The Class of 2025 at Niskayuna High School is setting a new standard by embracing school spirit and reviving a few old traditions. Their collaborative approach to event planning and involvement with staff and peers have paved the way for new innovative ideas.
One of their new ideas is creating a phone booth near the school store, allowing students to call anyone outside the school without violating the new cell phone policies. The school store continues to grow under the leadership of the class of 2025. This year, the profits are being directed toward a class gift, powder puff tee shirts, and a senior gala. Last year, senior president Caleb Coppola attended the class of 2024 senior gala to compare the new venue (Rivers Casino) to the past venue (Glen Sanders.) Caleb made the decision to bring the gala back to Glen Sanders for the class of 2025. This decision has not only been very cost-effective for staff but has also been very well received by students. Next year, the class of 2027 will be encouraged to take over the school store and start raising funds for their own prom, powderpuff, and gala.
The sense of organization and initiative has heavily impressed Niskayuna High School Staff. “This is one of the more organized classes I've worked with,” says Principal John Rickert, reflecting on their ability to act quickly and make thorough decisions. He highlights how the class of 2025 student council has been very open with meeting with staff from principals to custodians, this has enhanced their ability to get things done effectively.
Senior Class President Caleb Coppola reflects on the impact of their efforts “We’re all in this together, and the more we collaborate, the stronger our class becomes.” He adds that fostering an environment where each student feels seen as an individual is what makes the class feel successful. “We are well defined as who we are,” Coppola says. Caleb highlights that regardless of whether a student is involved in sports, arts, or various clubs, there is pride in being part of Niskayuna. This sense of community has made a connection among classmates of all classes.
Senior Tessa Ferguson, another member of the 2025 student council, points out how they actively seek the input of their peers “We make decisions based on what our classmates want,” Ferguson says, referring to polls for prom theme or decision to not hold senior sleepover before senior sunrise.
The class of 2025 is committed to creating inclusion and participation in all aspects across Niskayuna High School, aiming to build connections that will continue to extend beyond the classroom and past graduation in June. “Other classes will look at the impact this class has made.” Rickert says. Their spirit and commitment to the community is certainly going to leave an impression on all future students.
As Caleb sums it up, he leaves advice for any student who steps into leadership position at the Niskayuna High School “You have to humble yourself, if you have to sweep the floor, you gotta sweep the floor. Little details add up to big things. There's so much importance in doing something because you know nobody else will do it for you.”