The Sentinel: Edition II, Spring 2023

THE SENTINEL

THE STUDENT MAGAZINE OF HAMMOND SCHOOL

SPRING 2023

EDITION II

"Chalk" Your Decision

Senior Transition Day

Polly Howser Speaker Series and Award

Annual Day

Senior Spotlight: Nettie Phillips

Awards Day

Faculty Spotlight: Steven Hillard

Career Day

Ubuntu: The 2023 Auction

A Look Into Footloose

Spring Sing

Band Concert

Filming on Campus

Soccer

Senior Spotlight: Rucker Brannon

Track

Mathletes Excel

The Making of the Meteor Masquerade

Baseball

Spring Signing

Softball Program Grows

Senior Spotlight: Kaycee Tompkins

Juniors Take Costa Rica

Let Her Bake

Presidential Elections

Senior Getaway Class of 2023

Yearbook advisor, Heather Hansberry, and editors Matt e Crosland, Adela

COLLEGE DECISIONS

Details on college decisions and scholarships for the class of 2023

TOP: Seniors Lauren Mueckler, Mary Margaret Mann, Emma Eaddy, Kate Daniels, Olivia Mart n, Nettie Phill ps, Maggie Watson L bby Tompk ns and Mae Ketchum pose at the Hammond gates BOTTOM LEFT: Sen ors Simon Lumpkin Josh

Pr o eau and A den Maragh smi e together n their University of South Carol na shirts BOTTOM RIGHT: Seniors Smith

Sul ivan, Brendan Kane, Erwann Monnet Yague, and Adela M ke l smi e together n the r col ege shirts All photos courtesy of Hammond College Counsel ng (Instagram, @hammondco legecounse ing)

Hammond School’s 57th graduating class, the Class of 2023 graduated on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Columbia Initially planned for Edens Stadium, the ceremony was moved to the church on Wednesday because of heavy rain forecasts for that weekend Rain forecasts also dampened traditional post-ceremony pictures, many of which were taken indoors. Charlie Todd ‘97, the founder of an improv comedy group in New York, was commencement speaker The class was accepted to 95 colleges in 27 states and the District of Columbia, and will matriculate at 27 colleges in 12 states and the District of Columbia 75% of students will attend in-state schools while 25% will attend out-of-state schools.

In a year of decreasing acceptance rates among American colleges and universities, Hammond students had much to celebrate. Luke Weinbach was admitted to four of eight Ivy League schools: Columbia, Cornell, UPenn, and Yale Luke also received the full cost-of-attendance Stamps Scholarship at the University of South Carolina as well as the B.N. Duke Scholarship from Duke University, a full cost-of-attendance scholarship offered to nine students from the Carolinas each year He is Hammond’s second recipient of the B N Duke in recent years; current Duke junior Dami Olatosi ‘21 also received the scholarship. Luke will matriculate at Yale in the fall, the first Hammond student to choose Yale since 2015

TOP LEFT: Sen ors Walker Wi liams and Magg e Watson chalk their decision to attend Auburn Univers ty TOP MIDDLE: Seniors Toby Brock and Jacob Dunn chalk their dec s on to attend the University of South Carolina at Beaufort TOP RIGHT: Several seniors chalk their decis on to attend Col ege of Charleston MIDDLE LEFT: Several seniors "chalk their decision" to attend the University of South Carolina MIDDLE: Seniors Omari Bennett, Landon Verano, Jayson Roberts, T-Byrd, A dan Canzater, and Amari Evans sm le together n their co lege sh rts MIDDLE RIGHT: Sen or Raymond Cao chalks his decision to attend the Un versity of Michigan BOTTOM LEFT: Lux Qin cha ks her decision to attend Georgetown University BOTTOM MIDDLE: Several seniors chalk the r dec sion to attend Clemson University BOTTOM RIGHT: Ol via Martin and Mae Ketchum "chalk" the r decision to attend the Un versity of Alabama BOTTOM: Evan Todd, Thomas Epps, Alexander Garside, Leon Chen, and Luke Weinbach pose in their college shirts Photos courtesy of Hammond College Counseling (Instagram, @hammondcollegecounsel ng)

Aside from Weinbach’s Duke scholarships, the Class of 2023 received a total $6 million in merit scholarships Kaycee Tompkins received the Colonial Scholarship at the College of Charleston, a fulltuition scholarship awarded to three students each year CJ Davis received the Griffith Scholarship at Presbyterian College, a full costof-attendance scholarship awarded to two students each year. Both will matriculate at those institutions this fall Evan Todd was one of six students to receive provisional acceptance to Baylor College of Medicine as well as a merit scholarship through the Baylor2Baylor Medical Program, which he plans to pursue at Baylor this fall

In-state colleges, especially South Carolina, Clemson, and Wofford, remained popular choices among this year’s seniors Despite those schools’ increasing selectivity, Hammond students who applied to them were largely accepted; several Clemson applicants were also accepted to Clemson’s bridge program, which allows students to matriculate at Clemson after a year at Tri-County Technical College Out-of-state colleges were less popular among this group of seniors, but they are still a diverse group: large public universities to small liberal arts colleges, Connecticut to Alabama to Michigan to California If their time at Hammond is any indication, these 75 alumni are sure to make their mark at their respective universities and in the greater world

"I didn't think I stood a chance to get in, but the promise of not having to apply to med school or take a gap year to study for the MCAT was too good to pass up."

Evan Todd '23, on applying to the Baylor2Baylor Medical program

where are they in? where are they going?

regular font indicates acceptances bold font indicates matriculations

ALABAMA auburn university / auburn university, honors / birmingham-southern college / oakwood university / university of alabama / university of alabama, honors arizona arizona state university / northern arizona university california university of california, berkeley connecticut yale university district of columbia georgetown university Florida Florida a&m university / florida state university / rollins college / stetson university / university of florida / university of miami / university of south florida Georgia berry college / georgia college / georgia institute of technology / georgia southern university / mercer university / spelman college / university of georgia Illinois university of illinois at urbana-champaign Indiana purdue university kentucky midway university / university of kentucky louisiana louisiana state university, bridge / Xavier university of louisiana maryland st. john's college, annapolis / university of maryland, college park massachusetts berklee college of music / Boston university / northeastern university michigan michigan state university / university of michigan missouri university of missouri, columbia / William jewell college Mississippi mississippi state university / mississippi state university, honors / university of mississippi new york columbia university / cornell university / new york university / syracuse university / utica university north Carolina appalachian state university / barton college / brevard college / campbell university / davidson college / duke university / elon university / gardnerwebb university / lees-mcrae college / mars hill university / methodist university / north Carolina state university / st. andrews university / university of north Carolina, chapel hill / university of north Carolina, chapel hill, honors / university of north Carolina, Charlotte / university of north Carolina, greensboro ohio baldwin wallace university / college of wooster / ohio state university oklahoma oklahoma state university oregon university of oregon pennsylvania university of pennsylvania rhode island university of rhode island south Carolina charleston southern university / clemson university / clemson university, bridge / clemson university, honors / coastal Carolina university / coastal Carolina university, bridge / coker university / college of charleston / college of charleston, honors / erskine college / furman university / newberry college / presbyterian college / university of south Carolina / university of south Carolina, bridge / university of south Carolina, honors / university of south Carolina, aiken / university of south Carolina, beaufort / university of south Carolina, beaufort, honors / winthrop university / wofford college tennessee belmont university / belmont university, honors / rhodes college / university of tennessee, knoxville texas baylor university / texas christian university / west texas a&m university utah utah state university, honors virginia hampden-sydney college / hampton university / James Madison university / roanoke college / virginia polytechnic institute and state university / virginia polytechnic institute and state university, honors

