Seahawk Scoop 

Seahawks’ Schidrich Crowned Secondary Principal of the Year for BCSD By: Jada Green

HHIHS principal, Mr. Schidrich, was named the Beaufort County Secondary Principal of the Year. According to Beaufort County School District “the selection process for principal and Assistant Principal of the Year was both peer-nominated and application based. The winners were ultimately selected for their outstanding dedication, hard work, and positive impact on their respective schools.”

Mr. Schidrich was very honored to be nominated for this award. He stated, “I was surprised, I didn’t think I was going to win, but I was really happy for our staff; because I’m the principal I could have some ideas, but it’s really the people here that put it into play.” To win this reward according to the district, principals have to be “peer-nominated” and according to Mr. Schidrich, he was nominated before to win this award but, “ I was nominated in years past but I didn’t accept the nomination because I didn’t feel like I deserved it, I didn’t feel like I had done enough yet.” He felt this way because he was fairly new at the job.

Being that he has been in this position for five years now and has more experience with being a principal he felt he has done a great job as a principal and has accepted this nomination. He states, “I don’t like talking about myself too much, I don’t brag, and I don’t think I’m the greatest principal in the world, but you know it feels good to know a lot of people in the community are proud of you.”

We all know being a principal is not the easiest job in the world but it can be a very rewarding job to have. Mr. Schidrich says, “I’ve always wanted to be in the school setting but people in my life at first talked me out of it. However, being in the business setting, I knew the school setting was my calling so I pursued that. While being a teacher first and then an assistant principal I was constantly told I would be a good principal. So I pursued it because of all of the encouragement over the years; it just seemed like a natural path.”

When it comes down to being a ‘good principal’ people have their own definition, including Mr. Schidrich. He says “It's like managing a small city, you have to be very organized, and you have to be a people person. You have to be able to build relationships with people, because you're talking about students, teachers , then parents, staff, district leaders, and the community as well. By being a principal, you are in the customer service business. Everyone needs to be taken care of.”

HHIHS is so proud of all Mr. Schidrich has accomplished and all of the things he will accomplish in the future. 

From One Island to Another: Maui Prep Fundraising 

By: Ellie Mastrorocco

“Apocalypse” is the word Mrs. Weitekamper used to describe Maui at the time of the Lahaina fires. Maui Prep, a small private IB school, is currently the only school standing on the island. Through Maui Relief, they have taken in over 300 kids who have lost their own schools. 60 school families (not including staff) lost their homes.   

Hurricane Dora was 630 miles south of the island, bringing in strong winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour. Mrs. Weitekamper explained that, to the best of her understanding, winds blew at 4:30 in the morning and knocked a power transistor starting a fire that the huge winds picked up and spread over the 43 mile island. 

Mrs. Weitekamper was in Maui with her family for her 25th wedding anniversary. They had nine amazing days on the island, and nine other days that she described as “Indiana Jones-like.” They were without power and food for two days as the fires were only a mile and a half from their hotel- which opened as a shelter for those in need. Her family saw power lines fall on their way back from a day of surfing, and they immediately canceled their plans for the rest of the night. 

After returning home, Mrs. Weitekamper kept watch on Maui and Maui Prep, and the idea of a fundraiser was brought forth. “The idea was to be all-inclusive as a school.” She explained that the fundraiser was “two-purposed.” It was an understanding from one island to another that we wanted to spread awareness for the needs of Maui rather than just having a fun day to dress up. Seahawks also designed flags with positive messages to send to Maui in support. As a school, HHIHS raised 1016.26 dollars in one morning. There were two additional community donors that matched what HHIHS raised. Looking towards future fundraisers, Mrs. Weitekamper explained that there are so many in need that every other Friday should be dedicated to raising funds for a new cause.

