The Student-Run Newspaper of Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

The Classic
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The spring semester has begun at Townsend Harris. Students and teachers alike set goals and share what they look forward to in the new semester.
Start of spring semester offers a chance for a clean slate and new academic goals
February 18, 2026
Seniors at the Black and White party on January 15, the second night of the senior trip to Villa Roma Resort in the Catskills.
Class of 2026 goes on annual senior trip to Villa Roma Resort with support from popcorn fundraiser
February 14, 2026
After the recent snowstorm, Townsend Harris remains surrounded by mounds of snow. Many students have been experiencing delays in their commutes to school because snow has blocked roads and driveways and delayed buses.
Snow trek: Harrisites commute through the winter 2026 tundra
February 4, 2026
On January 26, teachers attended a virtual Professional Development Day where teacher-led groups presented to the faculty and saw various presentations. The topics ranged from culturally responsive and sustaining education to expanding St. John’s course offerings. Art teacher and teacher leader Antonio Montalvo said, “It’s nice to see what other departments and other people are doing, and it’s inspiring because you can get ideas to implement in your own teaching practices.”
While high school students had a snow day, staff attended virtual workshops for annual professional development day
February 1, 2026
This year's Club Council led by Club Liaison Aki Benjamin (center right) and SU Executive-at-large Tajrian Noor (center left).
Expanded Club Council oversees Student Union’s new club application cycle
January 29, 2026
Korean-traditional FON was re-established this year after returning from a hiatus, with the focus of traditional Korean drums. Assistant Principal of Organization Ellen said that Korean music "has so much more cultural tradition and cultural diversity within the Korean language and culture.”
Korean-traditional FON returns to THHS after a hiatus
February 15, 2026
The Chinese Contortion FON performing.
FON Spotlight: Chinese Contortion FON puts on a show with a twist
February 10, 2026
Dr. Nolan teaching a lesson to his band one AP English Literature class.
New AP English Literature selective focuses on heroes and antiheroes
February 9, 2026
Students find themselves reflecting on the best way to sign off an email to their teachers before hitting send.
Sincerely, Confused: choosing the best sign off when emailing teachers
January 28, 2026
Natalia Piekarski is the latest senior to be featured in the Classic Conversations series.
Taking It One Step at a Time: Senior Natalia Piekarski tells The Classic her THHS story
January 25, 2026
Junior Olivia Eng and sophomore Avery Hai argue that the two year classical language requirement to receive the THHS Honors Certificate should be reduced to one year. This change would allow for more flexibility in junior year schedules.
OPINION: Classical language requirements should be reduced to one year
February 16, 2026
Opinion Roundup: The decision between student athletes or athlete students
Opinion Roundup: The decision between student athletes or athlete students
January 29, 2026
The Townsend Harris honors certificate requires that students take 2 years of either Latin or Greek. Students debate whether or not the requirement should remain.
Opinion Roundup: Should taking two years of a classical language be a THHS Honors certificate requirement?
January 28, 2026
This school year, sophomores enrolled in Regents Physics were programmed to take health class twice a week. Students and staff shared their opinions about taking health class in sophomore year instead of senior year, as it had been since 2019, with The Classic.
Opinion Roundup: Health class in sophomore year versus health class in senior year
January 26, 2026
In a city with over 500 high schools, each school has qualities that set it apart. Townsend Harris is a school known for its many unique traits. Amongst them, its academic reputation and humanities-centered curriculum. The incoming class of 2029, along with the new staff at Townsend Harris, were interviewed about what stood out to them about THHS specifically.
Opinion Roundup: Why did the class of 29’ and new staff choose Townsend Harris?
January 21, 2026
Nightingale Theater Co-President Sophia Cherry recites a sonnet to English Teacher Katherine Gelbman while giving her a rose.
Nightingale Theater Company members perform sonnets for Valentine’s Day fundraiser
February 19, 2026
Cast members sit together during a table read for the Nightingale Theatre’s spring musical Footloose.
Nightingale Theatre prepares for upcoming spring musical production of “Footloose”
February 12, 2026
In a collaboration between the art and physical education departments students were invited to paint paper canvases in the gym. The event aimed to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. Students painted their heart rates amongst other images of their choosing.
PE heART initiative turns the gym into a canvas for cardiovascular awareness
February 5, 2026
Librarian Katherine Yan teaches a "book tasting" lesson in the library last semester as part of an effort to encourage students to develop independent reading lives.
Classes attend “book tasting” sessions in library to spark interest in independent reading
February 2, 2026
Mr. Lee conducting the THHS Symphony Orchestra during Founders’ Day at Colden Auditorium
“Mem’ries that we made”: inside the changes to Ervin Drake’s Alma Mater over the years
January 15, 2026
Emerald Yee goes from Townsend Harris SciOly team to Yale University Science Olympiad Invitational. Emerald says SciOly has taught her many lessons she will bring with her to Yale.
Alumna Spotlight: Emerald Yee on taking SciOly’s lessons to Yale
February 11, 2026
Robotics members participate in team bonding exercises at Robotics Kickoff on January 10
Annual Robotics kickoff event launches 2026 Season
February 6, 2026
Remsen Hall on the Queens College Campus where the science trip was held on January 6th
Science Research classes learn about STEM careers at Queens College Science Open House
January 30, 2026
High School students participate in a science research internship called SPARKED at Mount Sinai’s Tisch Cancer Institte
STEM Internship Spotlight: Three seniors conduct cancer research at the SPARKED internship program at Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute
January 9, 2026
Mr. Stern assists students Joy Zheng and Livia Zhao in his AP Physics Hybrid class, a recently introduced elective that blends both the AP Physics 1 and Regents Physics curriculum. Although, a rigorous course many have found it to be a rewarding one.
Course spotlight: physics “hybrid” class opens up paths for more advanced study
January 7, 2026
The Student-Run Newspaper of Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