"Chalk" Your decision

In an annual tradition, the class of 2023 chronicled their college decisions through “chalking” them on the sidewalk in front of the Innovation Center on May 1 and 2. Several artistic seniors drew renditions of college logos, and students signed their names next to their colleges of choice. For some colleges like the University of South Carolina and Clemson, their logos occupied an entire block of sidewalk, since so many Hammond students will matriculate there this fall.

Senior Transition day

On May 18, Hammond’s college counseling office led a morning of programming with the senior class preceding the annual day presentation in the afternoon. Students attended sessions with guest speakers presenting on substance abuse, healthy relationships, campus safety, and mental health management, as well as a recent alumni panel featuring Wofford senior Abby Malanuk ‘20, Clemson senior Wilson McCall ‘20, Wake Forest sophomore Abby Park ‘22, UMiami sophomore Alden Ridley ‘22, and Auburn sophomore Peyton Vidrine ‘22. These alumni fielded the current seniors’ questions about the college experience.

A celebratory lunch followed the morning of events, which included the “college cake,” a cake which depicts a map of the United States. Seniors placed flags on the area of the country corresponding to their college of choice and enjoyed the cake together afterward.

Seniors Samarya Jackson, Annisa Evans, and Amanda Peterson sm le together

TOP: Seniors Eliza Leavitt, L bby Tompkins, Emma Eaddy, Kate Daniels, and Hunter Gagne pose in front of their "chalked" decision BOTTOM: Seniors attending Wofford Col ege "cha k" the r dec s on

Sen ors E iza Leavitt, Kate Daniels, Emma Eaddy, Mary Margaret Mann, L bby Tompkins, and Hunter Gagne pose to show their painted skirts

Polly howser Speaker series & Award

Hammond hosted the second installment of the Polly Howser Speaker Series on April 26. The series is funded by friends and family of the late Howser, the first female chair of Hammond’s board of trustees. It brings an accomplished female leader to campus each year to give a talk for Hammond students and also honors a female member of the freshman class each year with the Polly Howser Leadership Award

This year’s speaker was Jodie McLean, CEO of EDENS, one of the nation’s leading private real estate developers. McLean, a former Hammond parent and trustee, delivered her talk to the upper school student body before answering questions fielded by past recipients

Preston Swarat ‘24 and Logan Rivers ‘25. Following the Q&A, freshman Madge Miller was honored as the 2023 recipient of the Polly Howser Leadership Award. A reception with Howser’s family and friends followed in the lobby of the Bank of America Theatre

Annual Day

On May 18, the yearbook staff presented the 57th edition of the Phoenix, Hammond’s yearbook, in a school-wide assembly in Fawcett Indoor Stadium This year, the Phoenix’s editor-in-chief was senior Adela Mikell, with Lauren Asbill and Mattie Crosland serving as junior editors They, along with faculty advisor Heather Hansberry, spoke during the assembly, sharing this year’s yearbook theme as well as the yearbook’s honorees.

The theme of the 2023 Phoenix was “Skyhawk Pride,” described on the opening page as “the energy we bring, not just to the field, but to the classroom, the arts, and our service projects ” The theme was integrated into the student and faculty pages, which featured their reflections on what makes them proud to be a Skyhawk.

The yearbook was dedicated to upper school teacher Michael Rice, who teaches honors biology and AP environmental science classes as well as science electives on topics such as anatomy and zoology Rice was honored in the yearbook for demonstrating “passion for his subject, his students, the natural world, and Hammond,” with head of school Andy North praising him for the “pure joy” that “resonates from his classroom during each lesson or lab.”

Luke Weinbach and Adela Mikell were honored as Mr. and Miss Phoenix. This honor is bestowed annually on a male and female senior who, by vote of the faculty, embody the characteristics of true Hammond leaders through leadership, character, will, and influence Luke was honored in the ye lents and success” and for being “humble, genuine, and inclusive ” Adela was honored as “one of the most ene tudents at Hammond” and as “one of the strongest leaders on campus ”

TOP: Junior Preston Swarat and sophomore Logan Rivers during their questionnaire w th speaker Jod e McLean BOTTOM: Polly Howser Leadership Award recipients Madge Mil er, Preston Swarat, and Logan R vers Photos courtesy of Hammond Schoo (Instagram, @hammondschool)

LEFT: Upper school Michael Rice shows off th s year's yearbook, which was dedicated to him RIGHT: Yearbook advisor Heather Hansberry poses with this year s Mr and M ss Phoenix Luke We nbach and Adela Mikell

NETTIE PHILIPS

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

The face behind Dance Marathon’s social media, it’s no surprise that Nettie Philips radiates energy and enthusiasm wherever she goes.

A 14-year Skyhawk, Nettie’s time in the upper school has centered on the fundraising event, serving as promotions chair for the 2022 event that raised over $62,000, and as overall chair for this year’s smaller event alongside Raymond Cao and Adela Mikell. Dance Marathon has been an important leadership opportunity for Nettie: she says that it helped her “show more things I was capable of,” like running the Instagram and planning fundraising events that preceded the event itself Naturally, she cites “raising so much money for Dance Marathon” as one of her proudest Hammond achievements

Community service is very important to Nettie: while Dance Marathon has been her biggest service endeavor, she was also a volunteer counselor during Camp Cole’s inaugural summer in 2022 She worked weeklong programs for Cole’s Kids, a community service-oriented program for children, and for Camp Impact, a program for low-income children in the Columbia area.

