Important considerations when deciding whether to add solar panels to your home

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By the Clean Energy Climate Action Committee

If you have a home or business in Hull, and you are considering solar, here is some information that may be useful.

The average U.S. home uses about 30kW hours per day, which translates into about 16 solar panels, or an 8.5kW system (Source: Solar.com). There are plenty of online calculators and resources to help consumers determine how many solar panels or which type of system best suits your needs and budget.

There are federal and state tax incentives for purchasing solar systems. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, you get 30% of the total cost of your system back in the form of a federal tax credit until 2032 (Source: www.energy.gov/eere).

In Massachusetts, you will receive 15% of the total cost back as an income tax credit of $1,000 per year for up to three years, a $3,000 maximum. This means if you purchase a $20,000 solar system you would actually pay $11,000 after all the tax rebates. Solar panels and associated equipment are sales tax exempt. Plus, you get the net metering and energy savings each year for the life of the system.

Some solar companies provide finance options to reduce upfront costs. However, the Hull Municipal Light Plant (HMLP) does not allow customers to lease solar panels, called Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). HMLP considers these agreements to be competitive rather than cooperative, so your only option for now in Hull is to buy solar panels.

Owning solar panels allows consumers to benefit from money generated from the excess power they produce by selling it back to the power company via an interconnection agreement. HMLP pays a much higher rate for solar generated electricity than is typical – a generous 21 cents per kWh. This far exceeds the national average of 6-8 cents per kWh. Hull’s rate compares very favorably to surrounding municipal light plants.

For historical context, in 2015 only three homes in Hull had solar power. Today, thanks in part to generous net metering terms set in 2015 by HMLP, 51 homes have solar. While the HMLP limits the size of solar to 15kW, HMLP voted to consider commercial solar installations on a case-by-case basis. The HMLP also raised the cap on maximum production from solar for the town to enable more people to add solar panels.

In Hull, you need to fill out a seven-page application which is available on the light plant’s website. Your installer or electrician and inspector need to fill out part of the form.

Solar systems can be programmed to automatically power up in advance of storms or disconnect from the power grid during power outages. For nights, cloudy days, and backup power during service outages, you can add storage batteries. They can also help to maximize your power output. There are smartphone apps that allow consumers to track how much power you produce and consume, and to adjust the charge level of the batteries. As more batteries come online, Hull’s light plant will explore the possibilities of working with homeowners to utilize those batteries during peak demand hours for peak shaving purposes, which will result in lower prices for ratepayers, and less stress on the grid.

With the net metering payment in Hull at such a high rate and the monthly savings easing your energy bills for the life of the system, solar may be a worthy investment. If the idea is enticing but you have more questions, members of Hull’s Clean Energy Climate Action Committee would be happy to help.

For more information, see Hull2030.com and the Hull Municipal Light Plant website, www.town.hull.ma.us/hull-municipal-light-plant.

Thanks to HMLP for providing rate and other information for this article.

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Three men with ties to Christ by the Sea Collaborative ordained as deacons in Catholic Church

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Three men familiar to the Christ by the Sea Collaborative of St. Mary’s Parish of Hull and St. Anthony of Padua Parish of Cohasset were ordained as Transitional Deacons for the Archdiocese of Boston on Saturday May 13 – Matthew Harrington, who is currently assigned to the collaborative, as well as Christopher Letizia and Hung Tran, who have previously served at the parishes during their formation.

CELEBRATING A MILESTONE. Matthew Harrington, fifth from left, was ordained a Transitional Deacon for the Archdiocese of Boston on May 13. Father Scott Euvrard is to the right and Father William Sexton is on the left. Celebrating the occasion with him are, from left, parishioners Anne Finley, Gale Page, Dolores Lorusso, Dan Sullivan, Anthony Lorusso, Vanessa Lorusso, Maureen Kane, Anne Finley, and Barbara Lawlor. Also attending the ceremony were Rob Mortel and Bernie DelGuidice. [Photo courtesy of Christ by the Sea Collaborative]

In the summer of 2022, Harrington began his two-year placement at Christ by the Sea Collaborative; as an ordained deacon, he will be with the collaborative again this summer. During the 2023-24 academic year, Harrington will be with the collaborative on the weekends for more pastoral formation, especially around preaching and celebration of sacraments appropriate to a deacon.

