NH Hockey Makes History Winning State Championship In Overtime!

Nighthawks defeat Woodstock Academy 2-1 with nail-biting overtime goal!

Jake Dovovan looks for the puck in the State Championship game

Bryce Petersen defends a goal against Woodstock Academy

Head Coach Chris Avena and Senior Captains Look Back on a Memorable Season

Coach Chris Avena has only been coaching the boys varsity hockey team for 5 seasons, but in that time span they have accomplished much more than any other team. Coach Avena and the team have won the past 3 SCC Championships, and just won this year's State Championship against Woodstock Academy. It takes a lot to build a team that good very quickly, but Coach Avena believes that the, “most important aspect is having a good relationship with the players. Communication with the players is something we as a coaching staff I feel do very well. Whether it is to recognize something positive, or even those tough conversations around playing time, we take it seriously and I think that gives the program solid footing to which build upon.” Avena also says that passion plays a big role in having a successful team. He says that the coaches bring this passion to the ice everyday, and it rubs off on the players.

Coach Chris Avena (captured left) celebrates the NHHS Hockey team's third consecutive SCC Championship with Alex Petersen and Athletic Director, Steve Blumenthal (captured right). Petersen scored the game winner in the championship game while his brother, Bryce, blocked countless shots as goalie. It was a huge team effort resulting in a huge victory!

Avena Gives Senior Class Credit for Incredible Season

When asked why the team was so successful, Avena points to the senior class. He says how the seniors set the tone when they arrived in the locker room. Avena compliments the seniors and says, “All they have done is win, and that is contagious amongst the underclassmen.” Coach Avena says that the outcome of last year's State Championship made the team hungrier to win this year. Avena also pointed out the career record the seniors have, 68-14-3, and 24-2 this season alone. Coach Avena puts it beautifully by saying, “When you think about what this senior class has accomplished it is beyond impressive.” Senior Captain Owen Quick agrees that the senior classes winning effort was contagious throughout the whole team. He says that, "Everyone on the team wanted it as bad as the seniors and the full team effort was unstoppable."

Coach Chris Avena stands with Senior Captains (left to right) Will Sullivan, Owen Quick, Joseph Taft and Athletic Director Steve Blumenthal after winning their third straight SCC Championship.

Petersen Brothers Worked Hard and Won Big after 14 Year Journey Together

Not only was it a great win for the team, but it was also a moment to cherish for the Petersen brothers, Bryce and Alex. Both brothers were on the ice during the win, Alex scoring the winning goal in overtime, and Bryce defending the net for the whole game, only letting in 1 goal. When asked what this win with his brother meant to Bryce he said, “It means the world to me. Being able to do something I love for 14 years with my brother and get the job done with him is something we’ll talk about for the rest of our lives.” Alex agrees that it was a very special moment, saying how he and his brother always bonded over hockey and he was glad they got to experience this moment, “side by side.”

Top Left: Alex Petersen looks to defend during the team's playoff game vs. North Branford

Bottom Left: Bryce Petersen protects the net in a game vs. North Branford

Charity Football Game Raises Money For DeMonte Family

On Friday, June 9th, the town of North Haven came together to raise money for fallen Bristol Police Lt. Dustin DeMonte. The money was raised through the annual charity game, the Spring Brawl. This years game proved to be very successful as a total of $25,000 was raised for the DeMonte Family!

To donate to the DeMonte family, please write out a check to North Haven Youth Football and send it to Head Coach Anthony Sagnella at the high school. Thank you!

2023 Retirees Gift NHHS a Legacy of Excellence

ms. pilar arboleda

1. Tell us about your education. Where did you go to college? Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher/ work with students?

I grew up in Colombia, South America. I did my Elementary, Middle, and High School years there. I went to private schools in Colombia.

I went to Syracuse University where I started taking English classes and did part of my undergraduate years; then, I went to SCSU where I finished my undergraduate degree and did my Masters degree.

