The final year of high school is wrapping up, and it’s often described as a blur. College decisions, last sports games and fun activities, getting ready for a new chapter in all of the seniors’ lives, and during that there is a quiet realization that everything is about to change. However for teachers, graduation marks something very different: the chance to look back on a group of students they have watched grow over four complete years. From awkward freshman to confident seniors, each class leaves behind its own identity. As the class of 2026 prepares to walk across the stage, teachers at NDB are reflecting on what made the sharks class unique, noticing the challenges they faced, and the moments that will stay with them long after graduation.
Humanities teacher Jonathan Tomczak, who has worked closely with the senior class over multiple years, reflected on the unique connection he has built with them. Having taught many of the same students more than once, he said he has “been fortunate enough to teach a majority of the Sharks twice,” allowing him to watch their growth over time.
Rather than pointing to a single defining moment, Tomczak emphasized the consistency of their impact. “I don’t know if there’s one particular moment,” he explained. “Every day in class with them both in sophomore and senior years was a lot of fun for me.”
Beyond the classroom, he highlighted the class’s overall energy and presence within the school community. According to Tomczak, the Sharks have shown “a larger than usual amount of spirit and energy” throughout their four years, contributing not only to school events but also to the broader NDB environment.
He also noted the group’s character and ambition, describing them as “a bunch of talented, very driven people” whose contributions have left a lasting impression on the school.
As they prepare to graduate, Tomczak said he has seen them grow into a stronger sense of purpose. Over time, the class has developed “a strong sense of responsibility and care for their community and each other,” something he believes will carry into their futures.
“It’s been really nice to see that great foundation grow,” he added, “into going out and doing all these amazing things.”
As the sharks’ last month of high school comes to an end, senior class coordinator Coach Kate Mahoney, reflected on the sharks’ time here at NDB sharing, “Thinking back on this shark’s class it has been amazing to see the growth of them from freshman year to now,” said Mahoney.
Alongside the senior class council, Mahoney has also worked beside them in planning fun events and come up with great ideas to make senior year the most memorable yet.
“Working closely with the class year as the class coordinator and planning all the events with the class council has been great and the class has come up with some great ideas for fun events this year”. She also shares, “I know this confident group will do great things in college and beyond”.
As the Senior Sharks prepare to graduate NDB, their legacy is already clear. Through their energy, talent and strong sense of community, they have helped shape the spirit of the school in lasting ways. While their time on campus is coming to an end, the impact they’ve made, both in and out of the classroom, will continue to be felt by the teachers.