The evening before the trip to Boston to attend the ordination at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Mother Church of the Archdiocese, parishioners prayed a Holy Hour for all 12 of the seminarians who were to be ordained. Deacon Paul Rooney, who led the group in prayer with Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, asked that the “Holy Spirit guide them (seminarians) in their ministry as Deacons.”

Pastor Father Scott Euvrard, Parochial Vicar William P. Sexton, and Rooney were “happy to be celebrating this milestone” in the life of the seminarians with 11 parishioners who were “excited” and “honored” to be attending the ordination of the men to the transitional diaconate.

On the bus to Boston, Father Scott said a prayer which culminated with “Let the 12 ordinations be an inspiration, as they come to serve the church in word and deed.”

“The deacon is configured to Christ the Servant; not to be served, but to serve…Deacon means servant in Greek,” Father Will said.

“The trip is in line with the priorities of the collaborative to create a culture of vocations and an awareness of religious life,” said Tina DelGuidice, who organized the trip. “The ordination ceremony reminds me of the higher calling of the clergy… priests and deacons make a higher promise to set aside a worldly life to minister to the flock; their promises look beyond self.”

Dan Sullivan, parishioner and member of the collaborative men’s group, said he was there “showing support for the deacons he knows who served our parish, especially Matthew, who has been a wonderful facilitator and discussion leader at men’s group.”

CELEBRATING A MASS. Boston Archbishop Sean O’Malley was the principal celebrant at the Mass at Saturday’s ordination ceremony at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. [Dolores Lorusso photo]

“I love going into the cathedral… I am honored to know and celebrate these fellows; a lot of churches do not have the privilege of having seminarians spend time with them,” said St. Mary’s parishioner Maureen Kane.

The Rite of Ordination of Deacons as stated in the Roman Pontifical, says the newly ordained deacons “will draw new strength from the gift of the Holy Spirit. They will help the bishop and his body of priests as ministers of the word, of the altar, and of charity. They will make themselves servants to all. As ministers of the altar they will proclaim the Gospel, prepare the sacrifice, and give the Lord’s body and blood to the community of believers.”

“Deacons are our good Samaritans,” said Archbishop Sean Patrick O’Malley, principal celebrant and homilist. “They are our spiritual first responders…to build bridges of reconciliation…the glory of this particular office lies in the servanthood quality Jesus modeled to the community.”

As part of the ceremony, the men made “public promises” to deepen their life of prayer.

“As deacons, an important part of the mission is to pray for the church, the whole world, and countless situations people bring to you,” O’Malley said.

After all the diaconal candidates have made the promise of obedience, the bishop invites the people to pray that the “Father will mercifully pour out his blessings on these servants whom, in his kindness, he raises to the sacred order of the diaconate.” At this highly dramatic moment in the ordination, all the diaconal candidates lie prostrate before the altar as a sign of their “humble submission” to God’s will while the assembly kneels in prayer for them.

“The moment that stood out most to me is during the litany of the saints as you are lying there on the ground prostrate and the whole church is praying for you. It is highly moving,” said Harrington. “None of it is our own work; it is all God’s work.”

Harrington, who began serving his home parish in the second grade as an altar server, said he is “looking forward to spending more time with the people in Hull and Cohasset, ministering to their needs.”

Harrington’s mother, Karen, said she and her husband Frank are “both pleased and blessed that in today’s society Matthew was able to answer this call…God did this; as his parents we just supported him.” 

“Matthew has always been strong in his faith journey…very active in the parish from a young age. When he gets involved he dives in,” his father added.

Proving his father’s point, as soon as Harrington was ordained deacon, he dove right in and served as deacon at the altar during the ordination Mass.

“It was an exceptional ceremony. Amazing to see three people we know be a part of that, especially Matthew who was at the center of everything… Matthew has a talent for being master of ceremonies, he is going to make an excellent priest,” said parishioner Rob Mortel.

Seminarian Aaron Yohe, who began serving at the collaborative with Harington last year, just completed his pastoral year with St. Anthony of Padua Parish and Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish. Yohe’s last day at the collaborative was Sunday, May 14, and he will be missed.

Yohe is awaiting his next pastoral assignment, which will culminate with his ordination as a transitional deacon in 2024.

“I am going to miss Aaron; he was involved in so many things…he even participated in knitting club,” said Kane. “God willing, I will attend his diaconate ordination next year.”

