THE SPINNAKER
CHS Student Council Monthly Update - December 2025
Cohasset Snowfall Prediction
By Flynn Jansen
As 2025 comes to an end, the infamously harsh and unpredictable New England winter begins to set in. Positioned directly on America’s northeastern coastline, the inevitable clash between the Gulf Stream’s warm waters and Canada’s frigid air masses makes the group of states no stranger to large and oftentimes deadly snow storms. However, the past few years have had quite a different look than what is normally expected from such a historically snowy area. On average, the city of Boston sees roughly 50 inches of snow every season. This number has not been reached since the winter of 2021-2022, which saw 54 inches total. The last time Boston saw at least ten inches more than the average was all the way back in the record breaking 2014-2015 season, dumping a staggering 110.6 inches of snow. With the lackluster snow totals in recent memory, many have come to question if this is the new normal. While there is no clear answer to this question, historical analogues and environmental conditions can provide meteorologists with a guess on how much snow an area may see in any given season. Here’s how things are currently shaping up for Cohasset and surrounding areas.
The first and arguably most important factor in determining how a winter may play out is by looking at the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ENSO essentially looks at the temperature of the waters’ surface in the equatorial Pacific. If temperatures are above average, it is called a La Niña, and if they are below average, it is called an El Niño. Currently, there is a weak El Niño present which should persist throughout the winter. Historically, this causes the northern jet stream to dip south in the central to northeast United States. This means storms will be able to come down from the north and jog across the northern states east of the Rockies. These are referred to as Alberta Clippers and are frequently weak, usually dumping less than a foot of snow. Due to Cohasset’s location, situated on the far eastern point of Massachusetts, the effects of these storms aren’t commonly felt. When they are, the storms are usually too weak to combat the warm ocean temperatures, resulting in rain instead of snow along the coastline. However, it’s important to note that these historical analogues often feature at least one major winter storm. One such season was 2013-2014 which featured the January 20-22 North American Blizzard. With this, it is plausible that New England should see an average to slightly above average number of nor’easters this winter. Depending on the timing of these storms and how they interact with cold air masses, it is certainly possible that an average to slightly above average snow season will occur. Even with this, Cohasset’s location throws in an unpredictable wild card in any forecast.
Being located directly on the coast means that Massachusetts Bay’s warmer waters turn much of the snow seen elsewhere to rain for the South Shore. In fact, it is so detrimental to a snow season that even if Boston sees an average winter, Cohasset could still be nowhere near 50 inches of snow. Storms need to take a very specific path in near perfect conditions for the town to be under the heaviest bands of snow without ever seeing rain. This is called the 40/70 benchmark, a meteorological checkpoint at 40 degrees north and 70 degrees west where a storm is in the position to dump the most amount of snow on coastal areas. As of recently, this benchmark has not been hit by any major storms. Most have passed north, keeping us in the storm's warmer air and resulting in rain. The remaining few have jogged south and away from New England. Because this storm track needs to be so precise, it just comes down to luck on whether or not the steering conditions support such a track.
In the end, it is seeming likely that coastal New England will at least have the right conditions in place to see a memorable season. With the northern mountains starting their season with record high snowfall, it could mean a snowier pattern has already taken shape which could potentially last further into the spring than normal as well. Only time will tell if this season will be any different from years past but at the very least, there is enough potential to stay hopeful and excited as the coldest months of the year creep on Cohasset's doorsteps.
Hooper’s Judge
By Grace Kiernan
Opened in late August of this year, Hooper’s Judge is a new restaurant in place of former Blue Oar and Dooley’s. It is a chic, cozy restaurant offering a variety of seating options, from tables and comfy booths to high tops and the bar. The decorations are tastefully arranged, with pictures of Cohasset’s historic past, including a picture of John F. Kennedy as a child at Sandy Beach.
Hooper’s Judge is named after a man named Hooper who brought over a terrier dog from London, which became the first “Boston Terrier”. His name was Judge. Throughout the restaurant, you can see different pictures of Boston terriers on the walls.
The menu features a variety of delicious appetizers, salads and entrees. Popular items include house meatballs, Cohasset lobster bisque, fish and chips, and Beef Wellington (The Wellie). It is the perfect place to celebrate or hang out with family or friends, and should definitely be on the list to try in the holiday season or new year!