Outside her service activities, Nettie was on the competition cheer team for two years and the spirit cheer team for all four years of high school She has also excelled in the classroom, with her achievements recognized by her three-year membership in the National Honor Society and spring induction into the Cum Laude Society. She takes particular pride in the competition cheer team’s state championship her freshman year, only one year after a severe injury

Nettie cites “the classic course load issues” as her greatest challenge at Hammond She says the adjustment from middle to upper school was difficult for her, as well as the adjustment into junior year, “taking APs and realizing, wow, Mrs Jackson’s class is really hard.” These difficulties did not ultimately hinder Nettie’s academic success: she says confidently that “obviously, I was able to overcome those challenges ”

[Dance Marathon]

Most rewarding for Nettie has been feeling the collective pride of the senior class in these final weeks of school. She says, “Our lives are coming together Everyone knows where they’re going to college and I’m proud of us, because everyone got what they wanted ”

Nettie’s Taylor Swift concert cover is appropriate: she is a self-proclaimed Swiftie who counts listening to Swift’s music as one of her favorite pastimes She also loves watching young female classics like the movie Legally Blonde and the TV show Gilmore Girls, and enjoys spending time with her three sisters and her friends outside of school

Nettie has conquered the Hammond experience with confidence, diligence, and determination to overcome challenges, and she has always spared time for what is most important to her: pursuing service opportunities, cheering on the Skyhawks at games, or spending time with her friends and family She will attend the University of Georgia this fall, where she plans to major in public health, which she chose because “there’s so many different paths I could take with it” and she’s still undecided about her career path Her advice to future Hammond students stems from that determination in the classroom: “If you think you can do it, you can Believe in yourself ”

"It

gave me the opportunity to show who I was and what I was able to do."

Awards Day

Hammond’s annual upper school awards’ day assembly welcomed parents and guests to a packed Bank of America Theatre on May 19 to celebrate the accomplishments of Hammond juniors and seniors. These awards included numerous book awards and scholarships, as well as departmental awards and prized senior leadership awards. Honor graduates and spring Cum Laude inductees were also recognized. SCISA director of member services Robbie Braciszewski awarded SCISA’s Bill Simpson Award, an award given to only two senior student-athletes in SCISA schools, to Rucker Brannon. He is Hammond’s third consecutive recipient after Blake Weinbach ‘21 and Michael Moran ‘22.

junior awards

Centre College Fellows: Anna Katherine Adams, Lauren Asbill, Lily Balfour, Natalie Engh, simone Okereke, Ranti Olatosi, & Preston Swarat | Columbia College Junior Scholars: Kayce Hyman, Alise Irvin, & Riley Montgomery | Converse University Junior Achievers: Rachel Barney, May Malanuk, Lily Meetze, & Peri Moore | High Point Junior Scholars: Mattie Crosland, Sophie Homeyer, Chase McKain, Ana Lu Muela Kiser, & Lauren Vincent | presbyterian College Fellows: Danika Foster, Samira Khalil, Will McQueen, RJ Naumann, & Maddox Pooser | Wofford Scholars: Grace Beacham, Jack Fulda, William Grantland, Lilly Hensley, Ella James, Cal McQueen, sam Porter, Nick Sailer, Emmett Sowell, & Rebecca Waites

American Legion Palmetto Boys State Delegates: Ryan Barnes, William Hudson, Robert Malanuk, & edwin Miller American Legion Auxiliary Palmetto Girls State Delegates: Grace Beacham & Sophie Homeyer

Barnard College Book Award: Natalie Engh | Brown University Book Award: Preston Swarat | University of Chicago Book Award: William Grantland | Jefferson Book Award: Lauren Asbill | Johns Hopkins Book Award: Ella James | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award: Simone Okereke | University of Rochester

Bausch & Lomb Science Award: Chase McKain | Smith College Book Award: Lily Balfour | Tulane University Book Award: Lilly Hensley Washington & Lee Book Award: Grace Beacham | Yale Book Award: Ranti Olatosi

Eric W Layer Memorial Scholarship: Anna Katherine Adams | Scott Perseverance Award: Lilly Hensley & Will McQueen | West Point Leadership Award: Cal McQueen | William & Mary Leadership Award: Anna Katherine Adams

Junior MarshaLS: Anna Katherine Adams, Lauren Asbill, Ranti Olatosi, Preston Swarat

National Merit® Scholarship Program Nominees: Natalie Engh, William Grantland, Ranti Olatosi, Preston Swarat

TOP: Head of upper schoo , Jody Lumpk n commences the ceremony LEFT: Sen or Adela Mikell poses with her human tar an award RIGHT: Senior CJ Dav s accepts h s medal designating him as an honor graduate Photos courtesy of Hammond School (Instagram, @hammondschool)

LEFT: Sen ors S mon Lumpk n and Evan Todd smi e w th the head of the Engl sh department George Simpson RIGHT: Luke We nbach accepts the Spanish departmenta award from department chair David LaBoone BOTTOM: Mary Margaret Mann accepts the Kinsey Black Jones Memor a Scholarsh p Photos courtesy of Hammond School (Instagram @hammondschool)

Senior awards

Kensley Fuller Memorial Scholarship: Luxi Qin |

Kinsey Black Jones Memorial Scholarship: Simon

Lumpkin & Mary Margaret Mann | Athletic Award:

Thomas Epps & Annisa Evans

Departmental Awards in English: Simon Lumpkin |

Fine Arts: Mary Grace Trobaugh & Luke Weinbach |

History: Briana Pinasco | Math: Andrew Nguyen |

Science: Evan Todd | World Language: Luke Weinbach

Charles A. James & Clara S. James Humanitarian

Award: adela Mikell |Herbert B. Barks, Jr. Award: CJ

Davis, Evan Todd, & Kaycee Tompkins | John Adger

Manning Award: Luke Weinbach

Fall Members of the Cum Laude Society: Rucker

Brannon, Raymond Cao, Alexander Garside, Simon

Lumpkin, Aiden Maragh, Evan Todd, Luke Weinbach |

Spring Members of the Cum Laude Society: Michael

Aitchison, Leon Chen, CJ Davis, Casey Dimmery, Andrew

Nguyen, Nettie Philips, Luxi Qin, & Sophie Stephens

Public Policy and Social Change Graduates: Leon

Chen, Aiden Maragh, & Sophie StephenS

Columbia Urban League Young and Gifted Award: Talinnian Byrd, Aidan CanzateR, CJ Davis, Amari Evans, Annisa Evans, Samarya Jackson, Amanda Peterson, Josh Prioleau, & Kaycee Tompkins

College Board National Recognition Program Scholars:

Talinnian Byrd, Samarya Jackson, & Amanda Peterson

U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates: Luxi Qin & Luke Weinbach | National Merit® Commended Scholars: Raymond Cao, Alexander Garside, Max Martin, Luxi Qin, Evan Todd, & Price Wilson | National Merit® Scholars: Simon Lumpkin & Luke Weinbach

Honor Graduates: Michael Aitchison, Rucker Brannon, Raymond Cao, Leon Chen, CJ Davis, Casey Dimmery, Sam DuBose, Annisa Evans, Hunter Gagne, Alexander Garside, Simon Lumpkin, Aiden Maragh, Andrew Nguyen, Amanda