“The entire service is magnificent, the procession, the music, the whole environment, it is all very moving…it reinforces the important role clergy plays in our lives. I am honored and privileged to support these men on their journey. Each of them will always be connected to our collaborative which I am happy and blessed to be a part of,” said Anne Finley, parish small group leader.

Harrington will offer his first homily at all Masses at St. Anthony of Padua Parish and St. Mary Parish Saturday the weekend of June 16-17.

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Summer’s coming – and so is The Hull Times Summer Guide!

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Summer will be here before you know it, and so will the The Hull Times Summer Guide!

The long-anticipated annual publication is set for Thursday, June 8, and provides residents and visitors with all they need to know about spending the summer in Hull and along Nantasket Beach. The centerpiece is the Community Calendar of Events, which begins in June and includes events and activities throughout the summer and into fall, topping off with the Endless Summer festival.

Community and non-profit groups are invited to submit their calendar items and press releases about summer activities by June 2. Advertising space is still available in the guide, including select spots on full-color pages.

To take advantage of advertising opportunities, contact Tom Foye (781-925-1515 or office@hulltimes.com) or Dolores Lorusso (617-872-9954 or dolores.lorusso@gmail.com).

For information about submitting news, photos, and notices of upcoming events, call the Times office at 781-925-9266 or email news@hulltimes.com.

This publication is our most anticipated issue of the year. The Guide is free, mailed to all Hull households, and thousands of extra copies are printed and distributed all over town from June through the fall, for easy pick-up. We also feature the Guide on our website, hulltimes.com. Your message will be seen multiple times as residents and visitors consult its pages all season long for the best things to do, places to go, and menus to plan their days and nights on the peninsula.

The Guide is full of detailed information about upcoming events, special offers from the business community, great stories about Hull from our talented reporters, and of course, it’s all supported by our loyal advertisers.

If you are a local business, restaurant, or service provider, you need to be a part of this annual tradition! If you are a community organization, your events need to be part of the calendar of events! We’ll be reaching out to potential advertisers in the coming weeks to share all the details. But of course, prime space is limited, so you can reserve your spot now by contacting our sales department today. We’re gathering information on calendar items and features now, so please send us the details as soon as possible.

The weather is getting warmer, and soon we’ll be ready to celebrate summer in Hull.

With your copy of The Hull Times Summer Guide, you will, too!

'Held over:' With election in limbo, incumbents remain in office; town manager search moving ahead

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Until issues surrounding the May 15 town election are resolved and the results certified, current town officials will remain in office to ensure the continuity of town government, according to a Town Clerk Lori West.

The select board will meet on Wednesday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at town hall to hear a report on finalist candidates from the town manager search committee, among other business items. Town Manager Philip Lemnios is retiring at the end of June.

Following a Brockton Superior Court judge’s denial last week of the town’s request to count about 80 votes that were cast after the traditional closure of the polls at 8 p.m., both the certification of the election results and seating of new officials remains on hold.

The polls remained open until 10 p.m. on the night of the election due to a fire on Q Street that left some residents unable to reach the high school, and some were apparently told by public safety officials that they would not be able to vote.

In a statement issued May 20, West said that an elected officer of the town serves until his or her successor is elected and sworn in, or “qualified.”

While the judge’s decision called into question the validity of the election “due to the unfortunate disruption of the voting,” West pointed out that “although raising questions about whether voters may have been excluded, [the judge] did not declare the election invalid or mandate a new election.”

Because the annual town election results are not yet final, candidates appearing on the ballot have not yet been elected, and cannot be sworn into office. “The elected incumbents of those offices, regardless of whether they ran for re-election, remain in office as hold over officials with all the same powers and duties they exercised prior to the date of the election.” This means that on the select board, Domenico Sestito, who did not seek another term, and Donna Pursel, who placed fourth in the May 15 balloting, remain on the board. By extension, other officials, such as school committee member Stephanie Peters, who did not run for re-election, also is still a member, as is Hull Redevelopment Authority member Max Walder.

West said she continues to work with town officials and legal counsel “to develop a plan to finalize this election,” which will include filing another motion with the Superior Court to ask for additional guidance and clarification on possible resolutions.

“I will post the town’s papers on the [Town of Hull] website immediately after filing and will directly provide all candidates with a courtesy copy,” West said.

This is a “highly unusual situation with few historic examples to follow,” she said in the statement. “I will continue to try to balance the interests of the candidates and the voters of the town who did and did not cast ballots, to ensure a fair, equitable, and transparent 2023 election process in the Town of Hull.”

