EHS Hosts 24th Annual Hepcat

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Tappan Zee High School English Honor Society hosted the 24th Annual Hepcat event last Friday night!

Featuring dim lighting, cozy pillows, rugs and plenty of baked goods, EHS members, along with Hepcat founders and EHS advisors Sarah McMane and Michael Matulac, transformed the TZHS library into a Beatnik-inspired coffeehouse performance space. In addition to EHS officers Isa M. (President), Anna C. (Vice President), Faith V. (Secretary), Valencia M. (Treasurer) and Emily B. (Junior Officer), over 60 students were involved in preparing for this event including bringing refreshments, setting up and cleaning up once it was wrapped up.

This year’s event featured 30 performers, with 27 of those being student poets and musicians. “It’s a really good opportunity within our school to share our voice. We’ve created such a comfortable and welcoming community and I know everyone values it a lot. Ms. McMane makes it so cozy every year,” said EHS Secretary Faith V. Vice President Anna C. added, “What makes this event so special is getting to hear everyone else’s poetry and art from students that wouldn’t normally hear from. It gives us the opportunity to be exposed to different things.” 

One of the key highlights of this event for the EHS officers is having the space to share their original work. Treasurer Valencia M. explained, “Poetry is so internal but this event allows you to share your poetry with other people and while it feels vulnerable, it’s a place where we don’t feel judged.” McMane added, “It’s a safe space. The people that are here care about your work.” President Isa M. noted, “It’s good to feel out the vibes when sharing work in an environment of other writers and artists that genuinely want to be here.”

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