3
y
W a y
n
g
2
0
1 2
V o
l
u
m
e
h e H a n n a n H a n n a n W a T
T h e
S
p
r
i
Sed imperdiet molestie wisi sed ullamcorper elit nec rhoncus rhoncus set wisi The Hannan Way
Page 1
On the Cover
3
Preparing The (Re-newed) Hannan Way for 2012-2013
4
Summertime = Relaxation, Fun, and Planning for the Future
5
Campus Ministry Lights the Way
6
Crimson and Navy Goes Green and Wins Green
7
Hannan High School Announces the Hiring of Three New Coaches for the 2012-13 School Year
8
Students Actively Participate at Archbishop Hannan High School
9
Teachers and Students of the Year
10
Back Cover Fr. Charles, Mr. Huck, and several Hannan students stop to pose for a picture during their tour of Italy.
Publication Information Edited by Nancy Baird, Director of Institutional Advancement, Archbishop Hannan High School Contributions to Archbishop Hannan High school are tax deductible under Section (501) (c) (3) of the U.S. Tax Code.
H a n n a n
From the Principal’s Desk
h e
Table of Contents
W a y
Juniors Kimberly Nilsson, Kassadi Monica, Mason Bennett, and Justin Allo enjoy the new deck during lunch.
T
The Hannan Way - A Quarterly News Magazine For and About the Archbishop Hannan High School Community.
Copyright 2012 Archbishop Hannan High School.
Seniors Meet Mickey as They Prepare for Graduation 12 Alumni Support Hannan Throughout the Year
14
The Hannan Way
Page 2
After twenty three years in education, I can tell you when the month of May rolls around without ever having to look at a calendar. The pace of life at the school changes, for some going by too slowly, for others, altogether too fast. Seniors walk the halls with a befuddled look, caught between feelings of excitement for what lies ahead and the grief that accompanies saying goodbye. Juniors and sophomores circle the halls like sharks awaiting their opportunity to assume the role of upperclassmen and ascend in the adolescent hierarchy. The freshman and eighth graders look upon the process wide-eyed and happy to move forward in the social order. The rest of us – faculty, staff, and parents – we vacillate between exhaustion and pride in as we see the academic and personal growth of our students. The time has passed quickly and has been filled with blessings, miracles, and challenges. The month ahead will be full of pride, celebration, as well as opportunities to thank God for how He continually blesses our school community. As we all know, we are blessed with talented and energetic students, supportive parents, and a caring and dedicated faculty and staff that are second to none. Our alumni base and the number of secondgeneration Hawks continue to grow, and we have many loyal and generous volunteers and benefactors. I’ve said it before and I will say it again – God is good, all the time – and we have much for which to be grateful.
h e
"Now you together are Christ's body. Every one of you is a member of it." - 1 Corinthians 12:27
T
by Fr. Charles Latour, O.P.
H a n n a n
W a y
From the Principal’s Desk
Our twentieth annual Crimson and Navy Gala Auction was a tremendous success. Thanks to the hard work of Ms. Stephanie Lebouef and members of the Auction Committee the event raised over $70,000 for our scholarship programs and the construction of our football/soccer field. In late April we began construction on our new classroom building, library building and football/soccer field. Over the summer we will reconfigure some of the administrative offices, change out he windowns in the chapel, and provide a larger TV studio. The month of May also provides us with opportunities to look back and reflect on all that has been achieved. We certainly want to salute all of our Archbishop Hannan Hawks, especially our seniors who will graduate on May 18th. We acknowledged and celebrated the academic achievements of all of our students at the annual awards assembly held on May 4th in our gym. I would like to this opportunity to once again congratulate all those students recognized for the academic achievements this past year. Yes, it’s May at Archbishop Hannan High School. Soon all the students will depart for the summer holidays. Amidst the relative quiet of the summer months, the humidity, the weekends at the beach, we can all reflect on how God has truly blessed us throughout this year. And we can look forward to the many good times and challenges that await us when August begins the whole process anew. I wish all of our Hannan family a safe and restful summer.