The number of voters who cast ballots during the May 15 town election -- approximately 2,400 -- made for one of the largest turnouts in the past several years, West noted.

Judge says Monday's results 'not valid,' declares 'new election is the only just remedy'

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A Brockton Superior Court judge has declared that Hull’s election is “not valid” and recommended that a new election be held to compensate for the delays caused by detours that prevented some voters from getting to the polls on Monday.

A three-alarm fire that destroyed a home on Q Street caused road closures while crews battled the flames, preventing some voters from reaching the polls at the high school before 8 p.m. Voting was extended for two hours, and 80 people cast their votes between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The town asked the judge to issue an emergency order validating the extension of voting hours.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ THE JUDGE’S FULL DECISION.

Late Wednesday, Superior Court Justice Brian S. Glenny denied the extension and went further, writing in a seven-page decision: “In the view of the Court, the May 15, 2023 election was not valid… In the view of the Court, a new election is the only just remedy for the unfortunate circumstances of May 15, 2023.”

On Thursday morning, Town Clerk Lori West said the election results cannot be certified and new officials are unable to take office while the results are in question. She said the town is weighing its options and would not speculate on the next steps until final decisions have been made.

Read the full decision by clicking here.

Glenny cited the fact that “citizens attempting to travel to the high school to vote were informed by public safety officials that they would not be able to vote due to the emergency but were not informed at that time that there would be remedial action to ensure residents’ right to vote.” He also indicated that at least one race, the Hull Redevelopment Authority contest between Patrick Finn and Daniel Kernan, has a 15-vote margin, which is “close enough to be impacted by the blocking of the road to the polling place.”

He added that “although the town made a good faith effort to notify town residents about the extension of voting hours, there is no guarantee that those citizens who were initially prevented from voting: 1) received this information and 2) were able to avail themselves of the additional opportunity to vote. Accordingly, there exists a very real likelihood that citizens were disenfranchised during the May 15, 2023 town election.”

Watch this site for additional updates.

- Christopher Haraden

Hull’s leadership in limbo as judge’s ruling ‘calls into question the validity’ of election

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By Carol Britton Meyer 

The certification of election results and seating of new officials is on hold after a judge denied the town’s request to count votes cast after the traditional closure of the polls at 8 p.m. on Monday, the town clerk said Wednesday. The judge’s decision also “calls into question the validity of the election due to the unfortunate disruption of the voting,” Town Clerk Lori West said in an email message. 

On Thursday morning, West said the town is considering “next steps” but would not speculate on whether the judge’s decision means that a new election is required.  

STAY TUNED. AT 10 p.m. on election night, TOWN CLERK LORI WEST announced the results as of the traditional end of voting at 8 p.m. A judge has denied the town’s request to count the votes cast between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. [Skip Tull photo]

The issue occurred on Monday, when a three-alarm fire that destroyed a home on Q Street caused road closures while crews battled the flames, preventing some voters from reaching the polls at the high school before 8 p.m. Voting was extended for two hours, and 80 people cast their votes between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The town asked a Brockton Superior Court judge to issue an emergency order validating the extension of voting hours. The judge denied the request late Wednesday. 

The election results cannot be certified and new officials are unable to take office while the results are in question, necessitating the cancellation of Wednesday’s select board meeting. Three new members were elected Monday based on the results announced as of 8 p.m., and the additional 80 votes that could be added to the totals would not change the outcome of that race. The terms of two members of the current four-member board were due to expire on Election Day. 

“After consulting with the state Elections Division, the Town of Hull has been advised that until the pending Superior Court decision is made, a certification of the election cannot occur,” West said. “No candidate can be sworn into office until this matter is resolved.” 

On Monday, the detours prompted the election team and Hull’s emergency management team – consisting of the town manager, town counsel, the police and fire departments, and others – to take “decisive action to ensure the rights of voters and candidates,” West told The Hull Times. 

Town Counsel James Lampke and West contacted the Secretary of State’s Elections Division for guidance. Lampke and West decided that the most prudent course of action would be to keep the polls open for two additional hours “so that any voters who had turned around, or who didn’t head down to vote knowing the road was closed, would have adequate time to exercise their right to vote,” West said. 

Once that decision was made, word got out via a recorded telephone message, the school department, Hull cable television, social media, word of mouth, and other means to alert citizens of the extended hours, and candidates who were at the high school were provided with updates. 

