Hornet Happenings

The MERHS Arts Department has had a busy month of March!

It began with selecting and submitting artwork to the Congressional Art Competition, where Greyson Brooks took 3rd place! 25 school districts participated in this event which was held at Montserrat College in Beverly, MA.

More recently, on March 20th, MERHS students in the AP Art program from both Mr. Lucas’ and Mrs. Burns’ classes combined to exhibit their artwork in downtown Manchester, at Beach Street Studios and Gallery. This work focuses on the core principles of the AP Arts exam which are, Practice, Experimentation, and Revision. There was an opening reception and the work was enjoyed by all.

March 31, 2026 was the culmination of an outside collaboration with 1623 Studios in

Gloucester, MA. Mrs. Burns and Mr. Lucas combined classes again to participate in this exciting event. The group projects focus on past events from our north shore areas and includes historical images and photographs combined with narration. A total of seven video documentaries were completed and screened at 1623 Studios and prints from project images were displayed on the gallery walls. Here is the YouTube link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=VkjnrOrelKA&feature=youtu.be

The MERHS music students have had an exciting and busy March. The Jazz Band welcomed the group Altus for a workshop organized through Rockport Music, featuring a performance both for and with students. Chorus, SoundWaves, Jazz Band, and the Contemporary Ensemble also performed at STEAM Night, followed the next evening by our inaugural Contemporary Music Night. This event showcased the Jazz Band and Contemporary Ensemble alongside the middle school jazz band and rock bands and included a special performance by a faculty band. The Spring Concert is also quickly approaching on April 9.

The World Language Department would like to extend its most sincere thanks to all the speakers that participated in International Week. Students were able to enjoy presentations from a wide variety of countries and were inspired to travel, explore and volunteer.

We began the week with an amazing presentation by Mr. Aumais who talked about living abroad as a student and the many travels that stemmed from his semester abroad. The Ochs family shared their experience of living in France for a year and their experience attending French public schools. Lucia Ochs shared that their lunches are 2 hours long and that they are served a 3 course meal! Mr. Nicastro, a former marine and parent, shared his journey of healing through Mexico and Costa Rica. Zac Carvalho, a senior, braved cold waters while exploring the Arctic. Our students were able to learn about India and Nepal while Michael Mitchell, a parent, described his visits. During his presentation we were able to call his friend in India and speak to him directly! Teresa Holland inspired students to pursue a career while also traveling around the world! There are very few places she hasn’t seen! Nadia Wetzler, a parent, took us through a tour of the ruins of Pompeii and the ruins of Herculaneum. Julie Beaulieu, a parent, shared her childhood memories of growing up in Quebec. Arion Stremple, a freshman, talked about visiting his family in Vietnam. Randy Isaac talked about the importance of understanding the cultural values of individuals in the workplace. Lionie Lopez, a student, presented on being a student in the United States compared to France. Paula Rodriguez, a faculty member, talked about growing up in Puerto Rico. Last but not least, Mr. Icenogle shared his knowledge of Columbian music! It was an excellent week of exploration and I encourage all parents to volunteer next year!

Ms. Edgerton’s 9th grade English class is starting their unit on poetry. Students worked together to make sense of stanzas and enjambment by turning a prose paragraph into a poem. Students will read poems by Langston Hughes, Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, and more

Ms. Rice’s 9th grade English class worked in groups to create hexagonal thinking webs connecting themes and topics for Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. They presented their thinking to their peers, and will hopefully use some of their research for their upcoming literary analysis essay.

All seniors participating in SCORE have been assigned a senior teacher advisor and should have connected their advisor with their internship supervisor via email. Seniors will begin their SCORE internships on April 6, 2026.

Seniors have lined up a wide range of internships in a variety of fields. These are just a few of our local partners: Lanes Coven acting troupe, William Raveis Real Estate, the Manchester Police Department, Slow River Studio, Lahey Hospital, Olson Lewis + Architects, and Cell Signaling Technology.

We’re incredibly thankful to our surrounding communities for supporting this project!

Please share input about our MERSD Mathematics programming!

This year MERSD is completing a preK-12 Mathematics curriculum review. During this time, we review all aspects of our Math & Business curriculum and programming. We are seeking your input to help us evaluate our program from a broad perspective. Please complete this brief survey to share your family's experiences. Please share your feedback by April 10.

Math & Business community feedback survey: https://forms.gle/u9YZcERYbF1bM8FA6

Although there is no deadline to sign up for the London trip, we wanted to remind you that the price will increase April 1. Students must be registered AND have the deposit paid to lock in the current rate. You can register and find information here.

Please reach out if you have any questions!

Ms. Woodcock, Ms. Brown, and Ms. Molinare

Speech and Debate Team Shines at States

The Manchester Essex Regional High School Speech and Debate Team finished its season with an impressive showing at the Massachusetts Speech and Debate League State Final, held at Chelmsford High School. This annual event is the most competitive tournament of the year, and in 2026 it became the largest in history, with 95 teams competing in Novice Public Forum.

Lily Berkowitz and Grace Burgess led the MERHS contingent, finishing 14th overall with a final record of 5–3. Seeded 28th in the round of 32, the pair delivered an exciting upset, defeating the 5‑seed team. Their strong performance placed them among the highest‑ranked teams in the state and demonstrated both skill and determination.

Annabelle Kerivan and Rosie Renehan posted a 3–3 record, showing poise and strong debating against formidable opposition. Freddy Jakes and Stella Langille, along with Abby Borgerson and Claire Yukins, each earned a 2–4 record, contributing to the team’s overall strong presence at the tournament.

The State Final capped a year of growth, hard work, and spirited competition for the MERHS Speech and Debate Team. “Facing the most talented debaters in Massachusetts at the largest state tournament ever held, the team rose to the occasion and proudly represented MERSD,” said Sally Berkowitz, Debate Director.

For more information about joining or supporting the Manchester Essex Speech and Debate Team, contact Sally Berkowitz, Debate Director, at berkowitzs@mersd.org. Stay tuned for details on a special mock-debate fundraiser, where you can observe a lively round and support the Speech and Debate Team.