The Classic
The Student-Run Newspaper of Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

The Classic
The Latest News from Townsend Harris High School at Queens College
Junior Olivia Eng and sophomore Avery Hai argue that the two year classical language requirement to receive the THHS Honors Certificate should be reduced to one year. This change would allow for more flexibility in junior year schedules.
Opinion
OPINION: Classical language requirements should be reduced to one year
Olivia Eng and Avery Hai • February 16, 2026
Korean-traditional FON was re-established this year after returning from a hiatus, with the focus of traditional Korean drums. Assistant Principal of Organization Ellen said that Korean music "has so much more cultural tradition and cultural diversity within the Korean language and culture.”
Features
Korean-traditional FON returns to THHS after a hiatus
Vickie Eng and Rosemary Ho • February 15, 2026
Classic Art Department
Classic Crossword
Classic Crossword: Valentine’s Day
Jasmine Mootooveran, Games Editor • February 14, 2026
Seniors at the Black and White party on January 15, the second night of the senior trip to Villa Roma Resort in the Catskills.
News
Class of 2026 goes on annual senior trip to Villa Roma Resort with support from popcorn fundraiser
Xinyi Chen, Atish Hoq, and Jubaidah Tasnim • February 14, 2026
News
The Latest from Classic TV
Opinion
Opinion Roundup: The decision between student athletes or athlete students
Opinion Roundup: The decision between student athletes or athlete students
Sebastian Koniarz, Aryan Sheikh, and Aarav Singh • January 29, 2026
The Townsend Harris honors certificate requires that students take 2 years of either Latin or Greek. Students debate whether or not the requirement should remain.
Opinion Roundup: Should taking two years of a classical language be a THHS Honors certificate requirement?
Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Editor • January 28, 2026
This school year, sophomores enrolled in Regents Physics were programmed to take health class twice a week. Students and staff shared their opinions about taking health class in sophomore year instead of senior year, as it had been since 2019, with The Classic.
Opinion Roundup: Health class in sophomore year versus health class in senior year
Lila Peskay, Staff Writer • January 26, 2026
Sports
Classic Spotlight
Let's Talk Testing: A special feature looking back at a year of testing-related opinion pieces in The Classic
After close to four decades of THHS seniors taking courses at QC, the partnership was put on pause this year due to financial constraints.
Queens College President Frank Wu and featured students Lauren Mistretta, Stavros Georgiou, Stephanie Giraldo Deabreu, TJ Mitchell, Lydia Zafeiri, and Makhai Grainger in the Amazon Premiere series The College Tour's episode on Queens College following the episode premiere
Features
The Chinese Contortion FON performing.
FON Spotlight: Chinese Contortion FON puts on a show with a twist
Joshua David • February 10, 2026
Dr. Nolan teaching a lesson to his band one AP English Literature class.
New AP English Literature selective focuses on heroes and antiheroes
February 9, 2026
The Classic Critic
The Classic Critic
Classic Conversations
Natalia Piekarski is the latest senior to be featured in the Classic Conversations series.
Taking It One Step at a Time: Senior Natalia Piekarski tells The Classic her THHS story
Halo Simms • January 25, 2026
Michael Lugo is the latest senior to be featured in the Classic Conversations series.
Simplicity is best, less is more: Senior Michael Lugo tells The Classic his THHS story
Vaibhvi Patel, Staff Writer • January 18, 2026
Mark Mbogho is the latest senior to be featured in the Classic Conversations series.
Going the Extra Mile: Senior Mark Mbogho tells The Classic his THHS story
Jim Zheng • December 15, 2025
Arts & Entertainment
Cast members sit together during a table read for the Nightingale Theatre’s spring musical Footloose.
In a collaboration between the art and physical education departments students were invited to paint paper canvases in the gym. The event aimed to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. Students painted their heart rates amongst other images of their choosing.
Librarian Katherine Yan teaches a "book tasting" lesson in the library last semester as part of an effort to encourage students to develop independent reading lives.
Mr. Lee conducting the THHS Symphony Orchestra during Founders’ Day at Colden Auditorium
Multimedia
Science and Technology
Emerald Yee goes from Townsend Harris SciOly team to Yale University Science Olympiad Invitational. Emerald says SciOly has taught her many lessons she will bring with her to Yale.
Robotics members participate in team bonding exercises at Robotics Kickoff on January 10
Remsen Hall on the Queens College Campus where the science trip was held on January 6th
High School students participate in a science research internship called SPARKED at Mount Sinai’s Tisch Cancer Institte
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