High School is a 4-year period in a child’s life that can leave a positive or negative impact on said child. Maybe even both. High School is a period where you face the real world, learn what might interest you, and expand your social network, of not just friends and staff, but also potential career prospects. The staff can make High School interesting, fun, and even memorable, from school trips to school events.

To all teachers, you have made sacrifices to the students who attend your classes every single day. Your lessons, personalities, and experiences make class more meaningful and valuable than you might think. You might even be the inspiration for a student to learn more than what’s being offered in the classroom. You even made trips that you’ve chaperoned memorable. You may even make a student’s year with you memorable. May you and your fellow co-teachers keep giving support and encouragement for your students, current and future. 

To all Counselors (both Guidance & College), you have helped students stay on track and decide what’s available to them after High School. You helped students get through struggles (both personal and academic) and provided a safe outlet when students were dealing with hardships. May you and your fellow counselors continue helping and comforting students who need someone to talk to. 

To all deans, even though you can be, and have been, brute and tough as nails, you have been able to maintain a safe and effective environment for those trying to get to where they need to be and are actually nurturing & supportive underneath. May you and your fellow deans keep the school environment safe and strong. 

To everyone in the Student Association, you’ve been the backbone of student engagement and leadership, providing opportunities for students to have fun, learn more out of the classroom, and tried y’all’s hardest to make being at school feel more lively and fun. May you all continue to make high school a fun experience and memorable location.

As a graduating student in the class of 2026, I would like to thank the following teachers and staff members for making my four years memorable and unforgettable: 

• Mr. Kodza

• Ms. Zuckerberg

• Mr. Batista

• Mr. Sullivan 

• Mr. Bernardi

• Ms. Hurd

• Mr. Tamayo 

• Ms. Ayala

• Mr. Spinelli
• Ms. Keselman

And to all of Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School, thank you for the support, safety, and value you gave to the graduating class of 2026.