What’s in a Name? Hunting for a Meaning

By Alleigh Keyes ’16

Although they share the same name, sophomore and senior Joseph Hunt excel in different areas of interest. Hunt ‘18 plays varsity football, JV basketball and JV baseball, while Hunt ‘16 stars in school productions including Rock ‘n’ Roll and CAST shows.

At the tender age of 6, Hunt ‘18 started to play football for OBGC. His passion for football has only grown over the years as he has his older brother, Danny, for inspiration.

“All my life I’ve looked up to my brother. So seeing him play sports his whole life definitely motivated me to succeed in sports as well,” said Hunt ‘18.

His success on the field is evident; he was a starting wide receiver as a sophomore until week 6 of the season when he broke his collarbone. However, this injury was merely a setback since Hunt ‘18 plans to return better than ever as a starting wide receiver next season. “I feel at home when I’m on that field on a Friday night. I feel so comfortable playing football,” said Hunt ‘18.

With the future in mind, Hunt ‘18 makes his goal clear: “I’ve always dreamed of playing college football after high school,” he said.

Aside from the traditional sports that he is known to play, he also enjoys snowboarding in the winter and wake boarding in the summer.

Hunt ‘16 lives and breathes music. Throughout the years, his diverse resume contains notable roles such as Gaston in “Beauty in the Beast,” Lionel in “Cinderella,” Pippin in “Pippin,” and a soloist in Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Quite the musical theater fanatic, Hunt ‘16 draws inspiration from Lin-Manuel Miranda. “He wrote my favorite musical, ‘Hamilton,’ and starred as the lead role. He has risen so quickly and written such fantastic music. I want to emulate his talents,” Hunt ‘16 said.

In addition to his musical theater experience, Hunt plays guitar and ocarina, a type of flute. He is currently enrolled in four music classes: AP music theory, chamber choir, jazz choir and guitar.

As a gifted performer, he plans to major in music and minor in theater. Ultimately, his dream is to perform on Broadway. “Singing and acting on a stage fills me with something I can’t get anywhere else. I want to be able to stand in the home of theater and give a show my all every night,” Hunt ‘16 said.

When this bass-baritone is not on stage, he can likely be found playing video games. “When friends move away, I can stay connected to them through video games no matter where they go. I believe it creates a great community that brings people together,” Hunt ‘16 said.

While Hunt ‘16 goes by Joseph or Joe and Hunt ‘18 goes by Joey, mishaps and confusion still exist. “My freshman year when we took the PSAT, I accidentally received the other Joseph Hunt’s PSAT and I wasn’t even signed up for it,” Hunt ‘18 said. “In class last year it seemed like once a month my 8th period teacher would say ‘Joseph? You’re here? It says you’re supposed to be on a field trip today,’” Hunt ‘16 said.

Even though both Hunts are known for having the same name, they have also attracted attention from peers because of their distinct talents. “They’re both so passionate about what they do,” sophomore Kathleen Rosendall said.