by Sarah Conroy

Hey High Tech Lasercats,

Below is a list of some colleges releasing Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) results this month, along with their expected decision dates. Once you commit, don’t forget to share your commitment post with @hths2026 on Instagram so we can celebrate you!

College Decision Dates | December 2025

• Amherst College — Early Decision: December 12

• Barnard College — Early Decision: December 13

• Boston College — Early Decision I: December 2 | Early Decision II: February 15

• Brown University — Early Decision: December 17

• Carnegie Mellon University — Early Decision: December 15

• Clemson University — Early Action: December 11

• Columbia University — Early Decision: December 16

• Cornell University — Early Decision: December 18

• Dartmouth College — Early Decision: December 15

• Drexel University — Early Decision: December 18

• Duke University — Early Decision: December 15

• Emerson College — December 16

• Fordham University — December 12

• Georgetown University — Early Action: December 12

• New York University (NYU) — December 11

• Tufts University — Early Decision: December 12

• University of Michigan — December 15

• University of Miami — December 12

• Vanderbilt University — December 17

Best of luck to all seniors awaiting decisions

We’re cheering you on!

by Sarah Conroy

When walking around High Tech you might notice something unexpected, backpacks that look like they belong in a grammar school (or maybe even Pre-K). Wearing bright yellow Minions, classic Spongebob, sparkly Hello Kitty, and shows we may have forgotten, our class of 2026 has welcomed a playful tradition into our school.

But how did this trend start?

This trend has been floating for high school students for years now, dating back to Tiktoks and Instagram posts from 2020.

At a first glance, it may seem silly or impractical to some. But, for seniors, they have a deeper meaning. It is a way to capture a “full circle” moment. Seniors are on the edge of adulthood, learning how to drive, applying to college, turning 18. Childhood feels like it is slipping away, and these backpacks are a small but meaningful way of holding on for just a bit longer.

“It's my last grasp at childhood before life gets real," Yari Tarlipz and Jeyline Almonte say. So the next time you walk through the halls of High Tech High School, take a look at the backpacks around you. They may look small, but they carry something bigger, memories, meaning, and the spirit of senior year. For Class of 2026, it is the perfect start to the final chapter.

Shamir Terry

School has only been back in session for a little over a week, but for seniors, the college process is already starting to creep into our everyday conversations. Some students have already sent in applications, while others are still figuring out where they even want to apply. No matter where you are in the process, it is something all of us will face this year.

The first and most important step is deciding which colleges to apply to. For many students, this feels like the heaviest part of the whole journey. “ It's stressful because you feel like you’re making a choice that shapes your entire future,” Todd explained. Between researching schools, looking at financial aid, and comparing majors, this stage can be overwhelming. Some students said they felt pressure to balance what they wanted with what their families wanted and expected, while others admitted they were simply picking schools they had heard of and would worry about the details later.

After picking schools, the applications themselves begin. This includes essays, recommendation letters, and sending finalized transcripts. A classmate who already started submitting said, “ It feels like homework on top of the school work we already have”. Alex and Max admitted they are procrastinating, but did agree it's better to start early than rush later. Mikel said, “ This feels weird since it isn’t like an English paper. It’s about you, and that feels harder in some ways.” Can you use their names?

Testing and financial aid come next. Standardized tests like the SAT and the FAFSA may not feel as personal, but they play a huge role. Gabriel said, “ It was so annoying how confusing FAFSA was, but it was worth it once I saw how much aid I qualified for.” Youssef made a point and said “ Even though the SAT feels outdated to most of us, it can still make a difference in scholarships and admissions. All students can agree that having support from parents, teachers, or counselors made this stage less overwhelming.

Finally, comes the waiting game. Even though most of us are not there yet, seniors who applied early describe it as “ nerve wracking”. Some of those students said they sometimes find themselves checking their email everyday, and their hearts even sink when they think they received an email. Once the acceptance letters arrive, the stress will be replaced by relief and excitement. “ It will feel like all the hard work finally paid off,” Sean said. According to Ms. Majeed, one of High Tech’s guidance counselors, “ The best thing students can do right now is stay organized. Make a list of deadlines, ask teachers for recommendations letters early, and don’t wait until the last minute. The earlier you start, the less stressful it will feel later on.”

Here at High Tech, the college process is officially in session. While it can feel overwhelming at times, students agree that it teaches responsibility, time management, and commitment. Most importantly, it reminds us that we are preparing not just for applications but for life after high school. As the year goes on, seniors will continue to share both the struggles and the victories of this process. However one thing is clear, it is a journey that shapes us as much as it prepares us for the future.