When I was in Colombia, I wanted to be a dentist, but when I came to the USA back in 1983 and started to learn English, I asked myself....why not teach Spanish here in the USA? The teachers who taught me English in Syracuse inspired me to become a Spanish teacher.

2. What have you loved most about teaching? How long have you been working at North Haven High School?

I honestly have to say that what I have loved most about teaching is when a student has made me laugh in class. I have been working in North Haven for 25 years. I started teaching Spanish in the Middle school, then, I was transferred here to the High School.

3. What do you look forward to most for the future?

I look forward to spending quality time with my grandchildren and making sure they will be bilingual.

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BEST OF LUCK TO TWO WONDERULLY DEDICATED TEACHERS WHO HAVE GIVEN NORTH HAVEN STUDENTS AND FAMILIES YEARS OF SERVICE! WE WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST AS YOU ENJOY A HAPPY, FUN AND HEATHLY RETIREMENT!

mrs. mary ann hardy

1. Tell us about your education. Where did you go to college? Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher/ work with students?

I went to University of Connecticut (Storrs) and majored in Human Development and Family Relations. I later worked at a non-profit health agency and then in newspaper advertising.

In my mid-20s I started taking education classes at Southern Connecticut State University (New Haven) part-time and contemplated teaching as a possible career. I received a grant for students becoming math teachers, and got my masters and certification in mathematics.

I came to the North Haven (NH) district in 2000 which worked out great for me personally as I lived in town and my three children were in the school system. The bonus was that I found NH to be a great district and encountered many dedicated NHHS teachers/administrators.

2. What have you loved most about teaching? How long have you been working at North Haven High School?

There are two things that I love about teaching. First - I enjoy getting to know my students. At the start of the year I have them write a "math autobiography" for me. They explain their earliest math memory and what they like most/least about math. As the year progresses, I learn about their strengths/weaknesses and adjust my teaching so all can be as successful as possible.

Second - I love teaching math and try to show students connections between what they learn and the real world and other school disciplines. I love seeing those "lightbulbs" going off when students click with a concept in class.

3. What do you look forward to most for the future?

I am a big outdoors person - so I will spend time hiking and leading hikes - I do this year round. I also hope to travel more and pursue hobbies such as cooking, reading, drawing, and painting.

NHHS Softball Finishes Off Spectacular Season and Finish 1st in Class L!

Nighthawk girls achieve an astounding 21-1 record

The softball team poses for a picture after capping off their undefeated regular season!

Lady Nighthawks celebrate a game-changing out under the leadership of team captains Maria Lockery and Kayla Balisciano.

The team played West Haven on 5/22/23 and came up with a 15-3 win! They then moved on to play Cheshire on 5/23/23 which resulted in another 5-3 victory!

The softball team took on West Haven in the SCC Tournament, winning by a score of 15-3. Coach Vincent Cretella describes his girls as "a 'team unit' who pick each other up one game at a time."

Spotlight Shines on NHHS History Department

Take a peak at a department that boasts several Teacher of the Year recipients

Mrs. Patricia Harkins was 2022 Teacher of the Year and is advisor for the graduating class of 2023 along with Jennifer Rice. Harkins will present her son, Peter, with his diploma at graduation.

Harkins has begun meditating with her Global Issues students this year. One to two times a week, her class practices meditation as an innovative way to express clarity, focus, and awareness. The self-reflection encouraged within each session correlates with their studies of ancient and religious beliefs.

Ms. Jennifer Rice sports a Best Buddies tee-shirt, as an advocate of the organization. Here she wraps up an interactive class discussion.

Students in Mrs. Elizabeth O'Keefe's class work to complete their World War 1 Projects using the NHHS state-of-the-art library facility.

Mrs. O'Keefe works on grading assignments and is a dedicated and beloved veteran teacher.

