Hawk’s Nest

By Nannette M. Mills
    Students and staff at Hodgdon High School have had a productive and busy December this year. The chorus and band held a breath taking concert thanks to the creative and gifted leadership of Mrs. Ellis and Mr. Walker. It was amazing once again to see the talented students share their gifts of music with the community.  
    Student Council members were nimble as elves planning the annual Holiday Fun Day held on the last day before Christmas Vacation. Council members organized such activities as a trip to the Temple Cinema, Bowling at Hilltop Lanes, cross-country skiing, the annual cribbage tournament, music jam sessions for the musically inclined (or not), karaoke, volleyball, and encouraged all advisories to participate in the  annual classroom decorating contest. Mr. Murray and Mr. Chiasson took the coveted first and second place awards this year, with Mr. Murray’s 10th grade advisory receiving the 1st place ice cream social.  A huge thank-you to all students and staff who participated in this fun event.
    National Honor Society baked pies for area residents and distributed them to the Progressive Care Unit at Houlton Regional Hospital, Madigan Estates, Crest View Manor, and Gardiner Nursing Home. NHS members also braved the cold and snow to ring the bell for The Salvation Army. We appreciate the thoughtfulness of the 10th grade class who chose to bless families in our community by giving gifts to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. There were many families blessed this Christmas because our youth were willing to give of their time and resources to help others.
    Betty Acott and Graydon Drake served an amazing Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 17. Our students and staff truly enjoy this annual tradition of “turkey and all the fixings.”
    The 2009-2010 basketball season at HHS has brought some new faces to our coaching staff. We are excited to welcome Vaughn Farrar as the varsity girls coach and Collette Sloat-Heath as the junior varsity girls coach. Rob Smith has transitioned from junior varsity girls to jayvee boys.  Let’s support our teams this winter by attending the upcoming games.  You can find the game schedule and many other upcoming events and activities on our new web page designed by Mr. Varney, the newest member of our technology team.  Take a moment to visit www.msad70.org
and have a Happy New Year from all of us at Hodgdon High School.