Celebrating a century: Students commemorate a milestone with festivities, food and fun

Nov. 13, 2026

By Alessandra Ricra
Editor-in-Chief

This article is part of a three-part in-depth reporting series in honor of LHS’ centennial.

LHS opened its doors to its first students on Sept. 11, 1926. Exactly a century later, the high school community gathered on the school’s practice field to celebrate its anniversary.

The celebration featured a dunk tank, inflatable games and music, along with treats such as cotton candy, Italian ice and popcorn. Students also participated in a variety of activities and competitions, including cornhole, Spikeball and three-legged races, and received commemorative merchandise and prizes.

Student Government Association advisor Mrs. Auteri, who graduated from LHS in 1992, said the festivities were particularly significant for her.

“My friends and I always say [high school] was the best four years of our lives.”

“This school means everything to me,” Auteri said. “My daughter graduated from here [in 2023]. I have three more kids coming up. It’s so special to work here and be an alumna.”

Auteri served on a committee of five administrators, eight faculty and 12 students who collaborated over the summer to organize the event, and the entire faculty and staff took on responsibilities such as serving refreshments and monitoring students so they could enjoy the festivities.

“We didn’t want the students [on the committee] to feel like they were working. We wanted them to be able to celebrate,” Auteri said.

She said she hopes students appreciate the memories and experiences from their time at LHS.

“My friends and I always say [high school] was the best four years of our lives,” Auteri said. “Everyone got along [and] my teachers were great.”

Class of 2027 President senior Nicholas Rizzo said he values the opportunities LHS provides its students.

“LHS consistently [sends] star students to top-tier colleges, whether it is for sports or academics,” Rizzo said. “Not to mention the recent additions they have made to also amplify the success of students who want to pursue a career in a trade. LHS accommodates everyone’s needs.”

Rizzo said it is gratifying to represent the school’s 100th graduating class.

“I come from a long line of LHS alumni. My grandmother and grandfather graduated [from LHS], and so did both my parents,” Rizzo said. “It means a lot to me to be a Lyndhurst kid and carry out the traditions this town has had for 100 years.”

Rizzo said he hopes the centennial inspires students to reflect on the school’s legacy they are continuing.

“It should inspire [students] to live up to the standard of this high school that was set many decades before they were born,” Rizzo said.

SGA President senior Mariam Selim, who helped plan the event, said she was thrilled to be present for this important occasion.

“The environment and the culture that our school has built are being amplified. All of these added activities and spirit make [their] experience 10 times better,” Selim said.

She said she enjoyed seeing students unite for the celebration.

“It was really nice to see everyone from our high school all together in one place and getting out of the classroom to have a good time,” Selim said. “There weren’t any cliques or worries. Everyone was just there to have fun.”

Selim said the event reflected the dedication of the students and staff involved in the planning process.

“Our SGA did an amazing job. A handful of us worked together and… played a huge role in making our 100th-year celebration that [much] more exciting,” Selim said.

Vice principal Ms. Ringen said donations and community involvement helped bring the event together.

“[The members of the planning committee] all had different roles, whether it was reaching out to businesses [to ask] if they wanted to sponsor things or getting T-shirts,” Ringen said. “It was an all-hands-on-deck kind of mission, and the community is outstanding.”

Ringen said the centennial celebration served as a reminder of the generations of students and staff who passed through LHS’ halls.

“This school holds so much pride and tradition,” Ringen said. “The centennial celebration was not only to honor all those present in the building, but also the decades before.”

Ringen said the current school community continues to enrich LHS’ history.

“I get to witness greatness every day… Every department here goes 110% with everything they do,” Ringen said.

She said she hopes the school’s welcoming environment and longstanding traditions are preserved for generations to come.

“I want Lyndhurst to always be a home to everyone,” Ringen said. “In the next 100 years…. I hope we’re still carrying on that tradition of excellence and pride.”

PHOTOS FROM CAITLIN CORREIA, IZZY CRUZ, JOELLE HABEISHI, EMILY KASALLA AND GABRIEL ULKER The high school celebrated its centennial anniversary on Sept. 11. To mark this milestone, LHS hosted a celebration after lunch on the practice field.