GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Hammond Central students and staff return howling after winter break

What’s recently happened?

Hammond Central High School (HCHS) reopened its doors to students on Tuesday, January 6, following Winter Break. While the time off allowed students and staff to rest, recharge, and spend time with family, returning to the daily rhythm of school life proved to be challenging.

“I had to get back into the swing of things,” Junior Dylan Koonce said. “Getting up on time and getting to school was the hardest part. Being back also made me realize that life is starting to get real. I’ll be a senior next year, so everything feels more serious now.”

Teachers also noticed the shift, especially during the first few days back at school.

“First days are important to go over expectations for both the students and teachers,” said Maria Robles, Spanish teacher. “Getting back in routine is vital for making the transition from break to school.”

In addition to academics, HCHS students returned to a busy schedule of extracurriculars.

On January 6, HCHS faced East Chicago Central High School in their Senior Night wrestling meet, earning a dominant 68-3 victory.

The win boosted team morale and energized the Wolves, marking one of the team’s strongest performances of the season.

“It was such an amazing atmosphere for Senior Night. Everyone battled hard, and we had so much support and cheers from everyone,” said Senior D’Angelo Pina.

Earlier in December, the Hammond Arts and Performance Academy (HAPA) hosted its annual HAPA Holidays on December 12 at Morton High School from 5-8 p.m. The event brought together students, families, and community members for a night centered around music and art.

HAPA Holidays is one of the most anticipated events of the year for performing arts majors. The evening featured performances from a variety of HAPA groups including band, orchestra, rock band, piano, choir, guitar, and dance.

In addition to the performances, the concert included an arts and crafts sale, an art show, and several local vendors selling handmade items. Guests could browse items such as bracelets, T-shirts, bags, and other unique arts and crafts while supporting local artists and students.

“This being my last HAPA Holidays, I’m super proud of how all the performances went,” said senior and guitarist Ashley Ramos. “Especially the song ‘December’ that our band, Last Eclipse, performed. It is a holiday version of the song ‘September’ by Earth, Wind, and Fire. I loved seeing how much the audience enjoyed the rock band program. It was extremely influential, and I will miss it dearly when I graduate.”

What’s coming up?

January 31 and February 7 mark the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) district events: vocal and piano on January 31, and band and orchestra on February 7. Both events will take place at Munster High School in the Northwest Indiana area.

Students from schools across the Region will perform in front of judges, with gold-rated Group I performers advancing to state competitions in Indianapolis on February 21 for vocal and February 28 for band and orchestra.

“ISSMA seems like a lot of pressure to most people, but it’s not as stressful as it seems,” said Estella Weston, sophomore choir member. “You can see a lot of other people practicing and meeting new people along with just enjoying your time there.”

The Wolves Boys Volleyball Team will host a call-out meeting on Tuesday, January 12, with Ms. Juliet Dukes in her room, B110. The meeting is open to all students who are interested in playing this season, including those who have never played before.

“If any boys are interested in playing volleyball for the 2026 season, we would love for them to attend the callout meeting,” said Dukes. “It is a great opportunity to learn more about the volleyball team. Students who cannot attend are welcome to see myself or Mr. Julio Vega for more information.”

Staff spotlight:

Boujai McNeal, long-term substitute teacher at HCHS, brings compassion and thought into every classroom she enters. Now in her second year at the school, McNeal has taught a wide range of courses, including Spanish, Biology, and several English classes, making her a familiar face throughout the building.

“Once I finally got a chance to be in the room by myself, I realized it was my thing,” McNeal said. “I like the feeling I get in the classroom with kids, even when they’re quiet and don’t have much to say. It’s just the fact that I’m here if they need me.”

Before teaching, McNeal spent 14 years working in healthcare. That experience shaped the empathy she now brings to her students each morning, especially when they are still waking up and finding their footing for the day.

“I like the students; that’s my favorite part,” she said. “The students are young adults, getting off the bus, and trying to get to their lockers. I remember having those moments.”

Every student learns differently, which is why McNeal adjusts her teaching to meet each learner where they are.

“I can’t expect someone to understand me teaching them the same way you retain information,” she said. “That’s why I’m grateful for a smaller classroom this semester so I can be more flexible.”

After caring for her mother, who had dementia, McNeal now enjoys a slower pace outside of school, spending time reading and watching cleaning videos.

Returning from Winter Break was harder than expected; though she enjoyed the time off, she missed being in the classroom.

“I was bored,” McNeal said. “One week was enough for me. After two weeks, I was ready to come back.”

She credits the supportive staff at HCHS for helping her stay grounded, even during frequent schedule changes and transitions.

“Everybody’s still working together as a unit,” she said. “Everybody’s respectful and very helpful. I don’t have any complaints about the staff.”

Despite some scheduling challenges, McNeal has remained focused on growth and improvement. She hopes to eventually teach just one subject, though she understands that flexibility is part of life at HCHS.

Student spotlight:

Senior Joel Barrera is one of HCHS’s extremely involved students, taking part in wrestling, baseball, and school spirit activities. He was crowned Homecoming King earlier this year and said staying active in school life matters to him.

“I just love being involved, doing spirit weeks, participating in school events, and taking part in sports,” Barrera said. 

Through years of dedication to wrestling, Barrera has grown into the leader he is now.

“To me, it’s deeper than just a sport,” he said. “It helps build character, and my teammates are just like my brothers.”

During the Senior Night meet against East Chicago Central, Barrera stayed focused and humble. Despite playing in front of a larger crowd than usual, he wasn’t distracted.

“I didn’t want to get cocky,” Barrera said. “I just wanted to keep a humble head on my shoulders and treat it like any other match.”

The encouragement Barrera receives from teachers around the building has become one of his biggest sources of motivation.

“When all my teachers come up to me before a match and say, ‘You ready for tonight?’ It gives me a lot of joy,” he said. “It puts a little bit of pressure on me, and I like that pressure.”

Wrestling plays a huge role in his life. Baseball, however, gives Barrera a completely different experience.

“Baseball is extremely competitive,” Barrera said. “It’s more of a team sport than an individual one, so I have to think differently and play my role.”

Barrera draws motivation from the people around him who expect his best.

“My parents and my coaches expect us to be some of the best students that we can,” he said. “I don’t want to be an average student; I want to be better.”

Although he adores HCHS, he believes there is room for improvement. He feels this is especially true when it comes to athletics and believes the supporters play a huge role in the team’s success.

Outside of school and off the mat, Barrera enjoys working out, spending time with friends, gaming, and going to work. He also encourages students to attend school events.

“Come support the wrestlers,” Barrera said. “We usually wrestle every Saturday.”

If there’s one message that Barrera would give to others, it’s about having unwavering confidence in yourself.

“Don’t doubt yourself,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s you versus you.”