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.

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.