The Hannan Way
Page 3
Preparing The (Re-newed) Hannan Way for 2012-2013
T
h e
H a n n a n
W a y
by Dr. Donalyn Hassenboehler, Dean of Academics Teachers and students are intensely involved in the final quarter of school year 2011-2012. We still have exams, Baccalaureate, Graduation, spring sports playoffs, Discovery Walk, final report cards – all remaining. Add to all these activities the new construction noise and fences caused by the construction of the new 10classroom building, the new library, and the new field! On Saturday, April 21, 2012, four of our students traveled with their parents to Louisiana State University to compete in the State Literary Rally. Mollie Messina (English II), Rebecca Sigler (English IV), Lucile Smart (French I), and Steven Wozniak (Physical Science) qualified in the District Rally at Southeastern Louisiana University for this opportunity to place at LSU. In January Archbishop Hannan High earned a grant to participate in Discovery Walks, a program sponsored by The School Leadership Center. Beginning the second semester of this year and continuing for a year, we have a team of observers visit all our classrooms several times a semester and collect data on the type of instruction they observe. The team consists of some personnel from The School Leadership Center and some from our staff. Based on the data collected from the observations, The School Leadership Center provides professional development for our teachers, most recently on HOTS (teaching High Order Thinking Skills). The consultants will eventually provide over 40 hours of staff development. They also will work with our counselors to help disaggregate our ACT/SAT testing data. Simultaneously, the plans are well into development for school year 2012-2013. The counselors are speaking with all the students in classes about programming the subjects they will take next year. Then the parents will approve the Program of Studies and place those courses on line. The scheduling program will create next year’s master schedule, based on getting as many students into the courses they need (and elect) as possible. Some exciting new additions to our Course Curriculum (although not available at all grade levels) include the following: Creative Writing, Yearbook II, Journalism II, Math Essentials Dual Enrollment with SLU, Advanced Math II Dual Enrollment with SLU, Environmental Science for 10th graders, Teen Leadership, Law Studies, Introduction to Engineering, Spanish III, Vocal Music II, Beginning Band, Dance I, and Web Design. The new electives depend upon having enough students sign up to make a class. In addition to the staff development provided by Discovery Walks, Archbishop Hannan teachers this summer will enter their second year with Laying the Foundation, a staff development program designed to provide our Pre-AP (Honors) teachers with the tools to properly prepare our students for AP classes. We will also send one teacher for certification in AP Biology. The teachers will receive more advanced staff development on the integration of Apple apps and the I-Pad into their classroom instruction. As we plan for 2012-2013, we prepare for a larger student body, more new teachers, and eventually more new classrooms and a football field. It will be worth all the construction noise and obstruction once we walk into those new classrooms. As we leave for the summer, we are excited about all the “newness” we will begin seeing when we return. Have a wonderful summer!
The Hannan Way
Page 4
Summertime = Relaxation, Fun, and Planning for the Future
If your teen wants you to help pay for their summertime activities, consider having them take on extra chores. The chores could be for you or for someone else, but they should be above and beyond those required on an everyday basis. Ask your child if there’s anything they would like to accomplish before the start of next school year. Encourage them and help them, if possible, to meet those goals. Possibilities are endless, but your child might consider these: earn money to buy something specific, build something, complete an art project, put a photo album together, improve math skills, develop map reading skills, or learn to cook a few favorite dishes. Summer is also a great time for visiting college campuses. College might seem far off for some, but
Wherever your child decides to attend college, taking and doing well on the ACT or SAT is an essential step in getting there. Summer can be a good time for preparing for these college entrance tests. Take time to sit with your child and check the ACT and SAT websites for practice exercises, questions of the day, and tips for taking the exams. You’ll also find full-length practice tests and helpful information on what the student can expect on test day. Parents of juniors and seniors, encourage your child to do test preparations for forty-five minute periods twice every week during the summer. Encourage your son or daughter to think of these workout periods as exercises for their brain. They’ll reap the benefit of their efforts when they are well prepared for the ACT or SAT in the fall. Plan for great test scores following a great summer!
H a n n a n
Consider using the summer weeks to relax and spend time together as a family. Find and plan activities that will involve everyone in the house. Then, ask your son or daughter to plan to be with the family for those times. Take advantage of the long daylight hours of summer by spending time together outdoors after dinner.
