Although Christmas is a time of joy and reflection, it is also a reminder of the might of community and compassion. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another special holiday, this season beckons us to unite in gratitude and goodwill.

James G. Pyne, 82, of Hopkinton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Margaret (Walick) and Joseph Pyne. He was the husband of 56 years to Bev Pyne of Hopkinton. Jim was a proud lifelong resident of Hopkinton.

The Festivus holiday, held on December 23rd, is an unofficial holiday popularized as a quirky and humorous alternative to the traditional holiday season. Festivus, first mentioned in the 1997 television show "Seinfeld," has broken free of its TV origins and become a cultural touchstone for many.

“Sam never gives up on kids, and she wouldn’t let kids give up on themselves,” says Sarah Ellam, HHS’s English Department Chair. “Sam has an innate talent for teaching; her very being represents both the art and science of teaching: she has a passion for the subject of English, a vast knowledge of the craft of teaching, and she brings out the best in the students, especially those who may not know they have those skills inside themselves.”