School On Saturday

By: Angel Andreucetti

This week The Seahawk Times interviewed its very own Ms. Spisz.  She said,” I think Saturday school is a great opportunity to make up for seat time.” Ms. Spisz likes Saturday school due to the fact it gives students a second chance to make up seat time. However, how helpful is Saturday school for students? She responded with, “I think so because it gives them a chance to at least attempt to make up the seat time instead of getting over five absences and FAing. They have the opportunity to make up the seat time and not FA.” Ms. Spisz shows a lot of support towards Saturday school due to attendance. Since seat time make-up is on Saturdays students often wonder why saturday? She said that the reason was due to the fact that Saturdays were a day where the building wasn’t being used by athletics or clubs and more people could come without a problem. Saturday school is staffed by teachers, but do all teachers have to help?”No, Mr.Schidrich usually sends an email asking for teachers to volunteer and from that list he selects the teachers for Saturday school based on their availability. The only teacher that is always there is Ms.Phillips, she is the one in charge of Saturday school.” A lot of students work on the weekends so will there be opportunities to make-up seat time after school? Ms. Spisz said,'' As of now it's just going to be Saturdays, anytime during the week it would be up to Mr. Schidrich. Saturday school is a great tool for students to be able to get a second chance in making up seat time. As of right now it's only on Saturdays but it might change in the future.

HHIHS Pep Rallies

By: Jake Heitman

Pep rallies have always been a good way for students to get excited for school events and school in general. This is no exception for the HHIHS Seahawks. Anthony Bynum, SGA member, explains why there are pep rallies here at HHIHS.

He said,”Pep rallies overall help the students and the school community get closer and have more fun all the while, by promoting student participation.” He continued “We can also use pep rallies to acknowledge student athletes or a team as a whole.” When asked about the purpose of this Friday's pep rally Anthony replied, “It was just meant to start off our school year in terms of pep rallies. We wanted to get everyone involved and comfortable with the experience.”

There are many people involved in running Pep Rallies, “Mr Holman runs them in person by talking and addressing the whole school. Most importantly, he gets the students excited for the experience. Beyond Mr. Holman and a lot of other people are involved. Myself and the rest of SGA make decisions behind the scenes like times, events and who should be acknowledged during the event.”

“My favorite part of the pep rallies would have to be when we all have the spirit leaders who go to each class and chant and we judge which class did the best. It's a really exciting environment and it's a lot of fun to do with your friends, which is why I enjoy it so much.” However, Pep Rallies can be improved, Anthony replied.” I think we could do more organized games at the rallies. Like when we dodgeball or the students vs. teachers' basketball game.”

Students often wonder how they can get involved in organizing a pep rally. Anthony said,” It's quite simple really, you can talk to me or other SGA members. Or you can talk to Mrs. Lee or Mr. Holman and we'll find some way you can help.” 

Pep rallies overall have a plethora of benefits here at HHIHS and help foster students' individual identities and school spirit.

ROTC Academic Nationals 

By : Samanta Garcia 

Hilton Head High School has an NJROTC program. Within ROTC they have many teams like Drill team, Sportsmanship, and Academic team. The Academic team went to Nationals this summer in Washington D.C and won 2nd place overall. Cadets Susana Mogil and Benjamin Gutierrezz talk about how it felt, the preparations, and more.

Cadets Ben Gutierrez, Susana Mogil, Fred Mouzon, and Grey Rezzetano who was the leader, were all part of HHIHS JROTC Academic team. They were also accompanied by their Senior Science Instructor Matthew Pheiffer, and Dr. Gray was their female chaperone. As well as Gutierre’s mom and Mogul's dad.

He said, “So a lot of our preparation was individual but there were also a lot of group aspects, so individually we each had our separate topics that we focused on and that we were supposed to specialize in.”  All cadets had to focus on one single topic they were assigned, they would quiz each other on those topics, and by Nationals, they had to be a specialist in that area. They also looked at past questions to help them with upcoming ones.

The final school they faced was “ Troy High School. They’re a school in california and they ended up actually winning the interservice competition between all teams there,” Mogil stated. 

“ Yeah, it got really difficult, at first I think they upped the difficulty as we got into the semifinals and final but at first our main difficulty was with tactics and then the questions got really difficult. There were a lot of complicated history ones and just knowledge in general, ” said Gutierrez. 

In order for them to go again this year they would have to qualify, she said, “it is a goal for the team like all of our underclassmen to make it to that level but the people who went this year were no longer allowed to go because we are seniors.” They would have to create a whole new team to go if the HHIHS JROTC program would want to go again this year. 

This team might not have won first place but the work and dedication they put in definitely paid off. Maybe this year they will find other cadets that are interested in trying out for the Academic team and return to Nationals this year.