On Tuesday, May 16, Lampke asked Brockton Superior Court to issue an emergency order approving the extended hours and allowing the counting of the ballots. 

“I prepare and train my staff for many ‘what ifs’ that may pop up during elections,” West said. “However, while contingency plans are in place to deal with many issues, the extraordinary ‘what if’ that occurred on Monday is one that was never expected.” 

The results of the 80 votes could have had an impact on the unofficial results that were posted Monday night – in particular, the close race for the five-year Hull Redevelopment Authority seat. In the results announced Monday, Patrick Finn had 1,075 votes to Daniel Kernan’s 1,060. In the race for two school committee seats, Fay Ferency had 911 votes and there were 940 write-ins, although it’s unclear how many of those 940 votes went to Regan Yakubian, who ran a sticker campaign. School Committee member Ernest Minelli was re-elected with 1,032 votes; Colby Mahoney had 589 votes. 

Despite delayed vote count, McCann, Taverna, McCarthy win Select Board seats

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Editor’s Note: These interviews were conducted before the candidates were informed that a Brockton Superior Court judge issued an opinion in which he said Hull’s May 15 election results were “not valid” and recommended holding a new election.

The Hull Select Board has three new faces after Jason McCann, Jerry Taverna, and Brian McCarthy were the top vote-getters in Monday’s annual town election.

McCann topped the ticket, winning 1,207 votes to Taverna’s 844 votes in the race for two three-year terms on the board. McCarthy’s 1,065 votes earned him a two-year term on the board. These results are based on those as of the customary 8 p.m. closing time for the polls, although the voting hours were extended by two hours due to road closures while crews fought a three-alarm fire Monday afternoon.

STANDING PAT. Hull Municipal Light Board member Pat Cannon ran unopposed for re-election, but that didn’t stop him from staking out a spot among the blizzard of campaign signs outside the polls at Hull High School on Monday. [Skip Tull photo] 

According to the 8 p.m. tally announced by Town Clerk Lori West at 10 p.m. on election night, select board Chair Donna Pursel, who ran for re-election, came in fourth with 502 votes to David Gibbons’s 578 votes; Philip Bellone earned 216; Moraiba Reyes finished with 329; and Kathleen Barclay had 382 votes. Incumbent Domenico Sestito did not run for another term.

McCann told The Hull Times that he’s “really excited to represent the people of Hull, including the gay community – which is a big part of our town and growing” – as a new select board member. “I’m looking forward to moving forward with the selection of a new town manager and also revisiting the town’s capital plan as soon as possible,” he said.

While on the campaign trail, McCann listened to every constituent with whom he talked.

“We had real conversations about what they care about, and I look forward to being their voice on the select board,” he said.

McCann believes that his past experiences serving on the planning board, Community Preservation Committee, and zoning board of appeals have prepared him for a seat on the select board.

“I feel that this is the next natural step,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to serving with Greg Grey and Irwin Nesoff, who I know from other activities in town, and the other select board members. I think it will be a very positive experience – five people with a good working relationship doing good things for the town.”

He expressed appreciation for his solid core of campaign volunteers, as well as all the other citizens from different parts of Hull who helped during standouts and events and on Election Day.

After many years of traveling for his job, Taverna has made some career changes and is now “in a good place” to serve the town, he told The Hull Times.

“When the three select board positions opened up, I was approached by several people [about running for office], and that planted the seed,” he said. “The response was extremely positive.”

Looking forward, Taverna feels that it’s time for “a bit of a shift in priorities – more toward the senior community and their needs and making necessary infrastructure improvements” – including town hall, the police and fire stations, and the senior center.

“I understand there’s a lot of planning going on [for a number of projects], and it will be cool and interesting to be part of that, along with the [Hull Public Schools] consolidation plan,” Taverna said.

As someone with a great appreciation for Hull’s history, he envisions the town offering trolley tours of different historic places around the community.

“I see this as an untapped avenue for [people to explore] Fort Revere, the Hull Lifesaving Museum, our amazing beaches, and other attractions,” he explained.

Taverna also plans on talking with Town Counsel James Lampke and Town Manager Philip Lemnios to address the issue of whether he would be able to vote on the new town manager since his wife, Joan Taverna, is Hull’s Public Health Director.

