A Final 'Fist to Five': Joseph Seidel remembered as an educator who listened, comforted, and inspired

By Amanda Ng

Photo by Chayti Biswas.

Students, teachers, and staff returned to Townsend Harris High School filled with grief in the days after learning the news of social studies teacher Joseph Seidel's sudden passing. Amidst this grief, students quickly began sharing stories: on social media, in person, and even at a memorial students planned less than forty-eight hours after receiving an email from the school informing them of the news. No matter the place and no matter the time, one common phrase kept coming up: "fist to five."

The phrase referred to a weekly tradition Mr. Seidel faithfully implemented. Every Monday, he would ask students for a "fist to five" check-in about what they did over the weekend. A five response meant the student had an amazing weekend and a fist response meant the opposite. Mr. Seidel would then follow up by checking in on students about their individual responses.

The tradition showed students that Mr. Seidel took an interest in their lives, wanted them to live life to the fullest, and wanted to know when someone was struggling so he could be there for them. What Mr. Seidel never seemed to ask was: what did his students think of him? And should he have asked for a "fist to five" on how highly his students and colleagues thought of him, the answer would clearly have been a resounding "five."

This special feature seeks to capture and unpack that five, sharing reflections, lessons, and memories from both the Townsend Harris community and members of the Kurt Hahn community (his previous school). In doing so, The Classic hopes to showcase the legacy that Mr. Seidel built.

Public Forum Debate member and sophomore Avika Sharma explains Mr. Seidel's "Fist to Five" weekend check-in tradition during the Public Forum Debate Memorial held at THHS on June 2, 2026. Video filmed by Aidan Ng.

"People often say that you never know how far kindness goes, and Mr. Seidel was living proof of that."
Sophomore Avika Sharma

Additional reporting by Salma Aouissi, Nora Elsway, Nicole Harvan, Vangeline Olmedo, and Nabeeha Saeed

Memories and Reflections

Photo by Cindy Wang.

Whenever one of us looked upset or tired, he would always come up and check in on us, asking if we were a "bad tired" or a "good tired," and it really stood out to me because he genuinely cared a lot about us and how we were outside of school. I would always look forward to being asked what I was doing over the weekend/break or how my weekend/break was because Mr. Seidel was genuinely interested in our outside lives. We wrote letters in the beginning of the school year to talk about ourselves so that Mr. Seidel could get to know us better. He carried those letters in his bag every day so that he could get to know his students. He taught us, but he also cared a lot about us and the type of people we were. He even cared for the students in other classes, trying to help them out with history or anything he was capable of. It really shows how passionate and caring Mr. Seidel was.

THHS Junior Stella Hwang

Mr. Seidel trying a cake. Video by Nicole Harvan.

Mr. Seidel trying a cake. Video by Nicole Harvan.

Mr. Seidel was more than just a teacher. He was like a father figure to so many of his students, from his demeanor and comfort to his sweet nicknames (like kiddo). I could really tell that he cared about everyone and felt a true calling to his job. It’s difficult to find words that accurately describe him, but the best ones that I can think of are kind, fatherly, funny, and wholesome.

There are dozens of moments I could describe that show the type of person he was, and so many more that I can barely remember because I took him for granted — moments that I barely paid attention to because I never thought there would be a day when he wasn’t here for me anymore. At the beginning of this year, I lost a ring and was freaking out about it; some of my teachers helped me look for it, but Mr. Seidel was the only one to get on his knees and crawl around looking for it. Every morning, he’d get to school early and be ready in room 415 so that students who needed extra help, or got to school early, had somewhere to go. There were so many days that I was the first student in that classroom, and we just silently worked side-by-side. Maybe two weeks ago, I was ranting to him about how I hated getting teacher signatures for trip slips; he didn’t react by ignoring me or showing a teacher’s perspective. He just actively listened, nodding his head, and eventually said, “Oh Nicole, I’m going to miss you next year.” He had a way of connecting with every student.

THHS Junior Nicole Harvan

"He carried those letters in his bag every day so that he could get to know his students. He taught us, but he also cared a lot about us and the type of people we were."

Mr. Seidel participating in a video trend with seniors Agnieszka Nalepa and Emani Imam. Video courtesy of Agnieszka Nalepa.

Mr. Seidel participating in a video trend with seniors Agnieszka Nalepa and Emani Imam. Video courtesy of Agnieszka Nalepa.

"Mr. Seidel was more than just a teacher. He was like a father figure to so many of his students."

Mr. Seidel with a group of THHS students during a field trip. Image courtesy of Ms. Sardiña.

Mr. Seidel with a group of THHS students during a field trip. Image courtesy of Ms. Sardiña.

Mr. Seidel's THHS yearbook photo. Image courtesy of Ms. Nakos.

Mr. Seidel posing with students for a polaroid picture during Senior Sunrise. Image courtesy of Xyr Causapin.