Before making college visits, have your child make a list of “possibles” by thinking about programs of study, size of the college campus, number of students enrolled, and distance from home. Call the undergraduate admissions office of the college or university to schedule a tour. Plan to spend time on campus and in the surrounding town as well. Remember that college searches can begin on computer websites, but tours and visits allow students to determine a comfort level for the size and physical environment of the campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
h e
How is your teen planning to spend June and July? Will those lazy days of summer include part -time work, volunteer hours, tours of college campuses, video gaming, and extracurricular activities on Hannan’s campus? Hopefully there will be a balance of indoor and outdoor activities as well as engaging activities to benefit the body, mind, and spirit.
it isn’t too soon to begin the college search. Even if your child is unsure of a career path and needs to continue to explore his/her interests, college visits are helpful in choosing the right college.
T
Summer is right around the corner and high school students are already busy planning “the perfect summer.”
W a y
by Gina Greco, Guidance Counselor
To all of our Hannan families, have a safe and wonderful summer.
For more information check: sat.collegeboard.org/la www.actstudent.org www.LANEXT.com
Princetonreview.com
LoremPage Ipsum 5
The Hannan Way
Campus Ministry Light the Way
T
h e
H a n n a n
W a y
by Leila Benoit, Campus Minister As the 2011-2012 school year flies by, Campus Ministry is in full swing. From retreats to service projects to Lenten activities, our students have been busy! Spring semester marks a special time for our seniors as they come together to experience their last months as high school students. On March 5, the Class of 2012, gathered with seniors from St. Scholastica, St. Paul’s and Pope John Paul II for the Archdiocesan Senior Day at Our Lady of the Lake. Students had the opportunity to interact with former elementary school classmates, meet new friends and enjoy one final day of camaraderie as seniors before they graduate. Senior Laura Aucoin said, “It was a fun experience to meet other seniors from the surrounding high schools and spend the day with my class.” The day included keynotes addresses by Southeastern Louisiana University Campus Minister Sr. Renée Daigle, MSC, and Archbishop Gregory Aymond. The day ended with a time of Adoration and Mass celebrated by Archbishop Aymond. March 20nd-21st marked a special time for the Class of 2012 as they went on their Senior Retreat, which took place at the Solomon Conference Center in Loranger. Seniors were able to break away from the day-to-day grind of school to spend time reflecting upon their years at Hannan and to look forward to what the future might hold. It was an awesome experience to witness such a fine group of young men and women renew old friendships as well as make new ones. As part of Hannan’s Christian Service Program, on March 30th, the sophomore class ventured to Ponchatoula High School where they volunteered for the Tangipahoa Special Olympics track and field meet. Students assisted in various ways, including running events, presenting athletes with ribbons, and cheering on athletes as they competed. Sophomore Christina Lambou was incredibly inspired by the experience and stated, “Helping the kids out made me want to do more because the smallest thing we did for them, like cheering, made them all so happy!” A special thanks to the Hannan Talon Club for purchasing bright yellow “Helping Hawks” T-shirts for our volunteers to wear so they could stand out in the crowd. Each year during Lent Hannan students are given many opportunities to deepen their faith. A school-wide reconciliation service was held on March 28th, in which five visiting priests from the Northshore heard student’s confessions. During Holy Week, eight students represented Hannan at the annual Chrism Mass at St. Louis Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Aymond, where they witnessed the priests of the Archdiocese renew their priestly vows. Senior Robyn Riley, who came into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, said, “The Chrism Mass was one of the most beautiful things that I have witnessed. Watching the priests renew their vows was an amazing sight. I am so honored that I was able to be a part of such a wonderful service." Holy Week continued with the annual presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross. Members of the Campus Ministry team portrayed a truly moving account of our Lord’s Passion in a candlelit gymnasium on April 4. Each station was acted out while a prayerful meditation was read, preparing the hearts and minds of our students for the Easter Triduum. Campus Ministry will finish off the year strong with the Sophomore Retreat as well as service projects for the 8th and 9th grade classes. It has been a busy year, but I could not have done it without the help of the fantastic campus ministry team, as well as faculty and parent volunteers who helped out throughout the year. A huge thank you to all of you!
