community roles, demonstrate exceptionalcharacter,andparticipateinmeaningfulvolunteer service Thisyear’sinducteeshaveshowndedicationacrossall four areas, proving themselves to be positive role models within the Hoosac Valley community Congratulations to the newNHSmembersonthisimpressiveaccomplishment!
LeoClubPajamaDrive
byVanessaBiddy&GriffinPytko
The Leo Club is an extension of the Lions Club in Berkshire county BoththeLionsandtheLeo'smaingoalistosupportthe local community the best they can This includes supporting communityorganizationsinneed TheJewishFederationofthe Berkshires is hosting a Pj Drive to support young Jewish children in need during this holiday season “The Federation has partnered with Carr Hardware and Where’d you get that!? Gifts to offer drop off locations for brand new pajamas, size newborn to teen Sites include Carr Hardware locations 256 Main St, Great Barrington, and 489 Pittsfield Road, Lenox; Jewish federation at 196 South st, Pittsfield; and Where’d you get that!? At 100 Spring St., Williamstown. The pajama drive runs through Dec 3. Monetary donations to support the purchaseofpajamasarealsowelcome.”Thatcomesfromthe Federation written in The Berkshire Eagle. For many years the LeoClubhasparticipatedindoingAngelTreeshoppingforthe Christmas season, while they still will participate in this, they also wanted to be more inclusive so they found this organizationtosupportmultiplegroupswithinourcommunity. Withallofthepajamasthattheschoolcollectstheywilldonate totheJewishFederationoftheBerkshires.
ResponsiblePerson
byRyanStrek&CameronLovato
HVHS is a Portrait of a Graduate School There are six competencies that are included in being a Portrait of a Graduate student: communicator, lifelong learner, global citizen, prepared individual, and responsible person November’s Portrait of a Graduate competency is Responsible Person We sent out a form to ask the high school what they think it means to be a responsible person. As a whole they said that it means to do your work, be accountableforyouractions,andbereliable.Here areafewresponsesthatwegotfromstudents:
“Being a responsible person means being accountable for your actions and decisions, whetherinateamsettingorthecontext.Itinvolves demonstrating self discipline, reliability, and integrity.”
“A responsible person is someone who takes accountabilityfortheiractions,nomatterwhatthe situation”
“To be a responsible person means to understand what you need to do to help you achieve something,itdoesn'tonlymeanthatthough Italso meanstohaveallyourmaterialsreadyforaclass, getyourhomeworkdone,payattentioninclass”
“Being a Responsible Person is to be making sure you are cooperative with teachers or others, making sure your listening and showing kindness, usingmannerseveninsmallsituations,andoverall making sure your getting your work done on time and showing that you wanna get your work done and you know what to do, for an example making sure your responsible with your things (not loosing things or turning them in late) and being on task withthingsaswell.”
FallOneActPlays
byGriffinPytko&LeviMiller
Forthesecondyearinarow,Mrs.KoczelaandMrs.Watrobahave taken on the task of directing two fall one act plays and the excitementaroundthestageisstrongerthanever.Overthepast eight weeks, students in grades 8–12 have come together to rehearse, collaborate, and bring two lively productions to life. What makes the One Acts special isn’t just the performances it’s the unique blend of ages, talents, and new friendships that form along the way. With eighth graders sharing scenes with seasoned upperclassmen and first-time actors working alongside veterans, the casts have spent the fall building somethingthatgoesfarbeyondaone-nightshow. ThefirstshowwasWaitWait…ICanExplain!
Jason tries to impress a girl and hires a fake family to do so, Jason's real family comes home and lots of chaos ensues The actors remain in character and do their best to keep their act together, but things quickly unravel From overhearing a murder plot to meeting the "ghost" of General Washburn, Sheila decides she's seen enough of Jason and his families This show featured TimOlver,AlaynaShears,NoahPellerin,ZoelizMarquezCruz,Jack Lanski, Reagan Shea, Preston Hnatonko, Aviana Saimbert, Iyakxel MarquezCruz,RoryShea,andJarenMcNeal
The second show was Ro Sham Bo. A rock-paper-scissors tournament filled with tons of competition and wacky events. Lindsay is number two in the country and she’s not happy losing hertopranking.She’snotabovethrowinganillegalscipper.What will she do to Taylor, the number one player? Maybe Taylor’s not thatkeenonplayinganyway.Rock-Paper-Scissorsisn’tasfunas it used to be. This show featured Jaeylynn Dodge, Arianna Blake, Aviana Saimbert, Alayna Shears, Zoeliz Marquez Cruz, Emma Zieminski, Corrin Scull, Aaliyah McDonough, Jack Lanski, Iyakxel Marquez Cruz, Jaren McNeal, Tim Olver, Rhyleigh Williams, Noah Pellerin,andPrestonHnatonko. RileyBarnestookonthejoboflightingdesignerandEllaBissaillon kept every show running smoothly as the lone member of the stagecrew
Looking ahead, our spring musical performance will be Roald Dahl’sWillyWonka!AuditionswilltakeplaceintheBandRoomon Monday, December 15 after school There will be an informational meeting for all interested students during the December 4 WIN block, so students should be sure to use the adaptive scheduler to sign up with either Mrs Koczela or Mrs Watrobatolearnmore! th th
Mrs.WaltermireRetires!
byMakennaMalloy,PaytonKolis,andKyiahDillard
Mrs Waltermire has worked for 27 years and some change at Hoosac Valley, but 2 years as a paraprofessional she started workingas ateacher in2001 andis retiring in 2025. She taught US History, World History, Ancient Civilizations, Civics, United States History 2, Current Events and ACE. She wishes she taught Economics, Money and Finance. Mrs Waltermire planned on workingasateacherandevenplannedon working longer than she is. She says if she could go back she would be teacher all over again but if not she would've been a lawyer Mrs Waltermire's favorite part of workingasateacheristhe“Personalitiesof allherstudents.”Herfavoritememoryfrom her working career is “My students reenactments.”Onethingshereallylikedis the Community Closet and wished she could have done it longer and maybe turned it into a class and could work with the students in the clothing department. One piece of advice for a new teacher is, “To find an activity outside of the curriculum that is fun and engaging that will build memories with students” Overall shesayssheisreallygoingtomissworking hereandmissthestudentsthemost.
byEllaBissaillon
Veteran’sDayWalk
On Monday, November 10, Hoosac Valley High School held its annual Halls of Honor event, a tradition dedicated to recognizing and thanking thelocalVeteranswhohaveservedourcountry. Studentsandstafflinedthehallwaystowelcome Veterans as they walked through the building, offering applause, handshakes, and sincere gratitude for their service. The event required flexibility and teamwork from teachers and studentsalike,manyofwhomsteppedawayfrom regular class time to help make the experience meaningful Theireffortsdidnotgounnoticedby the guests of honor. Following the event, the schoolreceivedatouchingmessagefromlocal Veteran David Lussier, who shared his appreciationforthewarmwelcomehereceived: “Please let me say, this afternoon was the most humbling experience of my life. Thank yousomuchfortheopportunitytoattend!”
The Halls of Honor continues to be one of Hoosac Valley’s most impactful traditions, bringing together the school community to show respect, gratitude, and recognition for themenandwomenwhohaveserved.
FestivalofTrees
byLeviMiller&KyleScott
Severalartclassestookpartincelebrating"farming"intheannual Festival of Trees taking part at the Hancock Shaker Village. At the beginning of November, students glazed/painted ornaments with images reflecting what farming means to them. These studentdesignedartpiecesadornourveryownHoosacValleyHighSchool treeandwillbeondisplayFridays-Sundaysuntil12/28
