News from Holliston High

Holliston High School students are diving into new classes with the new term starting in mid-January. The bitter cold has not slowed students’ busy schedules. This month’s interview is with Chloe Sampas, president of the Leo Club, a leading community service organization that creates important connections for students to the community.

Tell me about yourself.

My name is Chloe Sampas, and I am currently a senior at Holliston High School. Most of my time outside of school is spent at either dance, working at T.J. Maxx, or participating in clubs such as National Honor Society and the Holliston High School Leo Club. I have always had a passion for giving back to the community, which initially led me to the Leo Club.

What does the club do?

The Leo Club is a youth organization of Lions Club International. Our club works closely with our local Lions Club members, who focus on giving back to the community through volunteering and fundraising. When the lions have a community service event, they often call on the Leos to help volunteer and organize. LEO stands for leadership, experience, and opportunity. The goal of the Leo Club is to help students learn skills such as community service, using their voices, and being a leader.

How is the club important?

Being a Leo is one of the most rewarding experiences a high school student could have. As a club,  we help other organizations such as Project Just Because, which helps distribute food to those in need. We also often help the Lions with regular events throughout the year that give back to communities such as the Holliston Senior Center and Mission Springs. Events include senior and veteran luncheons, Easter bunny events, holiday events, and cleaning up the rail trail. Some of the biggest Lions Club annual events include Breakfast with Santa, which allows children to eat breakfast and take photos with Santa, and the summer carnival. One of my favorite events that is not run by the Lions is the Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life event, which happens every year. This year, almost $270,000 were raised, and it is so inspirational to hear from those who live with cystic fibrosis or the family members of those with cystic fibrosis. One of the most important aspects of the club is the intergenerational relationships that are formed. Leo members receive life advice from those in the older community while also inspiring those of the younger generation.

Is there anything exciting going on in the club right now?

At the moment, we are working towards organizing more events for the rest of the school year. Our next Leo Club event will be February 5th at Mission Springs. The Leos will be hosting a Valentine’s Day themed breakfast for residents. The Leo Club is around all year long, and we are constantly looking for ways to give back to the community.

How’d you get involved with Leo Club?

I joined the Leo Club freshman year, and little did I know how much it would impact my life. Originally, I heard about the Leo Club through my sister and some of her friends, who were seniors when I was a freshman. I quickly realized I had a passion for giving back to the community. Over the years, I went from a member, to a board member, to the vice president, and finally the president. My weeks consist of scheduling meetings and board meetings, taking calls from Lions, reaching out to those in the community who are seeking help, and delegating responsibilities to the officers.

What can the community do to be more involved with the club?

Since us Leos are continuously looking for new volunteering opportunities, the community could become more involved by reaching out to us. My email is chloesampas@gmail.com. Students are always welcome to join the club at any point during the school year. Our meetings often run after school once a month, usually on Wednesdays. As a club, we are always open to working with different members of the Holliston or other local communities.

What is in the club’s future?

Every year the club is evolving. This year we have over eighty members, and the club will continue to play an important role in our community in the future. As the president, I hear so much positive feedback from not only members, but also the people in the community who we serve. Especially since Covid, people appreciate simple human connection more than ever. As the world around us evolves, so does the club. For instance, we are currently working towards finding ways to help older generations with technology in the future.

News Around HHS (January)

Term two wrapped up on January 18th, with students receiving their final grades for term classes. This also entails either the continuation of classes, such as Advanced Placement Classes, or being enrolled in completely new term or semester classes. 

Administration

The Administration has begun conducting mental health screenings that will continue until February Vacation. The data collected will be used to guide school resources in addressing mental health challenges present in the student body. Data consistently show a rising trend in mental health issues for Holliston youth. In collaboration with the MetroWest Health Foundation, the Holliston schools are hosting a two-part series on understanding the data on mental health. The first was on February 8th at 7pm; stay tuned for part two.

In addition, the school is currently embarking on the self-review process for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in order to identify areas the school needs to improve. In particular, how they can better distribute resources in order to improve the provided education.

As I was writing this, students were alerted to a hate speech incident where a homophobic slur was discovered on a bulletin board. At this point, the incident feels like it follows a formula. Something happens, the school announces it, and moves on. Sure, the occasional speaker comes in, but students I know either mock the speaker once they’ve left or feel like it’s a band aid on a broken leg.

Sports Updates

Winter sports are coming to their finales. I’m sad to see them go, but it’ll be nice to have warm weather games again.

Sports team Standings as of 2/12/2023:

  • Girls Varsity Basketball
    • Going 8 wins to 11 losses
    • Next game:  2/14/2023 at Holliston High School
  • Boys Varsity Basketball
    • Going 3 wins to 15 losses
    • Next game: 2/14/2023 at Ashland High School
  • Boys Varsity Ice Hockey
    • Going 1 win to 11 losses to 1 tie
    • Next game: 2/15/2023 at the Loring Ice Arena
  • Girls Varsity Swimming
    • Went 1 win to 8 losses
    • Season’s Finished; on to sectionals
  • Boys Varsity Swimming
    • Went 5 wins to 2 losses
    • Season’s Finished; on to sectionals
  • Boys Varsity Indoor Track
    • Went 4 wins to 1 loss
    • Season’s Finished
  • Girls Varsity Indoor Track
    • Went 3 wins to 2 losses
    • Season’s Finished
  • Boys Varsity Wrestling
    • Going 1 win to 7 losses
    • Season’s Finished; on to the postseason

February break is around the corner—but who’s counting the days? Stay warm and I’ll be back next month!

Simon Brown

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