Norm Wolfe

If anyone at Hanover High School could be called a “pied piper” it would be Norm Wolfe. And we’re not just talking about music – his mordant wit, pungent observations, his charm and of course his courtly good looks – all make us just follow him around with admiration.

But let’s talk about music. He is the ace, the man, the master of the augmented or diminished chord, the conductor extraordinaire. Just watching him conduct with just a wink of the eye or a subtle wave of his hand is to see a master at work. But watch out lowly student and make sure you do what he says or the Wrath of Norm will descend upon you like a storm. And especially do not drop band – he will pursue you to the gates of hell if you do.

We will miss Norm in many ways – at the front door in the morning, at the Christmas tree sale, filling the school with music first period and taking students joyfully to foreign countries. His smile and his insightful and comic remarks have often made our day.

Norm – carry on – we will miss the bejesus out of you, but know that you will be spreading musical and other types of joy around the Upper Valley – for a good long time.

Andrea Alsup

Andrea Alsup came to Hanover High School 22 years ago from nearly Woodstock, VT. She immediately became a teacher of note – candid, entertaining, challenging – and her classes became highly regarded and sought after. She developed a  reputation for no-nonsense treatment of the great works of literature and encouraged a thorough understanding of them. She treated students as mature young adults – much like college would – where independent and critical thought are allegedly valued.

Her work in developing and administering the Senior Bridges Project was a very significant contribution to the school and to the challenge of a worthwhile senior year. Her direction of the varied projects and experience set a standard for a worthwhile senior year and in learning how to really do independent study. Her mentoring of the projects made them work and gave real meaning to the term “independent.”

Her unique and interesting personality will be missed here at HHS. She could always be counted on for a penetrating and concise take on matters often cloudy and foolish. Her life after Hanover will consist of looking after a number of horses rather than teenagers. She also is looking forward to getting a dog to watch over. Good luck Ms. Alsup, and we hope that the horses and that lucky dog will treat you at least as well as the students – and staff – here have.

Bonnie Stebbins

The cheerful caring presence of Bonnie Stebbins will  be gone from Hanover High School. For 24 years, in a variety of capacities, she has cared for the building, the staff and the students here in a respectful and gentle manner. She has taken care of the parts of HHS that often are taken for granted but make a big difference in a school we can be proud of. She has done this with careful attention and a quiet thoroughness that has marked her time here.

And Bonnie is a person of great bravery and perseverence. Here health challenge have been met with the same quiet courage and steady cheer that she shows to all of us every day. We are so glad that she was able to continue here – and to flourish in her newest role as supervisor in the Caf. Her magic ith student there and the lost and found area is outdone only by her magic with the lovely plants in the Caf. But the new object of    her care and devotion – her 15 month grandson – will be the lucky recipient of her care

We will most certainly miss you, Bonnie, and best of luck in all that you do.

Stephen Hackman

Sitting at the head of the room with his wiry mustache, round glasses and Hawaiian shirt, Mr. Hackman was quite similar to his philosophy class: students could laugh, discover their presences in the world and escape from the daily grind. Whether it was the portrait of a semi-colon hung on the wall of his room or the large decaying piece of machinery in the center of the classroom, Mr. Hackman’s room seemed to hold a charm that no other classroom at Hanover had.

Philosophy classes with Mr. Hackman consisted of constant banter and laughing where many students would learn from one another and from Mr. Hackman’s expansive knowledge as well. There were many days in his class when I would spout all kinds of different arguments, ready to receive combative feedback from my peers. While Mr. Hackman would sit, happily smirking and simply observing the madness occurring in his class.

He was an intellectual, easy-going and – most importantly – caring confidant to many students here at HHS. Myself, among many others, will miss him dearly and will keep the lessons he taught with us forever. Regardless of the circumstances, Mr. Hackman’s heart will always remain in the atmosphere at Hanover High School.