On Tuesday, September 2, HANC High School hosted its annual Freshman Orientation. Students were greeted on the lawn by administrators, directors, upperclassmen, music, and great vibes.
In addition to important information sessions – including a student panel with Annie Goldschmiedt ’26 and David Alper ’28 – the freshmen participated in team-building activities that included balloon races and rolling down a series of disconnected pipes. It was truly great to see so many students from different middle schools bonding together as the new Class of 2029!
Students also received schedules and Chromebooks, set up lockers and emails, and met with administrators – all to ensure a seamless transition to a successful high school career. To conclude the eventful afternoon, the students enjoyed an early pizza dinner.
Not to be left out of the excitement, the rest of the student body joined their teachers at a Welcome Back Barbecue. Rabbi Rudansky hosted the tenth–twelfth-grade boys, and Mrs. Hus hosted the tenth–twelfth-grade girls. The students enjoyed great food, divrei Torah, and spending time with their friends. They played games and shared stories from their summer vacations.
On the first day of classes, the annual Opening Ceremony kicked off the new school year for the entire school in the Hurricane Center. Prior to the ceremony, the Class of 2026 received their senior shirts and then made their grand entrance into the auditorium with ruach and excitement. Jonah Galanti ’27 led with T’hilim. Rabbi Slomnicki, the menahel/principal, warmly welcomed the Freshman Class of 2029 and the entire school and shared divrei Torah. Rabbi Slomnicki introduced new faculty and welcomed back the administrative team, department chairs, and all faculty. A special warm welcome was extended to HANC High School’s new assistant principal, Ms. Ariella Simpson.
The excitement was palpable among all in attendance as, for the first time in HANC’s history, the High School occupies the entire Mitchel Field Campus. Students were thrilled to learn about the newest spaces available to them and the new opportunities for this year.
Before heading outdoors for music, s’mores, and great vibes among the students and faculty, surprise raffles were awarded to lucky students, and everyone celebrated the winners and the start of the new academic year.
By Eyal Traeger, Class of 2026