EHS Celebrates 25 Years of Hepcat

The Tappan Zee High School English Honor Society proudly hosted the 25th Annual Hepcat event on April 24! EHS members, along with Hepcat founders Sarah McMane and Michael Matulac, transformed the TZHS library into a Beatnik-inspired coffeehouse performance space featuring dim lighting, cozy pillows and homemade baked goods and it featured nearly 30 performances by both students and staff. 

Leading up to the special anniversary, McMane and Matulac reached out to former Hepcat performers and asked them to share their favorite Hepcat memories as well as give advice to first-time performers and some even returned to TZ for the event on April 24! “My favorite Hepcat memory was being able to watch music and poetry performances that my peers and teachers had worked hard on each year. Every year I attended, Hepcat never failed to be a comfortable, enthusiastic environment and I will always remember it as one of the highlights of TZ,” shared TZ Class of 2025 alumna Isa McCarthy.

“I feel really honored to be a part of the 25th anniversary. It’s nice knowing that it’s been going on for so long and to see how it’s grown while also staying the same by bringing people together,” said EHS Treasurer Kayleen Y. President Emily B. explained, “It’s great to feel like you’re part of history. 25 is such an inspiring number and knowing that people have cared about it for so long.” Junior officer Brendan S. said, “Hepcat is this continuous event that people have been carrying forward that reminds us that there’s still art and creativity in the world.”

One of the key highlights of this event for EHS officers is having a comfortable space to share their original work or perform music. “This is a place you can go out of your comfort zone and it’s a creative and safe place to do that,”noted Kayleen. Emily shared, “Hepcat is such a special event because it truly brings people together. People can be vulnerable and it’s a truly collaborative space.”

Proceeds from the ticket sales and t-shirt sales support English Department scholarships for graduating seniors and upcoming English Honor Society events.