The Hannan Way
Page 6
Crimson and Navy Goes Green and Wins Green
H a n n a n h e
Although the recycling program started on a very small scale during the 2-11-12 school year, it was significantly expanded this year with a grant from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Every classroom now has multiple beautiful blue recycling bins. Every office also has a container so everyone at the school can easily pitch in to reduce waste. The cafeteria, gym, hallways and outside areas are also equipped with blue bins so that no matter where you are on campus, the reminder and opportunity to recycle is always present. Nearly all paper, plastic bottles, cans, and cardboard are now recycled,instead of taking up precious space in our landfills. The recycling program has been a huge success so far. Hannan students collected nearly 7,000 pounds of material in one month alone to be named the Louisiana State RecycleBowl champions- a title that earned them a $1,000 prize. We also participated in the Great American Can Roundup, a nationwide aluminum recycling competition which wrapped up on Earth Day.
T
In the Fall of 2011, AHHS students embarked on a journey of environmental stewardship that will last long after the Hawks leave their nest. What started as a grassroots effort by three students and one teacher has grown to a school wide program that grows bigger every day. The hope is to develop a school community committed to being leaders in environmental stewardship and to develop a shared commitment to protecting God's creation. Our efforts thus far have not gone unrewarded. From being crowned the Louisiana State Recycle-Bowl champions to receiving $7500 in grant funding to improved student involvement and motivation, the Hannan community is already reaping the benefits of this nascent program.
W a y
by Jenny Geesey, Science Teacher
Although the programs initiated this school year have been wonderfully successful, it is only the beginning. The newly formed Green Committee has been tasked with integrating environmental stewardship into the Hannan mission. Next year we hope to begin taking steps to earn nomination as a Green Ribbon School, a coveted distinction bestowed by the US Department of Education. The success of this program thus far has shown that it will surely add a much needed touch of green to the Hannan legacy for many years to come.
Hannan Green Activities • • • • •
Schoolwide Recycling eCycle ink and cell phone recycling Composting Litter-free Campus School garden (2012-13)
The Hannan Way
Page 7
Hannan High School Announces the Hiring of Three New Coaches for the 2012-2013 School Year - Lady Hawks Repeat as 1A State Softball Champions
T
h e
H a n n a n
W a y
by Joe Hines, Athletic Director Rebekka Bonnaffee has been named the head coach in volleyball replacing Jennifer Pujol, who recently left to pursue a career in law enforcement. Coach Bonnaffee served as an assistant volleyball coach at Saint Scholastica Academy this past season. In 2006 Coach Bonnaffee won the state championship at St. Louis High School in Lake Charles. While at St. Louis Coach Bonnaffee also won 8 consecutive district championships (7 undefeated). Coach Bonnaffee moved to Ursuline Academy where she worked as an assistant coach under Jay Jay Juan. In her 3 years at Ursuline coach Bonnaffee also held the position of Athletic Director. Coach Bonnaffee will teach physical education and religion when the 2012 school year begins. Michael Senna has been named the head coach of the boys’ basketball team replacing Donnie Midkiff. Coach Senna has spent the past five years at Brother Martin High School as a varsity assistant under Scott Thompson and the present head coach, Bill Gallagher. In those five seasons Coach Senna assisted in the Crusaders’ success with five playoff appearances, semi-finalist three years in a row, and state champions in 2010. Coach Senna’s junior varsity team went undefeated this past season. He played his college ball at Loyola under head coach Jerry Hernandez. Coach Senna will be a member of the science department at Hannan. Billy Smith has signed on to coach Hannan’s boys soccer team in its first season of varsity competition. Last year Hannan competed in boys’ soccer for the
first time at the junior varsity level. Coach Smith comes from St. Martin’s High School where he was the girls’ soccer coach since 2008. Before St. Martin’s, Coach Smith had coaching stops at Barbe’ High School and Sam Houston High School in Lake Charles. Coach Smith also owns and operates “Third Coastal Soccer” in Mandeville and is very familiar with soccer on the north shore. The Hannan softball team finished the regular season with a record of 19 – 7 while going undefeated in district play. Hannan is led offensively by Kimberly Nilsson with a batting average of .452, with 38 RBI’s and 7 homeruns. She is followed by Sydney Finch at .363, 20 RBI’s and three homeruns. Brooke Laigast is hitting .359 with 23 RBI’s and eleven doubles. The team batting average is .320. The Lady Hawks were seeded 3rd in the state rankings and were favored to repeat. On Saturday, April 28, they did just that! Dallas Hebert was named the tournament MVP. The 2012 Hawks Baseball Team is currently 15-13 overall and 7-0 in district play. With a recent win against Christian Life, they were proclaimed District Champions. Great pitching performances by Rhett Hickman (Jr.), Mike Hess (Jr.), and Shaun Prats (Fresh.) have kept the hawks successful through 27 games so far. The Hawks have swung the bats well throughout the season, averaging 10 hits and 8.5 runs a game. Currently, the baseball team sits at 18 in the power rankings. They won their first playoff game but fell in the second to end their season.