Mr. Evan Soderholm was voted Teacher of the Year in 2016 and is currently enjoying fatherhood with his baby boy!

Mr. Jeffery DeMaio's class works independently on classwork.

DeMaio was selected Teacher of the Year in 1998, 2008, 2015, and wait for it....this year, once again, Teacher of the Year 2023! Now that's an impressive record! Congratulations!

Mr. Federico Fiondella was voted Teacher of the Year in 2006 and 2017 when he also won the John Stedman Passion for Social Studies State Award. Bravo!

Fiondella's class takes a break from their quiz to celebrate their teacher who was the recipient of the Gilder Lehrman CT History Teacher of the Year Award in 2020!

Mrs. Kathryn Monigan focuses on the importance of global awareness as she teaches a geography lesson. She also enjoys working with NHHS thespian students on theater productions.

Ms. Jalanne Metz, K-12 Social Studies Coordinator, offers invaluable and helpful support to staff and students in all six schools.

Mr. Robert Rhone's class listens to a presentation in preparation for a quiz.

Rhone conducts a presentation here that clearly reflects his enthusiasm for his subject matter.

Ms. Carly Ross concludes her lesson introduction as students begin their classwork.

Mr. Bevan Moore co-teaches Humanities and is also the Creative Learning Program Building Facilitator. He teaches NHHS Future Problem Solving which is the HS course offering of the Gifted and Talented program.

Mr. Bryan Smith, 2016 Teacher of the Year, conducts a bipartisan political discussion in Civics class.

Freshman Class Sponsors Successful Trivia Night

The Class of 2026 hosted a Bingo and Trivia Night on Friday April 28th to raise funds for their class. It was a night filled with fun and excitement, and was overall a huge success for the freshman class!

Class advisor Mr. Sousa says, "Ms. Ross and I would like to thank all those who helped make Friday's Class of 2026 Bingo and Trivia Night a pure success. You have shown the value of what teamwork is all about."

Social worker, Christi Ingram, joins in the festivities with freshman class advisors, Ms. Carly Ross and Mr. Marcello Sousa. Staff and students dressed up in colorful beach apparel for a night to remember!

Freshman class officers Gavin Knauft, Katharine Grudberg, and Julia Scalmani join advisors Sousa and Ross at the event. Not pictured: officer Madison Viveros

Talented music students provide musical entertainment for the event.

Culinary Arts Department Cooks up a Storm For Another Delicious and Successful Fundraising Dinner

Master chefs at work: Independent Study Culinary student, Theresa Consorte, works with instructor and restauranteur, Traci Planinshek. The veteran educator owns two very successful restaurants and shared here expertise with NHHS students daily in her classes.

Let them eat cake!

A divine desert was enjoyed by guests following a delicous meal!

Culinary Arts students make homemade pasta! Students also made and donated chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles and soup packets that were placed in ceramic bowls and sold at Art Beat 2023.

NHHS Musicians Compete In Annual Music Festival and Return Victorious!

Instructor Susan Oakley conducts the Concert Band.

Check out the choral and instrumental competition results below!

Concert Band - Superior Rating, 2nd place

Wind Ensemble - Excellent Rating, 3rd place

Jazz I - Superior Rating - 1st place

Concert Choir - Superior Rating, 1st place

Treble Choir - Superior Rating, 1st place

Tenor/Baritone Choir - Excellent Rating, 1st place

One Voice - Superior Rating, 1st place

Special Awards:

Ellwyn Michael - Overall Jazz Soloist

Sophia Kingsley-Voide - Overall Vocal Soloist

Treble Choir - Overall Choir

Students attended Boston Museum of Science!

North Haven High School choirs, bands, and jazz band traveled on April 21st to Boston for three days of musical performances and cultural enrichment. 74 students across seven ensembles performed for the Festivals of Music adjudication, and each ensemble received high ratings and helpful feedback to inform future performances. The ensembles received five Superior and two Excellent ratings, and two NHHS students were recognized for excellent solo performances: Ellwyn Michael, jazz saxophone; and Sophia Kingsley Voide, vocal alto. In addition, the NHHS Treble Choir was recognized as the Best Overall Choir at the festival.