For underclassmen watching this process from the outside the message is simple, it’s never too early to start thinking about the future. Whether that means exploring possible careers, joining activities you care about, or simply keeping your grades steady, the choices you make now will make senior year much smoother. For seniors, the journey may feel long, but in the end it is all leading to the next big of our lives.

Romeu NunesMarques

This past Saturday, the Senior Class of 2026 rolled up their sleeves, grabbed some sponges, and turned the school parking lot into a car wash station.

   Over two dozen students volunteered to work at the fundraiser. Some were on sponge duty, scrubbing windshields and doors, while others worked the hoses or dried cars with towels. A separate group sold snacks and drinks to both volunteers and visitors, making sure nobody went hungry while supporting the cause.

Another group of seniors took on the important task of advertising. Standing at the entrance to the parking lot with brightly decorated posters, students waved signs that read “Senior Car Wash,” “This Way—>,” and even playful ones decorated with rubber ducks to grab the attention of drivers passing by. Their enthusiasm drew in not only school families but also community members who happened to be driving through.

By the end of the four-hour event, the seniors had washed more than 30 cars. That added up to hundreds of dollars raised in just one afternoon—a strong start to the class’s fundraising goals for the year. The money raised will go toward senior class activities, events, and projects, helping ensure that the Class of 2026 has a memorable final year of high school. “We were so happy to see people from outside the school stop by,” said another senior. “It made us feel like the whole community was supporting us” - Stephen Heidenry.

Kenyerlin Ng

As the senior staff at The Laser wraps up their last and final year at high school, we prepare ourselves for our next stop in life. As we pick majors, finalize dorm details, and research for our next grand opportunity, we often stop to think how fast time has passed since we first entered the building in September of 2021. We remind ourselves of what we have accomplished thus far. Here at High Tech our CTE programs offer a staggering amount of opportunities to strengthen our futures. With experienced teachers and updated equipment students have the chance to create all that comes to mind. Specifically, an Audio/Visual Production senior, Cayden Drumeler, who shared with The Laser his High Tech application essay and how he utilized his major to make his dreams come true. 

In Cayden’s essay, he expresses his desire to become a sports broadcaster, which stems from his love for the game. As an 8th grader who already knew what his future might look like he decided to use all of what his potential major had to offer. The Laser had a chance to look over his essay, Cayden expressed that “This will help me achieve my dream because I will be able to learn all the processes that make broadcasting come together. I will also have the opportunity to develop and produce my own radio program which will be a great start to my career in commentating.” When interviewed, he expresses that during his underclassmen years, he was astonished with all those chances he had, but felt shy to express his want of broadcasting games that were being held in High Tech. But as he progressed he was inspired by his teachers, Mr. DiPierro and Ms. Cabrera, to create a local county sports show with his partner, Manuel Pereira. 

In the beginning of their senior year, Cayden and his co-host began their show, HCST Athletics. This program follows all high school sports from Hudson County. From live streaming games, to pre and post interviews, they have been able to revive the love for athleticism around the county and their social media platforms have an accumulated 1700 followers with an average of 250k views on Instagram for the month of May. They have created a new hype for all teams across the county to become more socially engaged on their social media and most importantly loudly represent their hometown. Cayden voices that HCST Athletics has become “a much bigger part in [his] life than it ever was before.” He is even more excited to continue broadcasting in college and gaining even more experience and knowledge. Cayden tells us it feels surreal to launch something so successful that his local community can benefit from and is ecstatic to see what the future holds for HCST Athletics. 

Aiyana AlJabri

As the school year nears its end, a sense of excitement—and a little nostalgia—has settled over the senior class. May 1st, better known as National College Commitment Day, marked a major milestone for students across the country, including right here in our own hallways. Seniors Gianna Ludizaca and Noelle Dezenzo spoke to us about their decisions, the emotions surrounding commitment day, and what they’re most looking forward to as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

For Gianna, choosing Pace University felt like the right fit after months of consideration. “I wanted to be in the city,” she said. “Pace just checked all the boxes—it has strong programs for what I’m interested in, and I can already imagine myself there.” Gianna plans to study psychology and says she’s excited for the independence that college will bring.

“I thought I’d be more nervous,” she admitted. “But after committing, I just felt this sense of calm. I finally knew where I was going, and it gave me space to actually enjoy the rest of senior year.”