The Hannan Way
Page 8
Students Actively Participate at Archbishop Hannan High School
The 2nd annual spirit contest came to a close with the end of the third quarter. The seniors were able to pull ahead and take 1st place from the 8th graders who were in 2nd place followed by the juniors in 3rd place. The student council executive board recently held their elections for the 2012-13 school year, and the following students were elected: Rebecca Sigler as President, Matthew Sens-Vice President, Rebekah DaySecretary, Liam Wells-Treasurer, Shelby Rase-Public Affairs, Kim Nilsson-Coordinator of Events and Claire Morris-Historian. Each class also held student council elections and the following students were selected: Senior class of 2013 President-Madee Booksh and Vice President-Sydney Finch; Junior class PresidentRoosevelt Smith and Vice President Morgan Manfre; Sophomore class President-Madison Wolf and Vice President Madison Chiota; and Freshmen class President-Brooks Ballard and Vice President Theresa Goldkamp.
The Hannan Way
H a n n a n
On Friday afternoon, the students assembled to recognize the winter and spring sports athletes. Mason Caillouet and Shelby Rase led the rally as the MC’s. All that week the students had put money in bottles with the teacher’s name. Students gave money to the teacher they wanted to see “pied” and could buy opportunities to be the student thrower. Twelve faculty and administrators were willing to put their faces on the line for Camp Dream Street, a summer camp for children with life threatening disabilities, directed by Hannan High School alum Tiffany Starks Alfaro ‘ 98. The lucky faculty winners were Mr. Thomas Huck and Ms. Ashley Puntila, who both received a pie of their own from two lucky students.
h e
During Olympic Night, each class and the faculty competed in 10 different events: the top 3 places for each event were awarded with “AHHS 2012 Olympic” medals. Then at the end of the evening, the grade level presidents participated in the final medal ceremony, in which the sophomores received the bronze medal, the juniors received the silver medal, and the seniors came out on top with the gold medal.
T
Students have been very busy these last few months participating in a variety of fun activities. In February the Student Council sponsored “Spirit Week.” Throughout the week, classes competed against each other daily during lunch. The week culminated with Olympic Night on Thursday and a Pep Rally on Friday.