Quinnipiac University's School of Health Sciences Hosts NHHS Anatomy Students

Each year, Science instructor Mr. David Jacob, provides an enlightening and educational experience for students by bringing his anatomy classes to Quinnipiac University.

National Honor Society Welcomes New Members

Congrats to all inductees on their great achievements!

World Languages Celebrate Honor Societies

Chinese, French, Italian, Latin, Spanish

STEAM Honor Society Ceremony Celebrates New Inductees/Seniors in Art/Math/Science Areas

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math

Advanced Photography Takes On NYC!

Advanced photography students traveled to New York City on May 1st to enhance their creative and technical photography skills and capture a new and exciting environment! They explored multiple well-known and inspiring locations throughout the city including Times Square , St. Patrick's Cathedral and Bryant Park.

Check out some photos captured on the trip!

Art Beat Welcomes Over 1,000 Enthusiastic Attendees!

Crowds gather to celebrate the artistic talents and achievements of children K-12 of NH Public Schools

NHHS Attends CT State Latin Day And Leaves "Victores!"

At the CT State Latin Day Competition, NHHS won 1st place for tunics, 1st place for vexillum (Roman military standard), and 3rd place for banner!

Students In Advanced Fashion Continue Positive Trend: Recycling Materials to Create Amazing Attire

Fashion Students participate in their class Upcycle project by repurposing old, donated denim and creating amazing fabrics and garments! Instructor, Kathryn Speeg, oversees the design process and encourages students to go beyond the current trends.

Choices Matter: Students Learn About Risks and Possible Consequences of Alcohol Consumption

North Haven HS Students were informed at a March 29 presentation about the disastrous effects of alcohol use and drunk driving. Presenters emphasized the importance of thoughtful decision making. The choices made as teens and young adults can have serious impacts on long-term wellbeing.

Freshman Attend Informative Orientation Designed to Prepare and Excite

The visit allowed students to feel ready, confident, and comfortable to begin their NHHS experience.

Students attended a presentation informing them about policies, expectations, and opportunities.

Incoming freshman toured the building and explored the facility with current students who addressed questions.

Preschool Promotion Celebrates Young Graduates

The Preschool at NHHS recently held a graduation for children starting kindergarten next year. The ceremony is always lovely under the direction of instructor Mrs. Michelle DiGiacomo with assistance from her students including those in the Independent Study program who have earned college credit through their participation in the program.

Visions of Nature Class Hikes Sleeping Giant

Environmental Literature students and instructor, Mr. Peter Sagnella, continued the program's tradition of visiting a beautiful local landmark to inspire their writing and raise awareness about the serene beauty of nature.

NHHS Courtyard Provides Fun Location for Athletic Feats and Delicious Treats

Thank you to the PTA for serving up Italian ice on a perfectly warm day!

Trysten Dos, Yaseen Mahmoud, and Musa Shanawar give their treats a big thumbs up.

Hannah Bernardo, Rebecca Ford, Anna Mortali, and Carina Esposito enjoy a sweet treat!

Assistant Principal Thomas Bushnell chats with students.

Students enjoy the beautiful weather while competing in a cornhole match! Thank you to Dr. Dallai for providing this great form of fun and fitness!

A Successful Graduate Returns!

2017 graduate, Kim Lee, recently visited two of her former art teachers. She shared that she graduated in 2022 from the University of Hartford Art Department and is now employed by News 8 in advertising. Congrats Kim for pursuing your passion and achieving your goals!

We Appreciate Our Teachers!

North Haven National Honor Society and NH Art Honor Society students work together to create uplifting chalk designs to thank NHHS teachers during National Teacher Appreciation week!