Noelle, who will be attending Lehigh University in the fall, shared a similar sense of relief mixed with a bit of disbelief. “It still doesn’t feel completely real,” she said. “I’ve spent so long thinking about college, and now it’s happening. I’m proud of my decision, but it definitely came with a lot of back and forth.”

When asked what drew her to Lehigh, Noelle mentioned the campus community and academic balance. “It felt like a place where I could grow personally and academically. And honestly, once I visited, I just had a feeling.”

Both students acknowledged that commitment day came with a mix of emotions. “There’s a lot of pressure,” Gianna said. “It can feel like everyone expects you to have it all figured out, but the truth is, most of us are still figuring things out as we go and that’s okay.”

Despite the nerves, there’s a sense of excitement in the air as graduation approaches.

“I’m looking forward to the fresh start,” Noelle said. “It’s a chance to explore who I am outside of the routine I’ve known for so long. Plus, I’m ready to meet new people and take on new challenges.”

Gianna agreed. “I’ll miss the random moments with friends in the hallway and all the little traditions, but I’m ready to see what’s next.”

As seniors walk toward graduation, it’s clear that Commitment Day was more than just a college announcement—it was a celebration of growth, resilience, and the start of something entirely new.

Alyssa Paulino

Finding the perfect prom dress is one of the most expensive parts of getting ready for prom. It’s a chance to show off your personal style and feel your best on one the most memorable nights of high school. Choosing the right dress can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Here are some tips to make the process easier and help you find the dress that fits both your style and the big night. 

Firstly, think about the style of dress that suits your personality and makes you feel confident. Prom dresses come in many designs, including ball gowns, mermaid dresses, A-line dresses, and sheath dresses. Ball gowns have a big and full skirt. These are perfect if you want to feel like a princess. Mermaid dresses are tight fitting and flare out at the bottom. This gives a dramatic and glamorous look while A-line dresses are simple and flowy. Sheath dresses are slim and hug your figure. This is great for a sleek and modern vibe. 

Moreover, think about the color and fabric of the dress. Choose a color that compliments your skin tone and makes you stand out. Popular prom colors are black, red, pink, blue, and sparkling metallics. Fabrics like satin and silk add a smooth and elegant touch while tulle and sequins are great for a more fun and eye catching look. Also think about the theme of your prom and try to match your dress to it. 

Finally, don’t forget about comfort and budget. Prom is a long night filled with dancing and moving around so make sure you can walk, sit, and dance comfortably in your dress. Set up a budget before you start shopping and stick to it. Many stores offer affordable options and you can rent a dress if you don't want to buy one. Whether you shop online or in store make sure to take your time and not rush your decision. The perfect prom dress isn’t only about how it looks, it’s also about how you feel. When you consider your style, color, comfort, and budget, you will definitely find a dress that makes your night unforgettable. There are many great places to shop such as “Dream Dresses”, “Sivory” and “Bella’s Fashion Corporation”. 

Aiyana Samantha AlJabri

For as long as there have been sunrises, there have been seniors. Graduating classes all around the world, preparing to move onto the next stage of their lives: college. An unfamiliar territory, where everything seems bigger, faces are unfamiliar, and the pressure to succeed is heavier than ever. Maybe that’s why the senior sunrise tradition matters so much. A United States tradition to celebrate how far these students have come; a positive note to ring in the final school year. Where did this tradition start? Sure, it’s about new beginnings, but it’s also about the comforting thought that, no matter where we’re headed, the sun will always rise.

Unless it doesn’t.

September 1, 2024. 6AM. Hoboken, Pier A. The High Tech Class of 2025 arrived at the grounds, ready for a sunrise. But instead of golden rays, they were greeted with a gloomy sky, damp grass, and chilly temperatures.

“It was fun being around my friends, but the sun didn’t necessarily rise. So, that was a bit disappointing.” said Sibel Gitonga, a senior dance major, reflecting on the event.

And Sibel wasn’t alone in feeling that way— lots of seniors felt a little bummed. I mean, how often do you get to wake up at 5 AM to stand in the cold with your classmates, right? Still, very few were feeling regrets about attending.

Senior Student Council President Landen Madalena, organized the event, sending out details over email. When the weather started looking iffy, he was flooded with questions about whether it would be rescheduled. “When I sent out that email, I got about 10 texts on my phone. I was at a soccer game while doing it, and I’m like you know what, if it drizzles a little bit, I’ll keep it on. If it pours, I’ll reschedule it.” Landen explained.