Cohasset Football Superbowl
By Ashley Henle
Cohasset Football (11-2) captured a 22-14 victory over Amesbury (12-1) in the Division 7 Superbowl at Gillette Stadium on December 4, showcasing impressive teamwork, trust, and determination from start to finish. The Skippers set the tone on their opening drive when senior quarterback Michael Wildfire powered through the middle for a 12-yard touchdown. Amesbury responded with a 15-yard touchdown, but the failed 2-point attempt allowed Cohasset to maintain a 7-6 lead for most of the first half. With just 51 seconds remaining before halftime, Wildfire found the end zone again, giving the Skippers a strong 14-6 advantage.
After a scoreless and hard-fought third quarter, the Redhawks managed to tie the game early in the fourth quarter. Cohasset immediately answered when senior running back Gus Greene broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run, a play that highlighted the team’s chemistry and explosive offense. Wildfire added the 2-point conversion, pushing the lead to 22-14. In the final minutes, the Skippers’ defense, led by Dan Baker, Nicholas Askjaer, and Christopher McSweeney, held firm to secure the State Championship victory.
Freshman Class Visits the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
By Brynn Dwyer
On Tuesday, December 2, the freshman class attended the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for their field trip. Upon arriving, they entered the exact replica of the United States Senate Chamber and took their seats. Each student, and teachers if they wanted to participate, was given an iPad where they received their senator role. Everyone took on roles with unique backgrounds and beliefs. For the day, they were given a bill that focused on the problem of AI. They introduced themselves to one another and split off into separate rooms in the building.
Once in small groups, everyone got the opportunity to voice their opinions on the problem and what they wanted to add to the bill. After coming to a conclusion, a wall that separated the Republicans and Democrats opened up, allowing the two groups to come together and negotiate. Once the negotiating was over, everyone was brought back into the main room to talk about what they had discussed. At last, they voted on their iPads, and the conclusion resulted in No with a ruling of 46-24. The freshman class ended their day at Derby Street, where they got the freedom to either shop or eat!
College Admissions Season
By Mia Peeples
With the start of winter also comes the time of year when many seniors begin to hear back from colleges. Because it is only December, most of the colleges that students are hearing back from are the universities they applied early decision to. Applying early decision to a school means that it is a student’s top choice, so they apply early to increase their chances of admission. Hearing back from their early decision schools can be especially stressful for seniors, as many of us have a “dream school”.
In fact, for many students, the entire college admissions process is full of constant anxiety. Years of hard work put in by students are reduced to a few applications, leaving students feeling as if their futures rest on a single decision by a college. As we go into this time of year, it's important for us students to remember that we are much more than a single college decision. In fact, each of us should strive to have an open mind when it comes to hearing back from colleges, as the skills we have learned at CHS and throughout our lives have prepared us for success wherever we end up.
Teacher of the Month
By Joey Pannozzo
Mr. Grasmann is a language teacher at CHS. Mr. Grasmann speaks a multitude of languages and is talented to say the least. He has a passion for teaching and can relate to his students in any way shape or form. He has a vast arsenal of teaching methods in order to fully connect to his students. Not only can Mr. Grasmann teach French, but he is also an exceptional Spanish teacher. He truly embodies the perfect teacher who loves to have fun but also helps his students learn.
Girls Soccer Wrap-Up
By Molly Doherty
On Tuesday, December 2, the girls’ soccer team had its annual end-of-year banquet. The event was at the South Shore Country Club in Hingham and went from 6:30 to 8:30. Coach Beal gave a speech thanking everyone for an amazing season and highlighting each player's commitment and skills that they brought to the team. Captains Ava Carcio, Meghan Smith, and Farrah Jackson also gave speeches thanking the managers, coaches, and Dan Leahy. In addition, every non-senior on varsity gave a speech to one senior, thanking them for an incredible season and recognizing the positive impact they had on the team. The 2026 captains were also announced - congrats to Molly, Maddie, Georgia, and Regan!
The Corner Stop
Toast
The Student Parking Lot
By Libby Struzziero
During the school day, students at Cohasset High School use the student parking lot to park their cars. This year, all seniors were guaranteed a spot, and some juniors received a spot. To secure these spots, students had to apply using a Google Form that asked for a valid license as well as paying a flat rate of $180 on UniPay. After submitting the application, students signed forms with the office before officially receiving a physical parking pass. However, this lot has proved to be flawed, as the student parking lot not only contains a limited number of parking spots but is also limited to one exit and entrance. Because of the limited parking, many juniors have to park on Bancroft Road along the side of Milliken Field.
