As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the events, achievements, and shared moments from the staff and student body that made this year memorable. 

Commack thrived with its many events from this year. One of the most mentioned was the school musical from earlier this year in February. The production of “Pippin,” put on by the Commack theater department, was an activity that certainly brought many together.

“It was just fun and I got to play music that was hard. It was unique. I [also] enjoyed it because there was Hansen,” said sophomore Carter R.

Students collaborated from the cast, crew, and musical pit to memorize lines, paint sets, learn music, and bring the show to life.

“I love seeing my students do such amazing creative things and showing how talented they are. I always love the school musicals because I enjoy supporting the students, especially those in my theatre classes. Seeing their work come to life is always incredibly rewarding,” said English teacher Mary Ellen Desmond.

Beyond the auditorium, one of Commack’s more recently developed traditions, “Commack Day,” also had its time to shine as a student favorite event of this year.

“I think it’s a really fun way to unite the community, and I love the scavenger hunt,” said senior Juliet J.

As a time for students to have fun with games, music, community activities, and a scavenger hunt, it was another event frequently mentioned as a community favorite.

In 2025, Student Life spent a large amount of time planning events such as Junior banquet, Pep Rally, Halloween Happening, and many others. All these events not only raised camaraderie among peers, but created connections within the Commack community.

“Halloween Happening is one of my favorite events because it truly is a community event. We get to see elementary students come to the high school, and we see high school students interact with those children. For many students, it takes them out of their shell, you really see their true personalities and colors come out,” said history teacher Dr. Michael Jeziorski.

Outside the classroom, pop culture played a major role in student’s lives. The much anticipated releases of season five of “Stranger Things” and “Wicked: For Good” dominated conversations among students and faculty as the year has neared the end.

“[My favorite tv show release was] “Stranger Things 5.” I know it’s a typical answer, but it’s popular for a reason,” said senior Daniel M.

As the 2024-2025 school year came to a close, students filled their time by working jobs, traveling, performing music, and spending time with friends.

“I worked at a camp with my friends, and one day a girl lost her first front tooth and was so excited that she asked me to hold it for her all day,” said sophomore Nicole S.

Academics throughout the year were also highly celebrated, from excelling in challenging courses to claiming national titles.

“I became a National Merit Semifinalist,” said Juliet.

The coming and going of years brings new progression and changes. Commack certainly changed in many ways this year. Teachers specifically reflected on the impact of these changes.

“The biggest change is that students are not allowed to have their phones out during the school day. I think it’s made a tremendous impact, students are more engaged and more interactive with each other. There’s just a different vibe in the building. Even as an adult, I’m more conscious of my phone use. I think Commack has really felt the positive impact of that change,” said World Language teacher Margaret Krone.

Along with the state law-enforced changes to school policy, staffing changes have also been a hot topic.

“The music department [had many changes this year]. You know [Dr. Frank Hansen], one of the main teachers, he retired. Then new teachers [such as Christopher] Donahue came along. He’s a lovely new addition to [Commack]. It’s [also] new with Mrs. Neville running Tri-M, and Donahue Running Orchestra. It’s great,” said Nicole.

With this year coming to an end, Commack students and staff look forward to all the possibilities 2026 holds for many and the important aspects of their life they look forward to for next year.

”I’m really looking forward to research next year. And math research. I love research,” said senior Michelle O.

Some look forward to academic pursuits while others are excited about the idea of progression in their academic careers.

“I’m really excited to see what it’s going to be like as a junior, because all the cool people I met [my freshman year], they were juniors when I met them, so I think it’s going to be super cool to get to be those cool kids, and take all the hard classes [such as] physics,” said Nicole.