Peterson, Nettie Philips, Briana Pinasco, Luxi Qin, Sophie Stephens, Evan Todd, Kaycee Tompkins, Maggie Watson, Luke Weinbach, & Price Wilson

Palmetto Fellows: Michael Aitchison, Rucker Brannon, Raymond Cao, Leon Chen, Eliza Davies, Sam DuBose, Emma

Eaddy, Hunter Gagne, Alexander Garside, Simon Lumpkin, Aiden Maragh, Max Martin, Lauren Mueckler, Nettie Philips, Luxi Qin, Drew Springs, Evan Todd, Maggie Watson, Luke

Weinbach, Walker Williams, Price Wilson, Laurence Zhang

us hats at Hammond: directing the Select Ensemble and middle school choirs, planning student travel, and coordinating student activities like the annual cornhole tournament or club fair After graduating from the University of South Carolina’s School of Music in 2000, Hillard taught music part-time in public schools before coming to Hammond in 2001. As associate director of music at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, Hillard connected with Hammond students and parents in the congregation who recruited him to join Hammond’s faculty

Taking the position at a time when Hammond scarcely had an arts program, Hillard asked administrators about the kind of music curriculum they desired; to his surprise, they gave him complete freedom to design a curriculum His upper school music program began with one nine-person class, but grew significantly in his first two years In 2003, he approached then-head of school Herb Barks with a plan to travel internationally with an auditioned group of high school singers. With Barks’ blessing, the Select Ensemble began

A time around ten years ago marked a turning point for Hillard’s career: he describes himself “ready to just look at different things” at that time, contemplating his role and responsibilities as an educator This contemplation eventually pushed him to get more involved in Hammond’s student life, revamping Hammond’s student government and activities to foster “an environment where outside-of-class activities are as valued as in-class activities ” After attending programs and obtaining several certifications, he became Hammond’s director of student activities

STEVEN HILLARD

With these adjustments in his role over the past twenty-two years, Hillard has witnessed great change: he began his time at Hammond teaching six classes from fifth to twelfth grade, but now teaches only two daily classes, a change that recognizes his vast array of responsibilities outside the classroom. He has also seen greater cultural changes on campus; in his view, Hammond’s definition of learning has gone beyond classroom education to constitute experiential opportunities outside the classroom.

However, Hillard’s “passion to get involved in students’ lives” has remained constant throughout his career. He describes “the time I get to spend with students individually and as a group” as the highlight of his work, particularly during Hammond’s experiential opportunities in places like Colonial Williamsburg and Costa Rica Hillard also notes the importance of the relationships he fosters with students after they graduate, saying, “They are the lifelong relationships that are of the greatest value to me ”

Appropriately, Hillard sees his greatest setback as “a lack of time” to pursue a wide variety of opportunities for Hammond students Clearly, though, this lack of time is no hindrance to his passion for all things Hammond. To him, what sets Hammond apart is the opportunity afforded for students “to step outside of tradition, to step outside of the paradigm that currently might be education, to step outside themselves.” Hillard recognizes that many independent schools offer the same experiential opportunities that Hammond offers, but believes that Hammond is distinct in its “genuine care for students to have the best outlook afforded to them, and allowing them to make mistakes, to realize their resilience and to realize that there is something beyond the moment they are in ”

"What sets Hammond apart is the opportunity afforded for students to step outside of tradition, to step outside of the paradigm that currently might be education, to step outside themselves."

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

H llard with students at Dainfern College in Johannesburg, South Afr ca dur ng a 2018 visit Photo courtesy of Hammond School (Facebook, @Hammond School)

career Day

Hammond welcomed Columbia-area professionals across numerous industries to campus on March 28 for the annual career symposium. Organized by the development and alumni affairs offices, the professionals - most of them Hammond parents or alumni - were divided into panels representing law and government, business, medicine, marketing and nonprofits, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Juniors and seniors were assigned two panels to attend based on interest and availability. During the 30-minute panels, professionals shared experiences and advice from their careers and answered student questions.

Ubuntu: The 2023 Auction

Hammond's annual auction, entitled Ubuntu, was held at Junction 500 in downtown Columbia on March 25. Attended by numerous families, faculty, and staff, the auction was chaired by Katie Eaddy '97 (parent of Emma '23 and Grier '25) and Anne Mann (parent of Mary Margaret '23 and Virginia '27). With decor and food paying tribute to this year's country of study, South Africa, attendees bid on a wide range of items, including free consultations at local businesses or opportunities like "Head of School for the Day" or "Maintenance for the Morning," with proceeds benefiting Hammond's annual fund.

TOP: Speakers on the marketing and non-profit panel smile together BOTTOM: Speakers on the STEM panel smile together All photos courtesy of Hammond School (Instagram @hammondschool)

Parents enjoy the South Africa-inspired auction Photos courtesy of Hammond School (Instagram, @hammondschool)

An actress' look into Hammond's spring musical

A talented group of Hammond students and a dedicated set of directors created another successful performance in this year's production of Footloose, which is not only a popular film but also a successful musical The musical took the audience into the small town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music were banned following a tragic accident. Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago portrayed by Luke Weinbach, moves to Bomont and finds himself at odds with the town and its leader, Reverend Shaw Moore, played by Walker Williams Ren finds himself fighting for the right to dance with his friend, Willard Hewitt, played by Price Wilson, and falling in love with the rebellious preacher’s Daughter Ariel, played by Kaycee Tompkins. He rallies his classmates to fight for their right to dance and express themselves. The musical includes many popular songs from the film, such as "Footloose," "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Holding Out for a Hero," and "Almost Paradise." The musical production captures the spirit and energy of the original film, featuring dynamic dance numbers and vibrant performances. It explores themes of rebellion, self-expression, and the power of community

As one of the cast members, I can attest to how much fun this musical was, and I felt that everyone in the show was incredibly talented, conquering a dance-heavy production and even executing tricks like roller-skating on stage From veterans of the Hammond theater to the brand-new, everyone played their part with energy, pace, and volume. The supporting roles were an especially prominent and vibrant part of the show Lauren Asbill brought the emotional and sarcastic role to Ren’s mom, Ethel McCormack. Elizabeth Cannon, Addison Sanders, and Mary Margaret Mann were an energetic trio that shined in their roles of Urleen, Wendy Jo, and Rusty. Mary Grace Trobaugh, in her final Hammond show, brought emotion to her role as Vi Overall, Footloose was bursting with talent and humor. As we bid farewell to an experienced group of seniors, I am excited to experience and be a part of this new chapter of Hammond theater.

"As one of the cast members, I can attest to how much fun this musical was, and I felt that everyone in the show was incredibly talented."