HHIHS Constitution Bingo

By: Jake Heitman

On September 17, 1787 thirty-nine brave men took the step into creating the great nation we all know today by signing the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia. Every year since then, we as a nation have celebrated this event due to its significance in laying the foundation for our country. Here at HHIHS we have our own way of celebrating the holiday; bingo! Mr. Kingsley, a member of the social studies department here at HHIHS, talks more about exactly what bingo is.

“The bingo isn’t like the traditional kind where we all sit in a room and listen to numbers and mark off dots on a card. It'll be more digital. Questions will be put out to students over the school news or on the announcements,” he commented. 

When asked about whether the bingo was for just an individual to play or an entire class, he responded. “It can be either,” he said. “That's up to the person playing the game whether or not they want to include their classmates in how they answer the question,” he continued. He continued to say. “An entire class can participate in the Bingo game if they want to but it's not required.

“We are hosting this event because it will greatly benefit the students and help them understand how this country came to be a little better.” When asked as to why the social studies department was holding the event in the first place he responded. “By answering the questions and having the potential to win prizes, the students will want to answer more. Therefore, allowing them to gain knowledge of the rights they are given by the document,” he continued.  

When asked what the Constitution means to him, he said, “To me the Constitution means freedom. Freedom of the press, speech, religion and assembly.” he said. “That's why it's so important we hold this event so students realize why and how  they were given these rights,” he continued.

The Constitution bingo overall is a great and unique way for the students here at HHIHS to learn, understand, and commemorate the Constitution we as a nation all hold so dear.

HHIHS Free Tutoring Program Empowers Students

By: Mia Heitman

Hilton Head Island High School helps many students by giving them access to tutoring. Teachers throughout the school have formed a program in which students can receive extra help in a few different subjects during the week. The best part is, the whole thing is free for all students. 

Throughout the week, students are able to stop by for free tutoring. Free tutoring is offered by teachers, each one helping students with a different subject. Mrs. Andis, who oversees the program, has developed a schedule for these tutoring sessions. “Monday is social studies, Tuesday is English and languages, Wednesday is science, and Thursday is math.” Tutoring takes place after school from four P.M. to five P.M in the media center. In the mornings, Mr. Willard does math tutoring Monday through Thursday,  seven to eight A.M. 

All students are able to receive free tutoring whether or not the student is failing or has a bad grade. This program is especially beneficial to athletes, who may need to hike their grades up some in order to continue playing on their teams. Many students come in for full study sessions, but some just ”pop by and have a couple questions that they want to be answered.” If you are looking for a study session, a few questions that need answering, or even a study buddy, free tutoring may be for you. 

Along with the free tutoring, there are two teachers who have offered to help with college essays this year. “You can just make appointments with them. It is a really great thing that we started doing.”

Free tutoring is great for reviewing right before a test or before an essay is due for peer editing. “It is a really nice program and it is free, so why not take advantage of it.” More students should consider attending free tutoring as it is an affordable and great way to get grades up and receive extra help.

Senior Parking Spot Painting at Hilton Head Island High School

By: Lucy Morales

When one pulls into the parking lot of Hilton Head Island High school, one may notice that there are paintings on multiple parking spots. These paintings are a result of a popular school tradition: senior parking spot paintings. 

At Hilton Head Island High School, seniors have the privilege of being able to paint their parking spots. This tradition has gone on for about five years, and is a fun way to honor the seniors. 

Ms. Hartman states, "The purpose of letting seniors paint their spot is to give them some more recognition by having their special space in the parking lot."

There are several other High Schools in Beaufort County School District that honor this tradition. Some include: May River High, Bluffton High, and Hilton Head Christian Academy. 

The requirements for Hilton Head Island High School seniors to paint their spots are: have a spot, get your painting approved by Ms. Hartman or Ms. White, provide your own painting supplies and paint with adult supervision.

Students are only allowed to use water-based interior or exterior latex paint. Reflective, fluorescent, or spray paint is not permitted. 

The process of painting a parking spot can be lengthy. It can take students up to an hour just to prepare the spot for painting. 

