GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Hammond Central’s fall season brims with energy and heart

What’s recently happened?

Homecoming Week brought a wave of excitement to Hammond Central High School (HCHS) as students and staff came together to celebrate school pride. The week of September 22-26 featured themed Spirit Days that encouraged students to show creativity and enthusiasm leading up to the big game. From Pajama Day to Throwback Thursday, the week reflected the Wolves’ spirited culture.

The Homecoming game took place on September 26, as HCHS faced Victor J. Andrew High School from Tinley Park, Illinois. Although HCHS fell short, the energy and support from the crowd remained strong throughout the night. Students, alumni, and community members filled the stands, showing unchanging Wolf pride and cheering on the team until the very end.

The celebration continued the next evening with the Homecoming Dance on September 27. This year’s theme, Fall Festivities, invited students to dress in fall colors and western-inspired outfits. The dance was filled with music, laughter, and excitement as students celebrated together, marking a fun and spirited end to Homecoming Week.

“My friends and I had such an amazing time,” said Junior Kaesha Moran. “The dance was so much fun, and the DJ was great.”

On October 2, the school hosted its Boys Soccer Senior Night, honoring senior players for their dedication on and off the field. That evening, HCHS faced Morton High School (MHS) and came out with a 4-0 victory. It was a great way to cap off the celebration for the seniors.

What’s coming up?

As fall continues, HCHS is preparing for one of its most anticipated events of the season: HAPA Harvest. Hosted by the Hammond Arts and Performance Academy (HAPA), this annual celebration of creativity will take place on October 30 from 6-8 p.m. at HCHS.

The event will showcase performances from elementary, middle, and high school students in Hammond. These performances include choir, band, rock band, guitar, piano, theatre, and dance. Guests will also have the chance to view art displays from several HAPA classes and visit tables representing school clubs and sports teams.

HAPA Harvest offers students a platform to share their talents and connect with the community through the arts.

“I’m really looking forward to performing at HAPA Harvest this year,” said Senior Ava Kelley, member of the HCHS HAPA Choir. “The event isn’t only a chance to embrace creativity and show off your costumes, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your skills and your art.”

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. It celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of people with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. September 15 marks the independence of several Latin American countries, including Mexico and Chile. This month recognizes the lasting impact Hispanic and Latino communities have had on the United States through art, music, food, and leadership.

To celebrate, HCHS is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week from October 6-10. Each day has a fun theme that honors culture and showcases school pride:

• Monday – Papel Picado Day: Wear bright, colorful outfits.
• Tuesday – Olé Day: Sport your favorite fútbol or team jersey.
• Wednesday – Baile Sorpresa Day: Wear blue jeans and a white shirt.
• Thursday – Como la Flor Day: Show off a floral look.
• Friday – Flag Day: Wear the colors of a Latin American country’s flag.

“Having a lot of Hispanic friends, it’s really nice to experience something they’re so passionate about and to see how my culture is different from theirs,” said Junior Sal Anderson.

This week encourages students to celebrate diversity, creativity, and pride in the traditions that continue to shape the HCHS community.

Staff spotlight:

Sra. Verónica García, HCHS dual credit principles of business management and marketing teacher and Spanish teacher, has spent 23 years helping students grow as leaders. She has always enjoyed being a sponsor because it allows her to connect with students beyond the classroom.

“Being a class sponsor gives me a chance to get to know my students outside the classroom and help them become independent leaders,” García said. “I was a member of many clubs in high school, including National Honor Society (NHS), and it made my experience more fun and engaging. That’s what I hope to help my students achieve as well.”

García has been at HCHS for four years, and she’s in her third year as a class sponsor. This school year marks her first as an NHS co-advisor and Student Government co-sponsor. Her responsibilities include organizing paperwork, fundraising, and helping students plan events such as Homecoming and Trunk-or-Treat.

“I want students to take charge,” García said. “I’m happy to guide them through planning and preparation, but my goal is for them to grow into independent leaders. Our class and NHS officers handle meetings, set agendas, communicate with peers, promote events, and organize activities for both community service and school projects. It’s their organization, and I want them to take the lead. Through that experience, they develop skills in communication, time management, and organization.”

For García, a strong leader is organized, open to others’ ideas, and inspires those around them to get involved. Her favorite part of the job has been returning to NHS.

“The most rewarding part so far has been co-sponsoring our NHS chapter,” she said. “It’s always been dear to my heart, and I’m looking forward to helping our members be recognized for their merits and hard work.”

While fundraising has been one of her biggest challenges, García remains optimistic about the year ahead. She is looking forward to the NHS Induction Ceremony on October 28 and the joint HAPA Harvest and Trunk or Treat event on October 30.

García often reminds her students of Mahatma Gandhi’s well-known words of being the change you want to see in the world. She encourages them to take initiative and make a difference in their school and community by turning ideas into action.

Outside of school, García serves as an alumni advisor for the Sigma Lambda Gamma associate chapter at Purdue University Northwest. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.

“Hammond Central has some remarkable kids,” García said. “They’re funny, smart, and hardworking. I want my students to know they’re capable of great things, but nothing worth getting comes easy.”

Student spotlight:

Carrie Hornsby, a junior at HCHS, is driven by her school pride and passion for motivating her peers as the junior class president.

“My school pride and spirit motivated me to run for class president,” Hornsby said. “Since grade school, I’ve always been fond of politics, organizing events, and working behind the scenes. This leadership role has always been something that interested me and quickly became a passion of mine.”

As class president, Hornsby hopes to make a lasting difference through teamwork and service. Her top goals for the year include cultivating an inclusive and welcoming school environment, raising funds for future class events, and making a positive impact on both HCHS and the Hammond community.

“One of my mottos this year is to leave things brighter,” she said.

Among the events Hornsby is most excited for is Prom in 2026, which she hopes to help make unforgettable for both juniors and seniors.

“Prom season has always been my favorite school event, and I hope that my council can make it a night to remember,” she said.

When it comes to leadership, Hornsby believes the best way to represent her classmates is through genuine connection.

“Having daily conversations with my peers and new students is something I take pride in,” she said. “Face-to-face interactions and being an active member in my community have always been my most effective ways to gather input from my peers.”

To Hornsby, the most rewarding part of being class president is seeing her leadership make a difference.

“The best part of being class president is knowing that when I graduate, my council and I will have made an effective change not only in our school but also in our community,” she said. “Seeing my impact and the power I have to inspire others is the most rewarding part of my role.”

While the experience has been fulfilling, it hasn’t come without challenges.

“I think the most challenging part has been tackling schoolwide events that involve more than just my graduating class,” Hornsby said. “Dealing with such a large group at once can be overwhelming at times.”

Despite those challenges, she encourages other students to step up and take on leadership roles when the opportunity arises.
“A word of advice to future leadership candidates: follow that drive and never give up,” Hornsby said. “Leaders are born, so take charge and use your gift for the greater good.”