Student poetry and musical performances were the featured acts at the Tappan Zee High School English Honor Society’s 21st Annual Hepcat event last Friday night!
The highly popular event was founded in 2002 by TZHS English teachers Sarah McMane and Michael Matulac and a small group of students; by 2004, it had become an EHS production. Since then, Hepcat has grown to include over 30 performers, dozens of backstage crew members, student directors, and lighting and sound technicians who transform the TZHS library into a coffeehouse-type performance space with ambient lighting, rugs, pillows, and plenty of coffee and pastries.
For many performers, Friday marked their first time participating in Hepcat. “I had never gone to or participated in Hepcat before. I took creative writing for the first time this year. I now have such a love for it and I’m always writing in my free time. This has been such an amazing experience and it’s so nice to see so many talented people in one spot,” said junior Oliana T.
After two years of hosting the event virtually, seniors were especially grateful for the return to in-person performance. “I participated in Hepcat during my freshman year and, because of COVID, we haven’t been able to host an in-person Hepcat like this since. As a senior, it’s so surreal to reminisce on all of the experiences we have had together and we’re reminded of what we have achieved as an honor society, especially during a pandemic,” explained TZHS English Honor Society president Monica R.
Proceeds from the ticket sales and t-shirt sales will support English Department scholarships for graduating seniors and upcoming English Honor Society events.
