Although Beartober has come to a close, with the holiday season brought upon Hawthorne High School, the school is wrapped in the holiday spirit. The annual Holiday Dance at Macaluso’s, senior activity day, spirit week, and the La Befana bake sale are all events held for students’ involvement during the holidays. While the fall sports have ended, a new pool of sports has commenced for the winter season: basketball, ice hockey, indoor track, wrestling, and bowling. All are sports that Hawthorne High School students can attend to show support and school spirit.

On December 15, the senior class held the annual Holiday Dance at Macaluso’s. As always, the night was magical; all of the students dressed up and enjoyed the buffet of food and desserts. Students filled the dance floor and took photos at the digital photo booth. Sadly, the night eventually came to an end with Mariah Carey’s song, “All I Want for Christmas is You” playing. 

The senior class was privileged with senior activity the day after this Thursday night. This day entailed a senior breakfast at 9:30, a volleyball tournament, and finished with pizza, and a movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  Seniors were allowed to trail into school late and enjoy bagels and coffee in the morning before the volleyball tournament. Nine teams participated with themes: camouflage, lifeguards, Santa and elves, Super Mario Brothers, bulls (red and black), Thank you Mr. Warner, WWE raging wrestlers, Men in Black, and All Pink. The Mr. Warner’s team won after competing in the finals against the Bulls. Mrs. Redmerski and Mrs. Kotlarchuk, the senior class advisors, did a wonderful job organizing the seniors’ dance and activity day.  

Heading into the last week of school before break, the student council hosted a spirit week with holiday themes. Coming off from the weekend, Monday was “Merry Monday” for students to dress up in their cozy holiday pajamas. Tuesday was “Tree Topper Tuesday,” and students wore a winter hat or holiday headgear. Wednesday was “Winter Wonderland Wednesday,” and the entire school wore white. On Thursday, the theme was “Holiday Havoc,” and students dressed overly festive. Friday, a half day, students wore their ugly sweaters. 

On Thursday, December 22, the Italian Club hosted the La Befana Bake Sale. Students supported the Italian Club by purchasing various baked goods: brownies, cookies, cake pops, crumb cake, cannolis, tiramisu, cupcakes, pizzelle, banana bread, and pudding. Abigail Lewis, a senior, dressed as the La Befana Christmas witch.

Winter sports have also begun! Come out to see the boys/girls’ basketball teams play, along with the ice hockey team, the bowling team, the wrestling team, and the track team at their indoor meets. Students can watch myriad sports during this Bear’s winter season.

The Clarion hopes that everyone had a nice holiday break! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year Bears!