Cast members strike the f nal pose of the show after the famous Footloose dance Photo courtesy of Jenna Barrett

TOP: Cast members pose for the tradit onal mirror p cture before opening n ght BOTTOM: Senior Luke We nbach gives a p votal monologue as Ren McCormack Photo courtesy of Jenna Barrett

Spring Sing

Under the direction of Steven Hillard, the Select Ensemble and eighth grade choir all performed in the annual Spring Sing on April 28, which packed the Bank of America Theatre with families and supporters of singers. Once dubbed the broadway concert, the choral program's spring performance is now called "Spring Sing" to recognize the diversity of music performed, from Broadway hits to acapella classics to gospel songs.

The performance featured the annual senior song, a song open to all seniors interested in performing. During an interlude in the song, seniors go backstage to change into their college shirts and then appear back on stage Seniors Drew Springs, Evan Todd, Kaycee Tompkins, Mary Grace Trobaugh, and Luke Weinbach also sang more personal musical tributes to their senior class during the concert.

Band Concert

Under the direction of Greg Abraham, middle and upper school instrumentalists presented their annual concert at the Bank of America Theatre on May 17. The fifth grade, sixth grade, and upper (7th-12th grade) bands each presented level-appropriate material which centered around the performance's theme, "Music at the Movies."

These songs came from Disney classics like Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast and even from Marvel hits like movies from the Avengers series.

"Each one of you has helped me be a better person. Each one of you has helped me remember why I chose this profession."

Director

of choirs

Steven Hillard,

addressing seniors during the Spring Sing

members sophomore

er McNa r, junior

Peacock, and senior Luke Weinbach pose before the annual spring concert BOTTOM: Jun ors Anna Katherine Adams, May Malanuk, Preston Swarat, Lauren Asbil , Roll ns Reed, and sophomore Christ na R zos serenade the audience Photos courtesy of Hammond Schoo (Instagram, @hammondschoo )

TOP: F fth grade band members stand to accept app ause BOTTOM: Band members play the r rend tion of "Whole New World" from Disney's A addin Photos courtesy of Hammond School (Instagram @hammondschool)

filming on campus

On April 19 and 20, production company Dust of the Ground came to Hammond’s campus to film promotional material. Filming took place across campus, capturing students in all three divisions from naturalist-in-residence Tom Mancke’s cabin to the Innovation Center’s SciDome. The company also captured a drama class in the Bank of America Theatre and track athletes during practice at Edens Stadium.

Hammond has worked with Dust of the Ground multiple times since the company’s inception in 2010 When creating promotional material in 2013, videographers captured 8th grade science teacher Evin Moore ‘14 as a student. During this visit, they captured Moore teaching a class of students, allowing for a parallel effect.

soccer

During the 2023 spring soccer season, both Hammond's boys' and girls' soccer teams succeed throughout the season and advanced in the playoffs.

The girls came out as number one in the region as they mercy-ruled multiple teams including Cardinal Newman, Heathwood Hall, and Ben Lippen. Their skills were demonstrated especially as they tied SCHSL giant Lexington, beat SCISA giant Ashley Hall, and advanced to the second round of playoffs before losing narrowly to Porter-Gaud.

Even further into the playoffs, the Hammond boys beat both Ben Lippen and Heathwood Hall to advance to the state championship, where they played Cardinal Newman. The Skyhawk boys lost in the championship, but they are determined to "chase a ring" next season.

TOP LEFT: Senior Erwann Monnet Yague plays against Cardina Newman School TOP RIGHT: The girls' soccer team huddles before a game BOTTOM: Sophomore Logan Rivers chases the ball during a game Al photos courtesy of Shell Suber (Instagram, @shellsuber)

“Our team is determined, eager, and electric.”

Senior Thomas Epps

RUCKER BRANNON

To get an idea of who Rucker Brannon really is, you need the whole picture Rucker isn’t just captain of two varsity teams, one of the leaders in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a junior marshal, or a Polo G fan Rucker is it all

Rucker isn’t a Hammond “lifer,” but transferred in the middle of his 6th grade year His choice to attend Hammond was partially fueled by the fact that his brother had already gone here, but also by the idea of a more personalized education He says his parents believed the smaller and more focused classes would give him “the best opportunity to succeed and develop as a teenager ”

However, the transition from a public school to Hammond proved difficult for Rucker He describes the workload as hard to balance with after school activities: “we’re a small school, so in order for us to succeed and operate to the best of our abilities, a lot of people have to be involved in a lot of things, and so that can often become overwhelming ” He explains that this was the most difficult part of Hammond, but he hopes we can create a “strong student body and student base that can communicate well with faculty” in order to help accommodate everyone better

Luckily, Rucker soon learned the ropes of balancing his schoolwork and was able to get involved with many other activities around Hammond Sports wise, Rucker plays football and baseball He is proud of being named a co-captain of both teams his senior year because the role is voted on by those on the team, showing his “respect from teammates ”

He played on the varsity football team all 4 years, all of which were marked with a win at states Rucker was also named twotime First Team All-region and All-state, 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, and nominated for Mr Richland County Player of the Year

His love of baseball started when he was 5 and began traveling the country to visit all 30 MLB stadiums with his brother and father, a feat they accomplished last year Though his freshman baseball season was cut short due to Covid, Rucker continued to play the rest of his 3 years of high school, winning the state championship his sophomore year and making it to the state championship tournament this spring

Rucker’s talent isn’t only in sports: he’s also at the top of his class He was named a junior marshal, an honor designated to the students with the four highest cumulative GPAs during their junior year He was also a fall inductee into the Cum Laude Society, an honor given to the students with the top 10% of GPAs during their senior year With the combined rigor of his athletics and academics, Rucker was awarded the Walker Clarke Scholar Athlete Award and the SCISA Bill Simpson Award, the latter of which is an award only given to one male and one female in all SCISA schools each year

Also notable is Rucker’s presence on the Honor Council during his junior year The Council consists of a group of three juniors, two sophomores, and two freshmen chosen by faculty who handle honor code violations

However, Rucker wouldn’t be Rucker without his strong faith He is very involved with the FCA, one of the biggest and most popular clubs at Hammond, which regularly hosts Christian devotions and guest speakers on Hammond’s campus

His freshman year, Rucker traveled to Uganda on a mission trip through Eastminster Presbyterian Church One of 16 teenagers who made the trip, Rucker visited the Sozo Orphanage, a nonprofit ministry that provides shelter for abused, neglected, or orphaned children The group walked around the village surrounding the orphanage and was able to pray, cook, and bond with the people living there He describes: “we just sort of spread the word of God with that and had some good fellowship ” He also went to Kampala, the capital of Uganda Overall, he says that just the ability to be humbled by “seeing what other people don’t have that [he does],” was very impactful for him

