Hawk Talk: Here to Stay

Initially seen by some as a short-lived project that would graduate with the seniors who started it, Hawk Talk has continued into its second year, and a recruitment process for next year’s executives has begun. Now, more than ever, it is an important time to discuss the lifetime of Hawk Talk overall, as well as its reception among the students and contributors. Additionally, recent episodes have highlighted the apparent decrease in production value of the show and a generally negative response among the student body.

At this point in time, only upperclassmen can remember the experience of having a teacher read the examen every Wednesday morning.

That is, if the teacher actually did the examen, as many students remember teachers failing to read the prayer, instead using the extra fifteen minutes allocated as instructional time. Hawk Talk has ensured that students are given the opportunity to reflect on their week through this essential Ignatian practice, and each student gets an identical experience. Joaquin Guerrero ‘27 told me, “I think Hawk Talk is a good replacement for the teacher-led examen, as before, teachers often didn’t do the examen.” He also identified some places where Hawk Talk is in need of improvement.

Speaking specifically about the examen, he said, “The mic quality is often really bad, so I can’t hear.”

More generally, he noted the lack of fresh new ideas that keep students engaged, referencing a segment on SAGE’s sugar cookie vs. chocolate chip cookie debate that appeared in an early episode last year.

To get to the bottom of this, I talked to some of the seniors currently involved in the show. Dom Schalk ‘26, who appeared as a host this season, told me there has been a problem with students failing to attend, which has harmed the quality of the show. However, he said “Hawk Talk is going to get back on track rather quickly” and that students can expect the show to improve in the coming episodes. Another student who has hosted recently, Reno Bianco ‘26, highlighted that, when well executed, Hawk Talk is something that students can really enjoy, providing an opportunity for students to have fun before ultimately settling down for the examen. Senior Owen McHugh, who is not involved with the show, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Hawk Talk is a fun and exciting way to experience Prep announcements, combined with the importance of the examen prayer.”

Ultimately, the consensus seems to be that students overwhelmingly enjoy Hawk Talk and the opportunities that it brings, such as growing spiritually, having fun and seeing what our Prep brothers worked to create. Despite all of its faults, Hawk Talk achieves its goal of presenting the announcements in a fun and engaging way, while allowing students to experience the examen, read by their peers. The students behind Hawk Talk are continuously working hard with a positive energy to make the program the best it can be, with the hope that they can bring that energy to everyone who watches the show.