Additionally, this is the first year that the buses park in the student parking lot once the school day is over. For students who park along the side of the lot closest to the stairs, they are required to be out of their parking spots by 3:30 pm every day. This has caused a lot of challenges, as many students have afterschool activities or sports that prevent them from moving their car to a different spot at the end of the day. One of the major concerns that has been brought to the school’s attention by various observers is the exiting of the student lot at the end of the school day. Because there is only one exit, students rush to be the first out of the lot, causing dangerous situations. In fact, there have been quite a few damaging accidents already this year between different cars trying to exit the lot. Taken together, the student parking lot provides students with accessible and easy parking, but also has various problems that need to be addressed.
Boys Soccer Wrap-Up
By Maximus Ly
Every year, the Cohasset boys’ soccer gathers together to share one last good time. At the banquet, food is served and speeches are made. Coach Willis, Humphrey, Loft, and Philbey all made their speeches, showing their gratitude for the enjoyable season and a great time with the boys. Specifically, Head Coach Willis made a speech about all the players in the senior class, complimenting and joking around with all of them. Then speeches by senior captains Conor Thornton, Brayden Dibona, and Ronan Carne followed. They demonstrated their positive experience playing soccer for Cohasset and inspired the future generations of Cohasset soccer to carry on a legacy and positive culture that Cohasset has.
The boys soccer team finished the regular season with a record of 6-7-7 and finished the playoffs with a record of 9-8-7 beating St. Bernard in the preliminary round, beating 16 seed Maynard in the first round in overtime, winning in penalties against number one seeded Sutton, and unfortunately losing against number 8 seeded Northbridge in the round of eight. Overall, the boys’ soccer banquet was a great time that reflected the resilience of the soccer team throughout the season.
Winter Break Activities
By Paige Guerra
Winter break was extra long this year, giving students more time to relax and enjoy their winter traditions. Many students and teachers at CHS had fun, annual activities planned for the time off. History teacher and football coach, Coach A, says that he goes skiing with his family all week. History teacher Mr. Luvisi claims he watches Home Alone with his family during the holidays. Sophomore Tatum Bridge says that she opens Christmas presents with her grandparents and plays with her dogs. Sophomore Lane Monahan says that she makes holiday cookies with her grandparents and cousins. Junior Summer McDonough cooks dinner with her mom during winter break. Sophomore Kelsey Simms watches the Polar Express every Christmas Eve with her family. Sophomore Ella Wildfire says that she plays games with her dad. Lastly, sophomore Farris McLoughlin watches Elf with her family during the break.
Winter's Holiday Recipes
By Caitlin Simms
The holidays are an exciting time of the year that focuses on loved ones, comfort, and happiness. What better way to combine these aspects of the colder months than with baking sweet treats!? Here are simple recipes that need minimal materials to create delectable treats.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
To begin making these cookies, you preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in one bowl ¾ cup of sugar and ¾ cup of softened butter need to be creamed together until light and fluffy so that two large eggs and vanilla can be beaten into the mixture. In another bowl, 2 ¼ cups of flour, ½ cup of instant cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder are combined. Gradually beat these two bowls together while stirring in marshmallow bits and chocolate chips. Then, to finish up, you plop the dough onto greased baking sheets in the shape of small spheres and pop it in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Once they’ve cooked and cooled, you’ll have a scrumptious holiday treat to share with anyone you choose!
Holiday Fudge
To create this holiday dessert, it is critical to first line a 13x9 inch pan and coat the pan with cooking spray. Then, combine 4 ½ cups of sugar, 12 ounces of evaporated milk, and ½ cup of cubed butter. This mixture should be brought to a boil while being stirred constantly for 5 minutes. Then, mix in the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and chopped chocolate while folding in walnuts and vanilla to be immediately spread into the pan. After that, drizzle this mixture with white melted baking chocolate and let it cool completely. Once the fudge has cooled, use foil to lift the fudge out of the pan and then cut it into 96 small squares. You can store this wonderful treat between layers of waxed paper.
Hopefully these treats fill you with joy and comfort during these wintery times!!
Knock- Out Tourney
By Francesca Miele
On Friday, December 19, right before holiday break, an exciting game of Knockout commenced during utility in the gym. Knockout basketball is a single-file shooting game where players try to score before the person behind them, with the goal of being the last player standing. The Cohasset students who participated did just that. There were several impressive shots made from all corners of the court, which extended the match and made it super exciting. Congratulations to everyone who participated, and a special shoutout goes to our winner, Conner Thornton! Most importantly, everyone on the court looked like they were having a blast, and that's what matters most in friendly competition here at Cohasset High.
CHS Spinnaker
Editors: Amanda Fox and Lennox Wrixon
Website: cohassetk12.org
Location: 143 Pond Street, Cohasset, MA, USA
Phone: 781 383-6100