Simple plan, right? Not so much. The only other date available clashed with County Prep’s Senior Sunrise, and the event is meant to be a class-bonding experience. It wouldn’t have been right to disrupt County Prep’s event. Additionally, school started in three days, so with the limited time to make changes, rescheduling was out.

“The weather at Senior Sunrise was...not expected...the weather was bouncing around,” Landen continued. “We didn’t see the sun, but besides that, it was still a good event!”

Plenty of seniors agreed! Gia Cabrera, a culinary major, who missed the event expressed regret. “They did it so early! [On] Labor Day Weekend!” She exclaimed, when asked why she didn’t go. “I wish I went just to experience it, just to have been there, but they did it so early!”

In the end, if there is one thing you can say about the Class of 2025, it's that the seniors know how to make the best out of a bad situation. During Senior Orientation, Dean of Students Mr. Rivera said, “This class has the most spirit out of any other classes in High Tech.” His words couldn’t be more accurate for when the sunrise failed to deliver, in true Class of 2025 spirit, they turned it into a spontaneous beach trip, taking advantage of the free NJ transit and early morning!

So yeah, maybe the senior sunrise didn’t quite live up to expectations, but it did its job: it brought the class of 2025 closer together.

By Valeria Camino

It’s college application season, Seniors! And, I’m sure for most, that sentence is very anxiety-inducing. Figuring out the next big steps into their career, what city they will like to live in during the next four years, the jump into adulthood and independence…I’m sure you’re all probably shaking right now. But it’s ok! Every senior goes through this same scary process. As Taylor Swift has said “Breathe in, breathe deep, breathe through, breathe out.” Still, for Performing Arts applicants, students who have spent years living under the heat of the stage lights, the pressure of being typecast, constant competitiveness, comparisons, rejection-- yeah, it’s been a lot. But this persistent energy is food to theater kids. These students have spent years training to do what they love, and applying to college is just another challenge.

The process of applying to musical theatre colleges can be a very long journey of waiting and preparation. Much like you Ivy League student-applicants…you’re not alone. As of last week, for schools such as Princeton, Harvard, and Yale University, the acceptance rate is average 4%. For musical theatre programs across the country, the acceptance rate is 0.05%. The process consists of applying to around 15-20 schools, submitting videos including two one-minute and thirty-second songs, two monologues, a dance, and a wildcard video consisting of any other talent. All of this in addition to the typical academic application. Once you hear back from your initial submission status, you schedule for either an in-person or virtual audition and interview. 

To give more information on the process, I interviewed two students from High Tech High School applying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre: Avery Ramsey and Arianna Guerreiro.

Avery is applying to 16 schools for a BFA in Musical Theatre, including University of Michigan, Pace University and Penn State, as she is slowly hearing back from schools, she is beginning to  schedule auditions. Avery's road to a BFA started with her training at Garden Street School of the Performing Arts as part of the Dance Competition Team at 5 years old, before making her way into training at Mile Square Theatre Dance in all styles (Jazz, Ballet, Tap). She still studies voice at Pearson Studios, and takes active acting lessons with Ranae Baker. Avery furthered her craft over summers at PaperMill Playhouse. She has also appeared as a vocalist on KidzBop, a commercial for Toyota, and Macy’s Santaland Holiday App. And hopes to pursue a career onstage, film and TV acting, and later work behind the scenes in directing and choreographing. 

Arianna is applying to 22 schools for a BFA in Musical Theatre and minor in Business. Her top choice has been NYU’s minor in Business in the Arts. She expressed how the application process is such a long and grueling process, especially while balancing extracurriculars and academics, while having to pay so much money for 22 application fees. She compares how easy a “normal” major application might be compared to Theatre in understanding the huge difference between the preparation of materials one might have to have to submit college applications. Arianna is now fully done filming prescreens and in the works of submitting them, and has a NYU audition coming up (Let’s all wish her the best of luck!!). When applying for such a competitive program comes the assurance of keeping everything to one’s self. Because of the high stakes, it’s hard to talk to the rest of your friends applying for Theatre. The fear of wondering if she might be doing something wrong or different, causes her to choose to keep her process to herself. In the future, Arianna hopes to get in the film industry, she quotes “I just think I can make a living out of film, I really want to sell myself [as an artist],” but if her career takes a different direction, she sees herself opening up a dance studio and teaching. 

So, if you still think theater kids don't do anything but re-cite all the lyrics to Hamilton, tap dance, and constantly harmonize, well, you'd still be correct--but there’s so much more to us than just performance! It’s the work and dedication that goes with it. The constant rejection will never escape but the ambition will always remain.