February Edition 2023
YOU MADE IT TO FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK! Congrats, enjoy the time off, and check out some new Hilltopper articles! Figure out where has the salad bar gone, the controversy of the Album of the Year Award at the Grammy's, why you should go see a movie over break, and more! Happy break and happy reading!
XOXO,
JEL
Photo courtesy of DRA Architects
The vegetarians, the food-allergy sufferers, the picky eaters, and of course, my chorus teacher (shoutout Mr. VanderWoude): What did we all have in common? Our shared space in the Needham High School cafeteria: the salad bar.
Photo courtesy of Discogs
The 66th annual Grammy Awards are scheduled to air on February 4th, which means that by the time this is published we will already know who won Album of the Year. But at the moment of writing this article, I am currently in a state of blissful unawareness, and while all of the nominees are deserving of the award, I believe one album stands out in particular: Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey.
Photo courtesy of Axios
During the pandemic, people's only option was simply watching movies at home. But, with the lockdown lifted, people were given the choice to view movies in theaters once again and experience films in a unique group setting.
Photo courtesy of The Boston Calendar
Winter birthdays are frustrating. For one thing, it’s very cold, and oftentimes everything is covered with snow and ice. For another, school in the winter is incredibly busy, packed with midterms, essays, and frequent quizzes, tests, and projects. What is there to do for a winter birthday?
Photo courtesy of Alex Giancola
Alex Giancola loves hats, fashion, and smelling good. He’s a senior at NHS, and a fascinating interviewee!
Photo courtesy of NHS Class of 1972
A mascot defines crucial aspects of a school’s culture and enthusiasm, like school spirit and engagement in a general appreciation of the school community. Our Needham High School Mascot, the Rockets, represents the pride that the student body has for numerous sports teams and our strive for inclusiveness and equity. Rocket is even the name of our beloved police dog! But how did we develop this specific mascot?
Photo courtesy of People
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a name that has become synonymous with Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, has gained significant fame over the past month since being released from prison for aiding in the murder of her mother.
Photo courtesy of NASA
If you look up into the starry night sky, you might just be able to see the International Space Station passing overhead.
Photo courtesy of People
Every year on December 31st, you turn the TV on to watch the ball drop. You make your wishes and resolutions and at the top of your lungs, go “3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!” And just like that, the Earth has made another circle around the sun and all the humans on Earth are either throwing up confetti or actually throwing up.
Photo courtesy of Wicked Local
Course selection is right around the corner. It is the time of year where ninth through eleventh graders decide what classes they want to take in the upcoming school year. Many students also take the time to discuss course options with their friends or peers.
Photo courtesy of NPR
The Golden Globes is an annual award ceremony that honors the best in film and television. It’s a star-studded event where Hollywood’s biggest names come together to celebrate achievements in the industry.