HopNews celebrates the Hopkinton High School Class of 2024's graduation and invites submissions detailing graduates' future endeavors. Send photos, names, schools, and majors to editor@hopnews.com for a frequently updated page. Check back regularly for new updates.

College decision time brings anxiety and anticipation for high school seniors, as seen with Hopkinton High School's students. Analysis of Naviance data and US News rankings shows Hopkinton students have an admissions advantage at several colleges, particularly Connecticut College and Clark University. Regional preferences and top college applications were highlighted, alongside the stark reality of also facing deferrals and denials. The Common App's role in college loyalty and trends in geographic college choices, such as the attraction to the South Atlantic region, were also discussed.

Hopkinton High School's Class of 2024 is hosting an online auction from March 1-11 to fund senior activities, disrupted by their unique freshman year due to COVID-19. On offer are items like Kenny Chesney tickets and a cape house weekend.

In the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a decreasing birth rate trend, a phenomenon reflected in Massachusetts with varying impacts. Hopkinton, however, experienced a significant birth rate increase, challenging demographer Arthur Wagman's enrollment projections for local schools. The Wagman report underestimated Hopkinton's birth and school enrollment rates, impacting school capacity planning and necessitating expansions, including a $49 million project for Hopkins School to address overcapacity and infrastructural needs.

At the TVL Showcase, the Hopkinton Hillers Boys' team clinched first with 74 points, while the Girls' team took second with 69 points, led by standout performers in the hurdles and sprints. Drew Bialobrzeski shined with an 8.07s 55m hurdle, and Loryn Canty won the 55m dash in 7.28s, edging out Norton's Strynar by a hair. The strong finish signals high hopes for the Spring session and State competitions.

Kristen Turner of Hopkinton requested that the Select Board postpone the Hopkins School Addition, criticizing the lack of transparency, failure to pursue MSBA funding, and disputed enrollment projections. She contends the School Committee misinformed residents about funding eligibility and stressed the addition's $50 million cost. Turner recommends deferring the project to align with other school timelines and verify enrollment trends, highlighting the tax burden on homeowners.

On January 26, the Hopkinton Girls Varsity basketball program hosted a Youth Night for...

The Hopkinton Public Schools are seeking community input for naming a new elementary school, emphasizing significant educational contributions to Hopkinton. The School Committee requires potential namesakes to demonstrate leadership, citizenship, service, character, and ethics. Input can be given at meetings or by email, with the final decision on March 14, 2024.

To address staff turnover at Town Hall, HopNews Editor-in-Chief Peter Thomas suggests a novel approach: allow full-time employees to enroll their kids in Hopkinton's public schools. The proposal, anticipated to add just 36 students, could greatly enhance recruitment and retention. The idea could also be implemented using an inter-district school choice program, potentially leaving the town with no financial burden.

At a joint School Committee and Select Board meeting, Lori Nickerson was appointed to fill a seat vacated by Holly Morand. Five potential candidates were considered. The vote saw a majority support for Nickerson with Wronka trailing closely behind. The term, set to end in May 2024, primarily involves finalising the school budget and communicating the planned Hopkins School addition.

The School Committee and Select Board will host a joint session to appoint a replacement for Holly Morand, following her resignation. Five candidates: Karen Mulik, Ashley Fogg, Christopher Masters, Jamie Wronka, and Lori Nickerson have applied for the role. The decision will be made during the session through question rounds and voting by the members.

On November 28, Hopkinton voters approved a measure to borrow funds for a new Elmwood School with a 61% majority; 1,629 votes were cast in total. The school's construction is set to begin in 2024 and finish by 2027.