“This situation is not unprecedented, especially in a small town,” he said. “I’m sure there are certain policies in place, and there will be full transparency. I want to get this on the table right away so that there are no issues.”

With regard to voting on the health department budget, Taverna said he will recuse himself.

McCarthy captured the two-year open select board seat, filling the vacancy created by Jennifer Constable’s resignation earlier this year, winning 1,065 votes to James Ianiri’s 731 and Steven Greenberg’s 503.

In keeping with his campaign slogan, “Experience Matters,” McCarthy feels he’s a good fit for the job.

“I served on the council on aging for 26 years and also on the housing authority and board of assessors, and earlier on the finance committee, which is now called the advisory Board,” he told The Hull Times. “I’ve been to hundreds of meetings, and I think I have the experience, know-how, and education to step into this new role on day one.”

As an interesting aside, McCarthy ran unsuccessfully for select board 30 years ago this month.

“I didn’t have the experience back then,” he said. “I’m looking forward to giving it a shot now – to help the town move forward while facing a number of important decisions. If we make a good one about the new town manager, there can be a seamless transition. If we don’t get it right, that will set the town back.”

With regard to the Hull Public Schools consolidation, which he called “another hot-button issue,” McCarthy said it’s important “to go through the process and ensure that we get it right for the kids.”

He continues to be an advocate for Hull’s older residents.

“I have a soft spot for the senior citizens of this town,” he said.

McCarthy expressed appreciation for his team of campaign volunteers.

“They pushed me to get out there on weekends and weekdays, holding signs and greeting commuters,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”

There were three candidates for two seats on the school committee – one occupied by incumbent Ernest Minelli and the other vacancy resulting from Stephanie Peters’s announcement that she would not run for another term.

Minelli won 1,032 votes; Fay Ferency, 911; and Colby Mahoney, 589, with 940 write-ins. It was unclear how many of those votes were for Regan Yakubian, who was a write-in candidate, and whether she captured enough votes to win the seat.

In the closely-watched contest for the Hull Redevelopment Authority, Patrick Finn had a 15-vote lead over Daniel Kernan, 1,075 to 1,060, for the five-year term, while Adrienne Paquin defeated Edwin Parsons, 1,356 to 706, for the three-year term.

In the race for two seats on the board of assessors, Mario Grieco had 1,460 votes and Pamela Sinton-Coffman had 1,307.

James Richman, the sole candidate for the Housing Authority seat, won 1,578 votes. James Pitrolo was the only candidate for the two-year planning board seat, with 1,446 votes.

Incumbent Harry Hibbard and Nancy Boyce ran for the two planning board seats, winning 1,203 and 1,361 votes respectively.

Patrick Cannon and Jacob Vaillancourt – both incumbents – were the only candidates for two seats on the municipal light board, with 1,454 and 1,332 votes respectively.

Celia Nolan and Duncan Stone were the only candidates for two three-year library trustee seats, and James Miller III was the sole candidate for the one-year library trustee seat, with Emily Garr winning the most votes for the two-year library trustee seat, with 1,117 votes to Sasha Green’s 569..

Click here for the full list of unofficial results.

No injuries reported as three-alarm fire destroys bayfront home on Q Street

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On Monday, May 15, a three-alarm fire destroyed the home at 5 Q St. in a relatively short period of time after it was first reported around 5:30 p.m. Wind-whipped flames sent smoke high into the sky and blocked traffic on Nantasket Avenue. As a result, the polls stayed open at Hull High School tonight until 10 p.m. Firefighters reported that the residents were not injured, although a family pet reportedly was lost in the fire. Photos by Skip Tull.

Senior Week marks the end of school for Class of 2023

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By Victoria Dolan

During the past week, Hull High School seniors have taken part in a multitude of fun activities to celebrate their last week of classes before they graduate.

Hull High brought in different activities throughout the week, such as an ice cream truck and a taco truck, to treat the seniors during their last week. Senior parents also hosted brunch and a barbecue, and a motivational speaker addressed the class.

As they finished up projects and studied for any final exams they may have to take next week in order to graduate, the seniors also followed spirit week themes to further celebrate their last week. From “Decision Day,” where students wore clothing displaying their post-high school plans, to wearing the outfits of the careers their younger selves imagined pursuing, students in the grade brought the energy for their last week through the themes.

After all, this time is “to celebrate the seniors,” explained senior advisor Elizabeth Stankiewicz, who helped plan many of the events. “It’s an exciting time for them, and a time to say goodbye as a school.”

