Every morning, she takes a step toward the mic, holds the paper in her hand, and reads. Not to herself or the microphone, but to the whole school, as people stop to listen to the day’s announcements.
Senior Jess Gowan has recently been selected as the new voice of Hancock Place High School after a competition with other contenders. She now comes down to the office every day at TLT to help Principal David Williams or Vice Principal Eli Phillips deliver that day’s announcements.
“Being considered for the voice, I was definitely shocked,” Gowan said. “I didn’t think I was outgoing enough to even be considered.”
Being the voice means getting people to know you on a more personal level. You are no longer just a student; you are the voice of Hancock.
“I just thought it’d be a good way to get out there,” Gowan said. “It seemed really fun; it is fun to do. It just seemed fun, and I thought I could do it.”
Senior Charlie McDowall has known Gowan for years, and they’ve been friends since the beginning of High School, rooting for her all the time.
“I was really happy because I know she’s been wanting it since last year when Ab [Rosenberg] got it,” McDowall said.
The Voice requires a stand-up, bubbly, and enthusiastic personality, which McDowall thinks Gowan was a good choice for.
“[Gowan is] very energetic,” McDowall said. “She’s more of a leader and an announcer.”
Once the decision was made for the voice, news spread quickly, especially among the senior class. Despite the quick announcement, however, the choice was not easy and more in-depth than some may believe.
“Jess is very articulate, has a great speaking voice, is responsible, and does a great job exemplifying our school-wide vision,” Williams said. “She consistently does the right thing and treats everyone with dignity and respect. In addition, Jess maintains a high academic and HOWL score and she has a great attendance rate. The voice is always a senior.”
Looking through the different candidates, a choice for who the new voice is is not simple. It takes days to sift through and have different people try out for the announcements. After that, it’s up to Williams.
“For the most part, I do choose myself,” Williams said. “It always starts with students who are interested. Most of the time, they come to me but you may recall me asking if anyone is interested over the announcements. I sometimes get input from other faculty members but for the most part, the decision is mine.”
However, being the voice of Hancock High School is not everything. Gowan likes to keep herself busy in the classroom.
“In school, I like to do schoolwork and study,” Gowan said. “I have 3 AP classes; I like to stay on top of schoolwork.”
Gowan keeps herself busy outside of school.
“Outside of school, I like to work, and I hang out with my friends sometimes. Oh, and I’m in the play, The Breakfast Club.”
Over the past years, since Williams arrived in 2022, there has been a voice for Hancock High School. This includes Deanna Haynes (2022-2023), Kaylin Clark (2023-2024), and Ab Rosenberg (2024-2025), all being great voices and leaving a big impression on the students.
“It’s a little daunting, you know?” Gowan said. “It really is. Most of the past voices, the great Ab Rosenberg, and the even greater Deanna Haynes, were some of my close friends at the time of them being the voices. It’s just, I don’t wanna say big shoes to fill, but it’s definitely tough shoes to fill.”
However, despite these big shoes Gowan must fill, she keeps going every day.
“I try my best,” Gowan said. “At the end of the day, it is public speaking. Even though I don’t see you guys, I feel your presence … It’s harder than it looks. I’ll say that. It’s harder than it looks.”