W a y
by Charles Baird, Student Activities Coordinator
Page 9
Hannan Names Mr. Thomas Huck, 2012 Teacher of the Year and Megan Reilly and Lauren Voelker, 2012 Students of the Year
T
h e
H a n n a n
W a y
by Camille Brennan, English Teacher Congratulations to the 2012 Teacher of the Year Mr. Thomas Huck. Mr. Huck, a native of Picayune, Mississippi, has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Social Studies. He taught in Picayune for three and a half years and then returned to school for a Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is now in his second year teaching 9th, 10th, and 12th grade Theology at Archbishop Hannan High School. Mr. Huck is very involved at Archbishop Hannan. He coaches the boys soccer team and the tennis team. He is also the chair of the Theology Department and the sophomore class co-moderator. “Mr. Huck is a great teacher. He makes class fun. I've never fallen asleep in his class. He is very funny, and I believe that his humor is what makes him a good teacher,” said freshman Daniel Hollander. Mr. Huck explains his personal teaching philosophy: “My job is primarily to equip students with the necessary skills so that they may learn how to personally grow in their relationship with God and community. I like to think that I am not just teaching material, but that I am teaching my students skills that they can use to deepen their personal faith life.” “I truly felt that there were other candidates that were far more deserving. I am very humbled and extremely grateful. I look at the other names on the plaque and feel honored to be considered in their company,” said Mr. Huck. Megan Reilly, an 8th grader from Mandeville, is known for her determination to succeed and her attention to detail. Megan is both a straight-A student in the classroom and a skilled athlete on the field. She has gotten all A’s since 4th grade, and plans to continue that achieve throughout her years at Archbishop Hannan High School. “Megan is a hard worker who puts effort into everything she does. Some students excel, but she goes above and beyond what you ask her to do,” said Ms. Bennett, Megan’s English teacher. Megan is a dedicated athlete; she plays on the JV Hannan soccer team, the JV Hannan basketball team, the U 14 premier team, and the Mandeville Soccer club. Because Megan lives in Mandeville, she is ineligible to play varsity soccer and varsity basketball at Hannan this year. However, she plans on playing both varsity soccer and basketball next year. “Megan is an excellent soccer player,” said Mr. Kennedy, Megan’s soccer coach at Hannan. “She is a great team player who loves to play the game and has a great work ethic.” Despite being so busy, Megan always manages to get her school work done. Her dedication on the field and in the classroom is what earns her the respect of her coaches, her teachers, and her peers. “I love this school and have made many friends here,” said Megan. “I am honored that my teachers nominated me for student of the year.”
The Hannan Way
Page 10
Lauren has a 4.0 GPA and has lettered in Varsity volleyball, soccer, and track. Lauren was also a member of the academic all state composite team, and received all district honorable mention for soccer in 2012. “Lauren Voelker epitomizes the classical student who is intelligent, ambitious, pro-active, responsible, and accomplished, always going the extra mile. However, she also has a strong creative bent that makes her both a formal and informal leader. She is able to think outside the norm and challenge the status quo, which makes her successful in generational interactions. Whatever Lauren decides she wants to do in life, she is certain to attain those goals and become the top in her field of endeavor,” said Dr. Donalyn Hassenboehler, Assistant Principal of Archbishop Hannan. In addition to her success on the field and in the classroom, she also loves to read and play the piano. Lauren plans to attend Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, and major in biological sciences.
Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond and Archbishop Hannan High School Cordially invite you to attend the
T
h e
“My dream job is to search the rainforest to research cures for currently untreatable diseases and disabilities,” explained Lauren.
H a n n a n
“I have seen her handle challenges both large and small, constantly growing as a leader. Lauren has fulfilled her duties as president of student council at AHHS as best as any student could while also excelling in her studies and athletics,” said Mr. Charles Baird, moderator of Archbishop Hannan’s Student Council.
W a y
Lauren Voelker, a senior from Mandeville, is an Archbishop Hannan all-star. Her resume—both impressive and lengthy—includes Student Council President, National Honor Society, and Archbishop Hannan Student Ambassadors.
Groundbreaking ceremony of our library, classroom building, football field monday, may 14, 2012 10:00 A.m.