The seniors’ last day was a busy one – they took a lap inside the school and ate breakfast from Shipwreck’d, and ended the day with a rally in the gym counting down until the end of their shortened school day. As they ran out, the juniors donned their new senior shirts and ran from the junior bleachers to the senior bleachers to mark the transition.

“It’s a tradition we’ve done since I’ve been here,” said Stankiewicz, who thinks “it’s a fun way for them [the seniors] to be dismissed.”

And though their classes may be over, the seniors still have more to look forward to. While they may not be so excited about their final exams week next week, they will also attend prom next Thursday. Then, after they graduate on June 3, they will bring back “grad night” and stay overnight in the school until the next morning.

“I hope they enjoy the last few events that they have together as a class, having fun with each other,” said Stankiewicz.

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint. For questions or comments, please contact dolan.victorialani@gmail.com.

In the Sport-light - news about local sports teams — stars, scores, and standings

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By Matt Haraden 

Boys 3/4 Soccer played two games this past weekend, their first being a 9-3 win over Hanover on Friday. The goals were scored by Christopher Reilly, Ethan Medina, Tomas Bromberg-Issokson, and Will McCarthy. Strong defense came from Silas Van Slyke, Spencer Dance, Ryder Lankas, and Jack O’Mara. Killian Kelly played strong in net for the first half. The team’s second game of the weekend was a 4-1 win against Kingston Team 1 on Saturday. Ethan Medina netted two goals, while Will McCarthy and Spencer Dance were responsible for the other two. These wins improve the team to 6-1 on the season. Their next game is against Kingston Team 3 on Saturday. Boys 5/6 lost a close game to Duxbury on Saturday, May 6, with a final score of 5-4. Down 4-1 at the half, the Pirates rallied back with three straight goals in the second to tie it. Duxbury netted the game-winning goal in the final minutes of regulation. Luka Truglia had two of Hull’s goals, while JD McAuliffe and Macklin Concannon scored the other two. Jack Ranger, Cody Miller, and PK Gunderson were also stellar on the defensive side of the field. The team played again on Saturday, losing another close one against Plympton at home, with a final score of 6-5. JD McAuliffe had two goals for Hull, while Macklin Concannon, Luka Truglia, and Dominic Ramos had one each. The team is now 2-4 on the season. Boys 7/8 played close against Halifax on Saturday, May 13, with a 1-1 tie giving neither team the win. Tristan Lofgren had a great game in goal, with the whole team playing strong defense. Christian Truglia scored the lone goal for Hull, with great efforts coming from Finn Walsh, Jacob Friedman, Mason DelGallo, Iktan Mundo, Patrick Hughes, and Cameron Her. The team plays Carver on the road next on Saturday.

DOUBLY GOOD NEWS. The Boys 3/4 Soccer team beat both Hanover and Kingston this week to improve its record to 5-1. This Saturday, the boys will play in Kingston at 12:30 p.m. vs. Kingston team 3. [Photo by Courtney McCarthy]

Girls 3/4 Soccer Team 2 was bested by Hanover at home, falling to the road team, 4-1. Stella Palermo had the lone goal for Hull, with other strong offensive performances coming from Reese Irby and Sydney Bullen. Josie Tyrell and Ashleigh Mackey played well in net, helped by solid defensive games from Deidre Flaherty and Sydney O’Brien. Alex Griffin also did a good job holding down the midfield. Girls 5/6 lost a tough game on the road to Duxbury, with a final score of 8-0. The team is now 0-5 on the season and seeks its first victory at home against Carver on Saturday. Girls 7/8 defeated Hanover, 4-2, this past weekend, improving to 2-1-1 on the season. Libby Harper had a hat-trick, with Gianna Thorne scoring Hull’s other goal. Assists came from Pixie Dwyer and Brianna Ramos. Bella Walsh, Meg Chiba, and Lily Nunes all contributed strong performances. The team plays Halifax at home on Saturday.

Boys 7/8 Lacrosse took down an undermanned Boston team this Mother’s Day, with a final score of 8-4. Captain Sam Szabo and Landen Manfredi had two goals each for Hull, with Manfredi adding two assists to his stat line as well. Rocco Sestito netted a goal while also snagging four ground balls in the field. Picking up its second win on the season, the team will look to avenge an early-season loss against Dedham/Norwood on Sunday.