Hilton Head Island High School students are great at showing creativity with their spots. Ms. Hartman shared, "There was one spot that was Scooby Doo themed with the Scooby Doo van. There was also one spot in the Main Lot with pink flowers. In the back, there's one with a SZA album cover. They are all very unique." 

Each spot tells its own story. Maria Ibarra is a Senior at Hilton Head Island High School who was given the chance to paint her spot. She states, "My spot is filled with hearts. I've always loved hearts since I was young, and I really wanted my spot to show my personality. I painted a Venezuelan heart as well because I'm from Venezuela." She adds, "I would say that my spot represents me." 

Maria claims that painting her spot is "100% worth it because you make memories." 

This tradition promotes seahawk school pride and is a fun way to celebrate a student’s last year of high school.

Hawk Time

By: Ashton Johnson

Two years ago, Mr. Schidrich, principal of HHIHS, introduced a brand new intervention period to replace the inefficiency of ILT. It’s called SLT, and for this year, the school is moving to a new intervention called “Hawk Time.”

One of the main reasons that Mr. Schidrich got rid of SLT because “it was not beneficial to students' grades and scores. We ended up spending our time as administrators chasing students in the hallways, and in the bathrooms. We wanted to provide these interventions during the day but we wanted to do it during a time where students are already sitting down in a classroom to try and avoid these issues.”

SLT, and Hawk Time share the same goal, and that is to improve academic performance amongst all students here at HHIHS. Mr. Schidrich noted that “Now that students are spending less time in the hallway and more time in the classroom with their teacher, so they will be more focused on work, and more focused on completing their assignments, making up tests, and things like that, and it is also a good opportunity for teachers to reteach, or help students with something that was previously taught. However, what Hawk Time is not to be used for, is for teachers to teach new content. So in the end,students being in the classroom where they're supposed to be will improve academic performance.”

One thing that is important to think about is that both SLT, and ILT failed previously. “When we created the idea for ILT, we all thought it would work as intended. It was the same with SLT. So if Hawk Time does not work, we will just have to get rid of the intervention period altogether. All in all, it is very important that students do not find ways to work around the rules when it comes to Hawk time so we can keep a study period here at HHIHS.

           Parents get to meet their students teachers!

By: Kourtney Kosto

Open house is an event here at HHIHS that is truly important. Parents want to know who their students teachers are and what they will be learning this school year.

Teachers all prepare differently for open house depending on what they teach. Ms. Spisz stated “I use infographics to give parents a true visual of what their child will be doing.”

The way HHIHS holds open houses is by putting the departments all together and giving them their own space to talk to parents. Departments are spaced throughout the building in classrooms or courtyards depending on weather.

Open house went well this semester and parents gathered the information they needed to make sure their kids will have a successful year. The night began with a talk with Mr.Schdrich from 5-5:30 before parents were released to meet with teachers.

This event will definitely keep occurring every year due to its success. The spring open house is currently scheduled for Thursday January 25, 2024.

Hispanic Heritage Month at Hilton Head Island High School

By: Lucy Morales

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15th to October 15th every year. It is a time where community members recognize and celebrate the many contributions, achievements, and histories of the Latino community. 

People celebrate the month to honor Latino’s biggest achievements, such as Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court, or Celia Cruz, who is set to be featured on the reverse side of a quarter in 2024. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is important to Hilton Head Island High School’s Culture Club. Juan Leyva is the president of the culture club, and he states, “Culture club is setting up a jersey day for Friday, September 29th. We are set to sell bracelets and Hispanic candies on that Friday morning. On Wednesday we are going to hold a loteria tournament during all three lunches.” ‘Loteria’ is often referred to as “Mexican bingo” where traditional bingo balls are replaced by illustrated cards representing the Mexican aesthetic. 

Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated since 1968. Hilton Head Island started hosting annual festivals that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month more than 10 years ago. 

Culture Club will also be volunteering at the Latinos Unidos Festival on Sunday, September 24. “It will be held at the Lowcountry Celebration Park, and will include live Latino music, food and fun for kids,” Juan states. 

Juan proudly states, “Hispanic Heritage Month means many things. It means a lot for my culture and heritage. I am Mexican, so I am proud of the people who have done many achievements that represent us, such as Selena Quentenilla.”

Hilton Head Island High School is proud to celebrate one of many cultures through clubs and events.