He had a similar experience in Costa Rica on the junior class trip, where he was able to help the community of Tres Equis by building a pathway “You get to see how fortunate we are here, because when we go to Tres Equis and help out those kids and build things for them, whether it’s a playground or a soccer field you get to see what some alternatives are ” He stresses his gratitude for being able to go on the trip, specifically the Pacuare Reserve, a protected area along the coast that is a haven for sea turtles Rucker recalls, “I never would have expected to be catching turtle eggs falling out of a leatherback turtle at 2:00 in the morning That was certainly a pleasant surprise ”

To top it all off, Rucker is family oriented He never fails to comment on his gratitude for the sacrifices his parents made to get him in Hammond, and his motivation to keep going is "making [his] family proud ” When asked where he would attend college in the fall, he answered “Wofford College in Spartanburg with my big brother ” A family oriented, athletic, smart, and faithful person, Rucker is the definition of wellrounded

"You get to see how fortunate we are here, because when you go to Tres Equis...you see what some alternatives are."

COVER: Rucker catches for the Hammond baseball team dur

TRACK & FIELD

This year's track and field athletes competed in numerous meets throughout South Carolina, setting PRs and continuing the steady growth of the program, which has not won a state championship since 2015. At the SCISA state meet in Charleston, Hammond's boys placed fifth of eleven teams and Hammond's girls placed sixth of eleven teams

Freshman Bayli Aiken placed first in the girls' 100 and 200 meter dashes and senior Omari Bennett won the boys' 110 meter hurdles event. The boys' and girls' 4x100 relay teams both took first place and set a school record

Mathletes Excel

The middle school math team had a record-breaking season this year In the Chapter Math Counts meet towards the beginning of the year, Hammond placed fourth, with sixth grader Yukai Hu placing as the fourth individually At the state Math Counts meet, Hammond placed fourth Seventh grader Vibhav Vattipally was invited to attend as an individual while the team qualifiers included eighth graders Parsa Adam, Brayden LaSovage, and Alex Magargle and sixth grader Yukai Hu Parsa took fourth individually and qualified to go to nationals, the second person from Hammond to do so At nationals, Parsa placed 15th. Later in the year, Hammond took first at the SCISA math meet, with individuals taking 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.

In the Math Kangaroo competition, which is offered to students from first to twelfth grades and scored by grade, Hu and Lyle Eagle tied for second in the state for 6th grade. Brayden, Alex, and Parsa placed 3rd, 2nd, and 1st respectively for 8th grade, with Parsa placing 15th in the nation Hammond freshmen took the top three with Miruna Sauvu in 1st, Wyatt Kosciusko in 2nd, and Nancy Phan in 3rd Sophomores Zamam Lone and Cole Glenn took 3rd and 1st, respectively, with Glenn winning 8th in the nation. Ranti Olatosi placed 3rd in the nation for juniors and Laurence Zhang took 1st for seniors

The upper school math team had a great season as well At the University of South Carolina's competition, Hammond placed in the top 16 as a team, winning the small school division. At the Clemson Calculus Challenge, Hammond won level one math and overall, with Nancy winning level one individually and TJ Nguyen placing 3rd Finally, at the College of Charleston's competition, Hammond won the physics brainstorming, level one, level two, and level three parts of the competition.

schoo mathletes sm le after tying for first at the SCISA math competition n Sumter, SC Photo courtesy of Hammond School (Instagram, @hammondschool) BOTTOM LEFT: Mathe etes pose after their v ctory at the Coastal Carolina math meet Photo courtesy of Hammond Schoo (Instagram, @hammondschool) BOTTOM RIGHT: Freshman Wyatt Kosciusko and sophomores Zamam Lone and Aspen Brooks

competit on

LEFT: Senior Jayson Roberts runs during the D amond Hornets Invitationa Photo courtesy of She l Suber (Instagram

@shellsuber) RIGHT: Eighth grader M a Koscisuko runs during the D amond Hornets Inv tationa Photo courtesy of She l Super (Instagram, @shel suber) BOTTOM: The championship-w nning and record-sett ng 4x1 teams smile with their coaches and medals

Photo courtesy of Hammond Ath etics (Twitter, @HammondSports)

Making of the Meteor Masquerade

Last year, Hammond hosted its prom at the Ndoki Lodge at the Riverbanks Zoo This year’s venue, the Founder’s Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium, was much larger. As many of the juniors and seniors bring underclassmen or students from other schools, the Founder’s Zone gave more breathing room for the large group There was room for a dance floor, many tables to eat, two buffets, and a dessert bar prepared by sophomores Caroline Butler and Ali Dorrington. The Founder’s Zone also gave an overview of the stadium, which proved a great backdrop for pictures

Every year before prom, students gather at someone’s house to take pictures Though the weather forecast forebode rain, no downpour ruined junior pictures at the home of Robert and May Malanuk or senior pictures at the home of Alexander Garside.

History teacher Lizzy Culler '03 historically has led the prom committee This year, math teacher Hannah Cochran hosted prom meetings and helped to plan. Next year, science teacher Lauren Jackson will head the prom committee.

The theme this year was Midnight Meteor Masquerade, as the Lyrid meteor shower, which boasts the Thatcher comet, happened to be the same weekend Stars, moons, meteors, and purple streamers decorated the room. Though most students don’t plan their outfits according to the theme, some sported masks and dark apparel

During prom, students enjoyed music by a DJ and a dinner catered by Southern Way Catering

TOP LEFT: Juniors Lauren Asbill and William Grantland smile for the camera TOP RIGHT: Seniors Wyatt Barrett and Olivia Martin smile for the camera BOTTOM: Seniors Steve Glick, Sallie Meares, Lauren Mueckler, and Jacob Dunn smile together All photos courtesy of Jenna Barrett

TOP LEFT: Juniors Li ly Hens ey and Reece Bluestein smile for the camera

RIGHT: Sen ors

Connor Stephens say "Go Cocks!" as they pose for the camera BOTTOM: Juniors Emmett Sowel Ben Heroman and Zachary Schne der smile for the camera Al photos courtesy of Jenna Barrett

BASEBALL

In one of Hammond's longest athletic seasons, the baseball team played countless games and practiced for countless hours, and their efforts paid off: though the team couldn't clutch the state title, their runner-up status came with four all-region athletes: senior Wyatt Barrett, senior Rucker Brannon, sophomore Jack Croft, and senior and Coastal Carolina commit Dylan Richardson Brannon and Richardson also participated in the SCISA North-South All-Star Game.

