![Incoming Student Union President junior Aki Bejamin and other SU candidates sitting on stage while waiting to give their speeches during the May 18 SU Debate. Aki said he plans to “burn [the SU] all down and start anew.”](https://thhsclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_9600-e1782439128607-1200x1131.jpg)
With about a little over a month left until graduation, the Class of 2026 is getting eager to move into a new chapter of their lives. In interviews with The Classic, many seniors reflected on their four years at Townsend Harris as they begin to bid farewell to their high school journey.
Many seniors said they will miss the bonds they have forged in classrooms and in school-wide activities such as FON, S!NG, and other extracurriculars.
Senior Angela Lee said that S!NG was “one of the first experiences where [she] was able to feel like [she] truly found community.” Although it began as a completely new experience, she said she was “able to learn and grow as an artist through working with so many talented people.” She fondly looks back on “bonding over binge watching [the] My Little Pony movies and 6PM dish washing.”
Seniors William Algenio and Anthony Lin said they will miss their experiences in Science Olympiad. “I will miss SciOly because I love being in an environment with people who have common interests as me and push one another to do their very best,” William said. Senior Najibah Ziyan said she will miss the Muslim Students Association (MSA), particularly the MIST competitions. “The past two years of doing MIST really showed me how valuable my friends are to me, and I’ll miss all the rehearsal days and watching improv practices.”
THHS educators have also made a lasting impression on the students they taught, according to this year’s seniors.
Senior Ryan To said he gives his gratitude for STEM teachers like Sarah Loew and Katherine Cooper who sparked his interest in the sciences. “I appreciate them wholeheartedly and their personalities were part of the reason I’m motivated to pursue a STEM-related career,” he said. Sinthiya Saika shared similar sentiments, highlighting her second year of the Science Research course in particular. “That [class] was one of my core memories of high school with supportive teachers and amazing friends, [where I got to do] the work I was passionate about.”
Half-day Fridays, a unique tradition at THHS, is another favorite, seniors said. Seniors Sarah Feruza, Dadol Ukyab, and Vidhi Patel all mentioned half-day Fridays as a perk they’ll miss about school. “[They’re] so iconic to Townsend Harris. I think it [is] perfect to close out school each week,” said Vidhi.
For many of those within the Class of 2026, Townsend Harris created a space for community and exploration. Senior Amanna Ali notes, “One of the things I’ll miss most about Townsend is the level of freedom we have to express ourselves and be involved in what we care about.”
While many seniors will miss many aspects of their high school experience, in equal part, there are many parts they are glad to leave behind.
Strangely enough, recent issues with an unpleasant smell in the halls has come up as a topic more than once. Senior Gabrielle Davis said, “I hate the smell of the school in general. It just smells so bad in the hallways, staircases, everywhere.” William said, “I won’t miss the cafeteria because it smells bad sometimes and it’s too bright now.” The Classic has covered issues with mysterious odors before, but it’s unclear if the smell seniors are complaining about has the same source.
Early morning classes, particularly zero band, was another common frustration. Although typically associated with once a week labs, it is much more frequent for some seniors. “I do not miss zero band because I basically have it every day, every year in my schedule,” said Senior Jerry Li. Similarly, senior Nolan Sukhra said, “it definitely was not fun waking at the crack of dawn to try and get to school on time for class.”
Others singled out infamous mile runs. “I will not miss the mile run days at THHS. No matter the season, every run was brutal. I dreaded every gym class since then,” Najibah said.
With college commitment day behind them, seniors also took a moment to reflect on college decisions and college applications. Though she does not miss the college applications that were part of her hectic fall semester, Dadol said she is grateful that she has learned a lot more about herself. She said, “I think the process was very stressful yet fulfilling as I actively discovered my values, beliefs, and also my identity.”
However, despite all the stresses and complaints that come with being a high school student, for many saying goodbye to the four years spent in the same school is bittersweet. “I’m grateful for the people THHS has allowed me to meet. It’s really been a fun four years,” Angela said.