grand Oak tree
The Hannan Way
Page 11
Seniors Meet Mickey as They Prepare for Graduation Day
T
h e
H a n n a n
W a y
by Cameron Francis Dupuy, Senior After having overpacked a duffel bag full of clothes and cramming my backpack with an unnecessary amount of DVD's, books, a laptop and other multimedia, entertainment devices, it become extremely apparent to me that I was about to embark on an adventure. The adventure would span the course of five days and four nights and would test both my mental and physical health. I was going on my senior trip to Disney World! After really separating myself from the notion that this was MY senior trip, and that this was going to be one of the last times I'd get to spend a good amount of time with such a wonderful group of people, the trip to Disney seemed like it would be a truly wondrous one. Believe it or not, it was. Once the senior class had bid their farewells to smiling, teary-eyed, parents, the epic 12-hour bus ride began. Equal parts loud and crass, the bus ride was something of both fun and treachery. It was fun, because the time was spent messing around with friends in a confined area for 12 hours and treacherous because, well, we were stuck in a confined area for 12 hours. But we didn't let that stop us! Twelve hours later and upwards of 47 uncomfortable sleeping positions, we had arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios. No time was spent lolly gagging at the hotel or unpacking, instead we were dropped off directly at the park itself. The excitement was palpable, and the screams (happy ones, that is), were filled with joy. A sign greeted us proudly decrying, "Let the Memories Begin." That was more than enough for us. We spent no time getting into the park and making our way to the first ride, "The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror." The ride is a 199 foot drop from the inside of a decrepit hotel. The entire senior class including our chaperones, managed to squeeze into the cramped elevator, a themed ride, where we were greeted by the always lovable Rod Sirling. Minutes later we were seemingly dropped from the top of a cliff and were sent plunging to the ground, only to be yanked back up at the last second. Many students, including myself, went on to ride this attraction another four times. We made sure to experiment with gravity by releasing our bags on the huge drop and watching them gently float in front of us. IMPORTANT: This is the only physics related plug in this article, Mr. Midkiff. The senior class stayed at the Hollywood Studios for several more hours, where we went on the Rockin' Rollercoaster, saw a car themed stunt show, and, of course, watched several men that were too old to be playing with plastic lightsabers, playing with plastic lightsabers. After the great time at the park, we headed back to the hotel where we dressed in appropriate swag before dinner at Planet Hollywood. While Planet Hollywood was surprisingly good, the Hannan guys left an interminable mark on the restaurant staff by accidentally spilling several drinks. My deepest apologies go out to Planet Hollywood. After dinner, groups split up, and everyone made there way around a terrific, outdoor shopping mall that was filled to the brim with clothing boutiques, arcades, clubs and even a LEGO store! But it was very obvious that there were two very, very important things about this mall. First, both girls and guys alike found a common ground in Basin, a soap specialty store where free samples of bath salts were given out to willing customers. I too was skeptical at first; but after having washed my hands with these mysterious salts, I can safely say that my life has been forever changed. Almost every senior on the trip tried out these bath salts and were sufficiently bonded to one another over the smoothness of their hands. Secondly, and possibly most importantly, was the snap-back. To all those who read this article and do not know what a snap-back is, I am sorry; regardless, it is a flat billed hat with an adjustable backside. In other words, it is a hat that makes you look cool, if a bit self-indulgent. I am proud to say that, in a moment of what could only be described as unbounded brotherly affection, nearly every guy in the senior class purchased a snap-back and/or a form fitted, flat billed, hat. I believe I speak for all of the senior men who purchased these wonderful hats when I say that our lives have been forever altered, and we will continue to wear them with pride and honor, always remembering the classmates we  proudly stood beside when we wore them. From the girls perspectives, we all looked  like idiots... Regardless, we men were content.
The Hannan Way
Page 12
After our day at Epcot, it was time to go home. Although the bus ride to Disney had been a loud and generally uncomfortable one, the bus ride home was one of quiet and sleepiness, self-reflectiveness, and happiness. All of us had been given a chance to spend time with one another. It was real, genuine, one-on-one time. I think I speak for every single senior student at Hannan when I say that this trip helped  remind us that while the year is coming to an end, we will always have these memories and these friends to last us a lifetime. We have grown closer while we have grown up. Senior trip has reminded me why it is I love all these people so much. They are like a family. I couldn't have asked for a better trip spent with a better group of people. My name is Cameron Dupuy, and I think I speak for for every student in the Class of 2012 when I say that we had a perfect time on our final senior trip.
The Hannan Way
W a y H a n n a n
On our last day we made sure to go out with a bang. After a nice morning Mass, we headed to Disney's Animal Kingdom. While this park was definitely the weakest of our park hopping adventures, it was still very enjoyable. The entire class managed to fit on one of the best rides there, Expedition Everest, wherein we were taken on a fast moving train car through a snowy mountaintop. Besides that, there was some extremely cool dinosaur themed attractions, along with some excellent animal attractions, including chimps! And who doesn't love a good old fashioned chimp? Soon after our time with the animals, we headed to the world renowned Epcot, famously known for showcasing many major countries' cultures, foods, and overall atmosphere, all within one large park. We were all lucky enough to get a chance to go to Mexico, France, Norway, China, Japan, Italy, and many more. I was particularly struck with the beauty and subtlety of Italy. I know it is not real, but I'll be darned if the restaurant where all of the seniors ate didn't have some of the most delicious and authentic Italian food we have ever eaten.