After their consecutive victories in the state championship playoffs, the team reached the three-game state series against Augusta Christian School. Augusta Christian won the first game on their campus and Hammond won the first game on our campus. The deciding game was postponed three times before it was held at Lexington High School on May 22. After a strong start for both teams, Augusta Christian blasted ahead and won 9-3

SPRING SIGNING

Three senior athletes celebrated their signing day on April 20 in Fawcett Indoor Stadium. Numerous faculty, Hammond students, and supporters joined the athletes and their families for an emotional ceremony which included remarks from head of school Andy North and coaches Jon Wheeler and Bralyn Bennett

Omari Bennett will run track at Campbell University.

Aidan Canzater will play football at Erskine College.

Jayson Roberts will run track at Winthrop University.

Roberts, Canzater, and Bennett smile together on signing day Photo courtesy of Hammond Athletics (Instagram, @hammondathletics)

TOP LEFT: Senior Dylan Richardson catches a ball mid-air TOP RIGHT: Senior Thomas Dennis throws the ball BOTTOM: Senior Michael Aitchison bunts the ball

All photos courtesy of of Hanby Photography (Instagram, @hanbyphotography)

Softball program Grows

“Fun, efficient, collaborative.” These are the words that junior Ana Lu Muela Kiser used to describe the 2023 Hammond school varsity softball team. The 2023 season has brought a renewed sense of energy to softball. With the record of 10-11, improved from last years' record with more wins, the softball team has grown exponentially in their skills, spirits, and teamwork

The softball team’s new skills entail catching more pop-flies, increasing the number of double-plays, and hitting the ball harder in general while batting This improvement is attested by members of the team as well as their coaches Newly hired coach Craig Hensley was asked, “What was your favorite memory of the season?” Hensley answered, “Watching home runs, good defense and good pitching ” Being the Hammond baseball coach for 5 years and the golf coach for 3 years, the coach was not exactly sure what to expect when he offered to be the softball team's assistant coach, but he has enjoyed the new opportunity.

The team has had new additions including junior Lucy Davies, sophomore Ava Miller, and 8th graders Sami and Reily Campbell, just to name a few These new additions have not undermined the skill of experienced players At the end of the season, all-region players included Grace Beacham, Sadie Meacham, Madge Miller, Ava Sapp, and Ali Dorrington with Grace, Madge, Ava, and Sadie named North-South all stars. Junior Grace Beacham was named all-region player of the year, the highest recognition for a SCISA softball player.

Along with improving strategically, the team also always had a lot of fun. When asked what their favorite game or memory was, both Sadie Meacham and Coach Hensley stated that beating Augusta Christian 14-4 in the region playoffs felt like the best they have played and the most fun they have had

Overall, the Hammond softball team has both improved from past years' seasons and made memories they will never forget

Shots of the varsity softball game against Laurence Manning Academy All photos courtesy of Angel Muela

“Compared to last year, we have improved a lot because we have aimed to improve on our faults, and as a team have learned how to help one another individually.”

Junior Ana Lu Muela Kiser

KAYCEE TOMPKINS

“The young lady from the [sic] Hammond School who just sang at the Governor’s inauguration. Wow! You DID that!”

These were the words of South Carolina state representative Marvin Pendarvis, shared via Twitter, after Kaycee Tompkins sang her signature solo alongside the Select Ensemble at Gov Henry McMaster’s 2023 inauguration Kaycee has made herself known in the Hammond community for her awe-inspiring voice, which she has shared as a four-year member of the Ensemble and also through her memorable performances as Morticia in The Addams Family and Ariel in Footloose

Her journey with music began when she was very young: her mother reports that Kaycee has been singing “since she was a baby,” and Kaycee has sung with her church choir for many years After winning a free voice lesson with Columbia Arts Academy at Hammond’s auction, she has pursued private vocal tutoring and recorded several songs with her uncle, Justin Mickens, who was featured during her senior speech

Kaycee counts her endeavors in the arts as her most important Hammond experiences She counts the Select Ensemble’s Italy tour as particularly special, saying that “being able to sing in front of people who don’t speak the same language as me, but conveying a certain message through music was really cool to me ” She elaborates further on how performing in the musicals allowed her to “add different aspects” to her music career, and also winning an award in contemporary dance at a dance competition with fellow Hammond students.

The arts haven’t been Kaycee’s only Hammond experience: she dabbled in softball briefly and played volleyball for her entire high school career, which she calls her “favorite sport at Hammond.” Though she would “never expect” to go water rappelling or whitewater rafting during experiential opportunities in Costa Rica or the Nantahala Outdoor Center, she counts these experiences as rewarding aspects of her time at Hammond, saying they “unlocked the thing in me that wants to try new things and just be an explorer instead of somebody that lets fear get the best of them ”

With this depth of involvement as well as an impressive academic record, Kaycee cites “not trying to be perfect all the time” as her greatest challenge while at Hammond She says that, in Hammond’s fast-paced, high-pressure environment, it has been difficult for her to learn that “it's okay to give some of yourself here, give some of yourself there,” but that she strives to continue working on this as she ventures to life outside Hammond

It’s no surprise that Kaycee loves gospel music, which she has grown up singing She is also quick to mention R&B and hiphop as her favorite genres and that Beyoncé is her “favorite artist of all time ” Outside her school activities, Kaycee values time spent with her mother in the kitchen and enjoys watching her favorite Netflix shows

Though candid about her challenges, Kaycee’s successes remain compelling: Columbia Urban League Young & Gifted honoree, honor graduate, recipient of Hammond’s prestigious Herbert B. Barks, Jr. Award. She was also one of three College of Charleston applicants to receive the university’s most prestigious scholarship, the Colonial Scholarship, a full-tuition award to attend the college’s honors program She will matriculate there this fall, intending to major in public health on a pre-medical track, but also to continue pursuing music “as a hobby ” Kaycee plans to release an EP and “share her thoughts through music with the world one day ”

As advice to younger Hammond students, Kaycee advises taking care of oneself, saying that “self care is really important” and that students should “keep close relationships and learn from different people ” She says further to “get yourself out of your comfort zone That’s the only way you’re going to learn to be a better person ”

"Being able to sing in front of people who don't speak the same language as me, but being able to convey a certain message through music, was really cool to me."

