
Earlier this month, the second floor and the Queens College parking lot transformed into a vibrant display of school spirit as Townsend Harris High School celebrated its annual Keepers Day, marking the end to another academic year. The event brought students and faculty together through carnival games, inflatable obstacle courses, food trucks, and live performances.
This year’s theme, Sesame Street, also added a nostalgic and playful energy to the event. English teacher and Classic Advisor Brian Sweeney, who led the planning for Keepers Day said that students proposed various ideas for themes and then the whole school voted on it. “After two rounds of voting, Sesame Street came out on top,” he said.

Throughout the event, students were able to win tickets by participating in various activities. These tickets could be used to win prizes, with an iPad 11 donated by PTA sponsor Kweller Prep as the grand prize. Senior Mila Servania won the iPad.
Behind the scenes, dozens of teachers and staff members worked to coordinate the day, and the various activities. “We had to pull together everything from food trucks and game tables to decorations and music,” Mr. Sweeney said. He said that staff members do everything from coordinating with Queens College for the parking lot space, to running trivia games, Harrisfest, outdoor music, the dunk tank, and more. “Everyone is always willing to step up,” he said. He singled out school aide Paul Sforza for always being a good sport. This year, Mr. Sforza volunteered to wear a ten-foot inflatable Big Bird costume to the carnival.
During Keepers Day, the winning class of the Reading Initiative was also announced, and once again the freshman class was crowned, receiving the “THHS Cup.” Earning this cup gives that class “eternal bragging rights,” and in addition, the top readers from the freshman class were awarded free shirts at the tie dye station.
A popular activity among students was the dunk tank. “I got to see teachers get dunked in the rain. That was definitely a highlight,” said freshman Faith Kim.
The celebration also included indoor events, such as a fast-paced trivia competition, and both indoor and outdoor musical performances.
Sophomore Madilyn Mercado, a member of the Advanced Modern Band class, performed with her band, Party Poopers.
“We usually pitch songs to each other and practice them on our own,” she said. “This time we played Bullet with Butterfly Wings, In Bloom, Girlfriend, Hold on Till May, and our original song Termite Song.” Although she said she hopes to continue improving her stage presence, Madilyn said performing felt natural. “I felt comfortable, especially since I was in Advanced Modern Band last year too. Seeing friends’ faces light up when I made eye contact with them was the biggest joy. It meant a lot that they stayed to support us.”
Freshman Kayla Ujandy participated in the trivia contest and walked away with an unexpected win. She said, “We didn’t plan to play. They just needed one more team, so we joined.”
She said, “One of the toughest [questions] asked which U.S. state ends in the letter ‘g.’ It was hard under pressure, but I’m glad we gave it a shot.” For Kayla, the real reward was being part of the experience. “Even if we didn’t win, I would’ve been happy just to participate.”
“Ending the year should be more than just wrapping up classes. It should be a time to come together, have fun, and reflect on everything we’ve done,” Mr. Sweeney said.