Luke Shahied

Thayer is unique because I have never met a caricature. Nobody at Thayer fits into a single stereotype or box. I’ve met “nerds” who are creative enough to be in rock bands, and I’ve met “jocks” who secretly like to be in the play. Since Thayer offers so many clubs and activities, every student naturally finds their way out of their comfort zone and explores new experiences outside their “box.”

While I don’t know exactly what I want to study in college, I am interested in a pre-law track, thanks to the resources I found at Thayer. I signed up for “Law and Society” going into my sophomore year because I heard it was an easy GPA-boost, but as I took the class, I began to truly enjoy learning about the law and the mock trial.  

Mr. Forrest’s PreCalculus Honors class is definitely the most challenging course at Thayer. Whether it was the “challenge” problems on the test that weren't in the homework or the threat of pop quizzes every day, PCH always kept me on my toes. 

Talking with students from other schools, I’ve learned that the public-speaking aspect of Thayer is uncommon. Since the 5th grade, I’ve been delivering speeches to audiences, something I didn't want to do eight years ago. The ability to speak in front of large groups is crucial in the real world, and I’m very grateful that Thayer has prepared me for it. 

Rocky IV

My peers have always inspired me at Thayer. No matter what pursuit, be it academics, sports, or activities, I’ve always had someone to challenge me, which I’m extremely grateful for. Without discomfort, there is no growth, so I’m glad my peers have been able to inspire me in that way. 

After racking my brain for a while, I can’t come up with just one moment from my eight years at Thayer. But a “quintessential Thayer" moment was probably at the lunch table, in the hallway, or during a free period. My absolute favorite moments were laughing about the most trivial things (which I did a lot). And although I can’t remember exactly what I found so funny, I remember my friends whom I got to spend time with.

It Was A Good Day by Ice Cube

People believed in me. Anytime I’ve presented a goal to someone I know at Thayer, I’ve been met with true confidence in my abilities. Although I have not achieved every goal I would like, people in the Thayer community have constantly backed me in my endeavors. 

Winter Wars is by far my favorite Thayer tradition. I don’t think anything has ever rallied me more than Winter Wars. I loved it so much that I kept the trophy in my house for an “extended period of time” until I was ordered to return it. Every year, that week comes with so much energy, and I’m proud that we finally took home the win in our last year.