COVER: Kaycee dances on the stage during a scene in Footloose TOP: Kaycee’s

Kaycee sings loud and proud dur ng

photoshoot All photos courtesy of Kaycee Tompkins

Juniors Take Costa Rica

The Costa Rica trip’s return last year was busy, as it included the entire senior and junior classes traveling to make up for canceled trips due to Covid, but this year’s trip was just as memorable

The junior class this year was split into 3 groups with two faculty advisors in each Group one’s advisors were athletic trainer Sonya Fuemmeler and band director Greg Abraham Group two’s advisors were middle school art teacher and yearbook faculty advisor Heather Hansberry and head of school Andy North Group three’s were Ms Moore, the 8th grade’s chemistry and Physics teacher, and Mr Lutterbie, the upper school chemistry teacher The groups alternated between the three different locations so no group saw another until the end of the trip

One of the locations was La Fortuna, a town in northern Costa Rica home to Arenal, an active volcano In La Fortuna, students repelled down cliffs up to 170 ft tall, relaxed in hot springs, visited a family to learn about Costa Rican culture, and ziplined Group three, thanks to traffic, missed their original appointment for ziplining and ended up on a chocolate tour before fitting ziplining, repelling, and the hot springs in one day Originally an activity only for group one, visiting with Doña Ellie at her house, learning Costa Rican folk songs, making tortillas, and dancing in golas proved so enjoyable that Mr Hillard, the faculty leader at La Fortuna, decided this was an essential experience for all groups

In Tres Equis, directly east of San Jose in the Turrialba region, students rafted the Pacuare River and helped build a sidewalk for the citizens of the town Building the sidewalk was difficult, as groups had to manually carry over rocks and 50 kg of cement to a pile, mix, add water, and mix again to make the mixture that would be laid down There were no cement mixers or other machines on the site, just shovels, wheelbarrows, and hands After the sidewalk was finished, everyone feasted on fresh fruit and a lunch made by the people of the village, toured the town, and played a game of soccer with the children There was a language barrier as none of the children knew any English and most of the adults knew very little Phones were not allowed on the trip, so Google Translate was not an option However, many used what Spanish they did know to communicate with the kids, and the kids even taught them games like pato, pato, ganso (duck, duck, goose) or called other teams basura (trash)

Deep in the Limon region of Costa Rica and on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, the Pacuare Reserve is only accessible by boat At Pacuare, students helped collect data on the leatherback sea turtles, who were nesting at the time of the trip Leatherbacks are the biggest species of turtle, reaching up to 1,500 lbs and 7-8 feet at full growth Students first learned about the turtles and how to collect the data before their first shifts Groups were assigned the 8pm-12am, 10pm-2am, or 12am-4am shifts during which they would patrol the beach, looking for turtles who were nesting If found, students would help researchers measure the turtles and collect their eggs to be taken back to the hatchery Collection was crucial because, due to microplastics on the beach, the sand could heat up to temperatures that could literally fry the eggs. Researchers brought the eggs back to a hatchery of purified sand in which they buried the eggs once they were counted and weighed. In the group’s free time, they played soccer and volleyball, went on hikes in the rich forest, and caught up on their sleep.

After all groups had visited all areas, they spent one last night in different hotels near San Jose. Here, they had their final bandana ceremony. Two bandanas in each group were passed around to different students every night in the bandana ceremonies in which students would share their experiences from the day. After surviving sweat, water, mud, and some turtle juices, the bandanas were rough, but the tour guides from each group cut them into strands so that everyone could take a piece of Costa Rica home with them

Pura vida, a Costa Rican saying that translates to “pure life,” became the junior class’s new motto, and once all groups reunited at the airport, students fought over which group was the best

LET HER BAKE

Let's cool down with a refreshing summer treat: watermelon pizza! I understand the combination is wired, but hear me out. Take a circle slice of watermelon and add a spread of yogurt. Add an array of fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries. Then, add any toppings you desire. I personally use mint and toasted sweetened coconut. Now you have a delightful summer snack for a party or just to enjoy by yourself! Bon Appetit!

lacrosse

Hammond's lacrosse team had a remarkable season, with new and returning players contributing to victories across the board. Five players were named to first team all-state and four were named to second team all-state, a recognition of the talent on the team. Senior Landon Verano, who has committed to play at Mars Hill University, was named all-state player of the year.

Most notable was Hammond's victory against lacrosse powerhouse Porter-Gaud, the defending state champions, during the season. The team lost narrowly to Porter-Gaud in the state championship game, but will surely return with skill and vigor next year.

A photo of a watermelon pizza Photo courtesy of Choosing Chia (choosingchia com)

Student Officer elections

Per Hammond tradition, elections for the offices of student body president and vice president were held May 15 and 16. Juniors Anna Katherine Adams, Ryan Barnes, Tanner Chastain, and Noah Eargle ran for student body president Juniors Mattie Crosland, Natalie Engh, Robert Malanuk, and Preston Swarat ran for student body vice president

Candidates delivered brief speeches during an assembly on the 15th, during which director of student activities Steven Hillard asked them to focus on sharing their resumé with the student body instead of sharing explicit proposals for their time in office. Two rounds of voting were held: one on the 15th that included all candidates, and a vice-presidential runoff between Mattie Crosland and Robert Malanuk on the 16th.

Following these two rounds of voting, Anna Katherine Adams was elected student body president and Mattie Crosland was elected student body vice president Both will serve in these capacities throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

Because the senior class was unable to journey to their usual trip destination, Camp Chatuga, they instead traveled to the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina. This allowed for a "full circle" moment since the NOC is the traditional site of the freshman trip.

Instead of imposing the physical rigors of the freshman trip, director of travel Steven Hillard and other faculty designed this trip to be more laid-back, allowing seniors to enjoy their final week together and reflect on the Hammond experience

Unfortunately, members of the baseball team were unable to make the senior trip. The trip was scheduled a week later than its usual time in order to accommodate the initial state championship date for the baseball team, but the game's three postponements meant that players could not make the trip at all.

TOP LEFT: Anna Katherine strikes a smile at a graduation party TOP RIGHT: Matt e poses

the camera n her favor te beach spot BOTTOM: Anna Katherine and Matt e smi e while in New York City together Photos courtesy of Anna Katherine Adams and Mattie Cros and TOP LEFT: Seniors Jack Hudson and Jacob Dunn roast marshmal ows TOP RIGHT: Naturalist- n-res dence Tom Mancke shares his ins ght with senior Andrew Nguyen BOTTOM LEFT: Senior Frank Robinson kayaks the river BOTTOM RIGHT: Sen ors Kaycee Tompkins Eliza Dav es, and Li y Kate Doo ey show off their pictures of ducks Photos courtesy of Hammond Schoo (hammondschoo smugmug com)

the class of 2023

PAGE 29: Seniors throw their caps in the air during their class picture in their caps and gowns FRONT COVER: Seniors pose for their last class picture together in their college shirts

Photos courtesy of CSI Portrait Group

SPRING 2023 STAFF

WILLIAM GRANTLAND

Editor-in-Chief

NATALiE ENGH

Assistant Editor

LAUREN ASBILL

Graphics and Digital Editor

LILLY HENSLEY

Graphics and Digital Associate

ALi DORRiNGTON

Staff Writer

SANTIAGO AZPÚRUA-BORRÁS

CARYN CRABB

Faculty Sponsors

THE STUDENT MAGAZINE OF HAMMOND SCHOOL

SPRING 2023, EDITION II