Girls 3/4 Lacrosse won a close battle against Scituate on Sunday, 11-10. Cordelia Hennessey started the scoring with a great goal, assisted by Piper Yakubian. Reese Irby scored the last goal for the Pirates, securing their win. Great defense was played by Frankie Rockett, Scarlett Reilly, Josie Tyrell, and Abby Donovan, as they frustrated Scituate’s offense on their home field. The team plays Whitman-Hanson on Sunday. Girls 5/6 played tough against Quincy, but could not get the win, falling 11-7 on Sunday. Ava Palermo led Hull in scoring with three goals, Cassady Reilly had two, and Tessa Schultz and Evelyn Concannon each scored one goal. Olivia Michaelides worked hard defending the net, with help from Kennedy Huxtable. The team next faces Whitman-Hanson on Sunday.

SPLIT DECISION. The Boys 5/6 Soccer team lost 5-4 to Duxbury, but bounced back this week to defeat Plympton, 6-5. [Photo courtesy of Brendan Kilroe]

Since their win against #9 Stoughton, Hull High Girls Lacrosse has gone on a 3-4 stretch. The Pirates beat St. Joseph’s Prep twice and Abington once, with losses to Middleboro, Quincy, North Quincy, and Cohasset. The team is now 12-4 on the season and will take on Stoughton at home on Thursday, May 18, where they will honor their seniors and celebrate youth lacrosse with a halftime game. On Saturday, May 20, the team takes on Mystic Valley Regional at home.

The Hull High Baseball Team has been on a 1-7 stretch since April 28. Their sole win was a 4-1 victory over Holbrook. Their most recent game, a close 7-6 loss to South Shore Technical on Monday, featured a big hitting day for the Pirates, with 11 total hits on the day, two of them being doubles. Coach Mike O’Donnell says the team has been hitting well as of late, and the coach also praised the Pirates’ pitching, saying they have been making improvements each game. The team’s next game is at home against Rockland on May 18.

D-1 Girls Softball is off to a strong start to the season. In the opener against Hingham, Willa Britton hit a double in her first at-bat of the season. Leah Dibley and Erin Goodfellow also had RBI singles in the game. Rosie Yarus pitched three strong innings, with other good pitching outings from Ryleigh Mooney and Bianka Truglia. In their past game against Scituate, first year player Julianna Moore-DaSilva logged four outs herself playing at both first and third base. D-2 Team 1 had a late-inning comeback against Hingham Team 3 on Monday, but fell short, losing 15-9. The effort was capped off by a triple play from Natalie Tiani and Isabella Allen. Allen also made her pitching debut and earned the game ball for her strong outing. Giuliana Donato had a hit late that got two runs home, helping build the comeback. Ayla Gibbons and Tori Hagerty had great plays in the field to keep Hingham from scoring runs early. D-2 Team 2 pulled out a great win against Hingham on Wednesday, May 10, with a score of 15-12. Great work on the field by Lily Beaumier, Abbie Donovan, Erin Goodfellow was complemented by outstanding catching by Josie Tyrell. Abbie Fleming made a good play on the mound, tagging a runner while she was on her way home. She also had a big hit that resulted in three RBIs. Sophie Munn also had a two-RBI hit, and Brooke Briggs had a big double. Kelsea Dunlap closed the game, striking out three Hingham batters in the final inning. The team beat Norwell in another close game on Monday, 11-10. Kelsea Dunlap had a strong pitching outing and Josie Tyrell played well at catcher. Great fielding plays were made by Brooke Briggs, Sophie Munn, Abby Fleming, Keira Nashawaty, Abby Donovan, and Nadia Hristov. D-3 Team 1 suffered a tough loss to Scituate this past week. Catcher Leigha McClory was great behind the plate, catching foul balls and having a few good at-bats. Rachel Timins and Alyssa Donato had strong performances on the mound, supported by good outfield play from Ava Beaumier and Ainslie Lynch. Brianna Ramos played well at first base, diving for a ball to get an out. The team looks to bounce back in their next matchup against Norwell. D-3 Team 3 lost 24-17 in a high-scoring game to Cohasset after a late surge, resulting in nine runs in the ninth inning. Jayda Freeman had a good day on the mound, striking out many Cohasset batters. Natalie Reilly also had a great game at first base. The team bounced back in its next game to beat Norwell Team 3, 15-11.

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