Hi! I’m Ande Hammers, and I’m a senior at Nederland Middle-Senior High School. I work as the Social Media Manager for The Mountain-Ear. I started in June 2022, and I love getting to promote all the incredible stories our staff writes and see people’s positive reactions.

When I saw the listing in the paper asking for a social media manager, I got really excited to be able to work in a field I’m very interested in. As someone who has grown up with access to the internet and social media, I am very familiar with the ways it can be used to spread joy and positivity, as well as negativity. In college I hope to learn more about social media management and digital media, in order to make social media platforms better places filled with more love than hate. Working for The Mountain-Ear has allowed me to share incredible stories about my town and the surrounding area, and I love getting to promote our amazing community.

I’ve lived in Nederland my whole life, and my favorite part about living here is being an active member of the wonderful tight-knit community. I’m involved in many activities in the school and in town, and I’m so glad that growing up in a little mountain town has allowed me to participate in so many things. I have been doing theater since 6th grade, and this year I am acting in two fall plays and co-directing another. I also can’t wait to be in another awesome NMSHS musical! I’m also a member of the Executive Student Council, as well as the treasurer for the NMSHS branch of National Honor Society.

I play violin in the school orchestra, and I also love playing fiddle in the monthly bluegrass jam at Howlin’ Wind Brewery! In addition to the newspaper, I have worked for Tungsten Toffee and started Head in the Clouds Cotton Candy with my friend, Megan Hess.

I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful place where I can ski in the winter and go to local farmer’s markets and bluegrass festivals in the summer. I like to call myself a life enthusiast, because I love being so busy with activities and being involved in the community. I also enjoy doing things for others, like making handmade cards and going on fun adventures to see the sunset.

In the coming year, I hope to be able to share even more local news and grow The Mountain-Ear across social media platforms, so more people have access to stories about our incredible community.