h e
Instead, many students decided to be "daring" and go on not one, but two, water rides, resulting in soaked through clothes in overcast and slightly damp weather. Still, we all got a chance to see the sprawling and impressively massive Harry Potter themed part of the park which was a sight to behold. Many of us found ourselves completely ignoring rides and instead posting up with a glass of Butterbeer, which may well be the most delicious frozen beverage ever made. It was a great night that none of us will ever forget.
T
After a well-earned night of sleep, the senior class went to yet another park, possibly the most worldrenowned, Disney's Magic Kingdom. Here we got a chance to go on the famous Splash Mountain, ride the adrenaline-fueled Space Mountain, eat comically oversized turkey legs, and have time to bond with one another in this magical place. It is important to note, however, that what truly made this day so spectacular was the Grad Bash event hosted by Universal Studios later that night. All of the girls looked beautiful, and the guys looked dapper; it was apparent that we were ready for a memorable night. Over 13,000 graduating seniors from all over the country populated the gigantic Universal theme park. Dozens of roller coasters, simulations, restaurants, shops, and numerous other ways of having fun populated the densely packed streets. To top it all off, Pit Bull and DJ Khaled made a live appearance. But I can safely say I missed the show, and I won't be losing any sleep over it.
Page 13 14
W a y
Michael Arnold ’96 is married and living on the Northshore with his wife, Eileen, and their two daughters. After spending numerous years dancing around the globe, Mike and Eileen are now busy running their dance school, “Elite Dance,” which relocated to Covington after Hurricane Katrina.
T
h e
John Muller ’93 is married and living in Metairie with wife, Jen, and sons Cullen and Cody. He is active in St. Benilde’s Men’s Club and a huge fan of the Saints, LSU, and Tulane.
H a n n a n
Alumni Happenings
Jennifer Duarte ’97 received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Our Lady of Holy Cross College and has been working at a veterinary hospital as a technician for over fourteen years. She is engaged to Justin Schleis from Baton Rouge and currently resides in St. Bernard.
Alumni Support Hannan Throughout the Year by Nancy Baird, Alumni Director Archbishop Hannan High Alumni supported the 20th Annual Crimson and Navy Auction in a variety of ways. The Alumni Association donated a premium liquor basket that garnered a sizable bid, several of our alumni parents served on the auction committee, and many alumni attended the gala and joined in on the festivities. A great time was had by all. The 2012 auction was very successful. The association will be assisting with 2012 Hawkapalooza, a fun event for the students to celebrate the end of another successful school year. If you would like to volunteer to help on May 11, please contact Nancy at alumni@hannanhigh.org. At this year’s commencement, on Friday, May 18, all 2012 Archbishop Hannan High School graduates will be formally inducted into the Archbishop Hannan High School Alumni Association. They will each receive the official Alumni pin and certificate as we welcome the new graduates into our organization. Throughout the summer, the alumni association will be assisting with the following class reunions: 20 Years - 1992 - The Westin Plimsoll Club - Saturday, September 15 15 Years - 1997 - Southport Hall - Saturday, July 28 10 Years - 2002 - Pat O’s Promenade Hall - Saturday, August 4 5 Years - 2007 - Southport Hall - Saturday, June 30 If you would like to purchase tickets or get more information about any of these reunions, please contact alumni@hannanhigh.org. Please try to join us at our regularly scheduled alumni meetings held four times a year on the fourth Monday in August, November, January, and March. Two are held on the Northshore and two are held on the Southshore each year. All alumni activities are planned at these meetings. Join in the fun and come home to Hannan!
The Hannan Way
Page 14
W a y H a n n a n h e T Archbishop Hannan High School 71324 Hwy 1077 Covington, LA 70433
Find us on: www.hannanhigh.org www.facebook/ArchbishopHannan
985.249.6363 communications@hannanhigh.org
@HannanHigh
The Hannan Way
Page 15