"He was one of my biggest supporters."

One day at the end of junior year, I told Mr. Seidel how much I loved his class and how much I wish we had more time together. He ended it off on saying how proud he was of me on how far I've come. I struggled a lot with my mental health during junior year, and he was one of my biggest supporters during that very difficult time of my life. A couple of days ago, I spoke to him about some of the amazing things that I wanted to do beyond high school, and he again re-iterated on how proud he was of me on how far I've come. I let him in on my secret that I would write him a letter once the stressors of senior year have finally settled, and I still wrote that letter anyway. The last thing I told him was I'd keep in contact with him when I left, and that we would never be strangers. I still keep that promise. He will never become a stranger, and he will always be in my heart.

THHS Senior Daniel Jagdeo

"My friends and I walked out of class that day talking about how sweet and heartfelt he seemed, how we couldn’t wait to see what he brought to the school."

Rachel (center) with Mr. Seidel. Image courtesy of Rachel Tan.

Rachel (center) with Mr. Seidel. Image courtesy of Rachel Tan.

I had Mr.Seidel for US History my junior year of high school, which was also his first year teaching at Townsend Harris. I can still vividly remember the lasting impression of how much he genuinely cared about me, about every single one of his students. The first day of class we could tell he was a little nervous, a trait that a room full of teenagers could easily exploit. However, he spent the class going over his background - as a human not a teacher - with two truths and a lie, and briefed his teaching style, like how he would do his best to never cold call, knowing how nerve wracking it can be. My friends and I walked out of class that day talking about how sweet and heartfelt he seemed, how we couldn’t wait to see what he brought to the school. Of all the first days of high school I had, I believe that is the only teacher introduction I can recall. The kindness and joy that exuded from him extended far past his first days. At every event where my club would be fundraising, he would walk by and pull out his wallet without hesitation, not even to buy what we were selling, just to donate and support us. That kind of energy can not go without affecting an entire community, and if my brief encounter with him made such an impact, I can only imagine how much joy, warmth, and value he brought and will continue to bring to those around him.

THHS Alumna Rachel Tan

"Every time I opened my eyes, he’d be right there, asking me if everything was alright."

When he said at the start of the year that he never wanted us to stress or lose sleep because of his class, he meant every word. I'd arrive at his class, first thing in the morning, heavy with things in my head to memorize or comprehend— then I'd hear him ask for our fist to fives. Regardless of whether my fist was a flashy 5 or a quiet 1, he'd make his way over to my desk and ask about that number.

Throughout my junior year, I've felt like a head bobbing around in an endless sea, desperate for air. Every time, he'd try to fish me out. I wish I had noticed that hook earlier. Yet every time I opened my eyes, he’d be right there, asking me if everything was alright. When I made it to State Champs for track, he stopped me in the hallway and, with a big smile, congratulated me. I told him it wasn't that serious, yet he reminded me that it was.

It’s hard not to see him in the places where he always was, and it's hard knowing that time will keep going on anyway. The past will become a fragment of history— the lesson for the future. His fragment is engraved in all who were within miles of his smile, and his memory will live on forever.

THHS Junior Manyata Chhetri

"There was nothing I could say to his face because there was nothing that was truly bad about him."

After school he’d help out with clubs, do extra help, and talk with people about any problems they might have. He never took anything too seriously and his laugh was always unforgettable when he stumbled upon a random conversation we would be having.

I even joked with him about how I would never say anything bad to him behind his back, I’d only do it to his face. But no matter how hard I even thought, there was nothing I could say to his face because there was nothing that was truly bad about him. He was a remarkable person, and since he is a history teacher, I hope his history is never left behind.

THHS Junior Dylan Wang

A portrait of Mr. Seidel. Junior Katherine Torres said, "After learning of Mr. Seidel’s passing, I drew this portrait for him and his family. He always supported my art, and I know he would’ve been so excited to see something like this." Art by Katherine Torres.

Mr. Seidel posing with the last fish he ever caught on May 17. Image courtesy of Mr. McCaughey.

Mr. Seidel posing with a box of Krispy Kreme donuts at THHS. Photo by Ms. Sardiña.

A Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game that the Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School in Brooklyn went to each year. Mr. McCaughey said, "You could run the bases after the game, and we were excited to do it... I love how much fun we're all having in the photos." Photo by Mr. McCaughey

Mr. Seidel teaching one of his AP U.S. History classes. Photo by Agnieszka Nalepa.

"He tried to go to see all the teams play, particularly the ones who don't often have cheering fans."

The Townsend bowling teams rarely have cheering spectators, beyond the occasional parent, at their bowling matches. I coach the Girls Varsity Bowling Team, and I'll never forget the first time Mr. Seidel walked into Jib Lanes to cheer for the girls and boys teams. We taught in different departments, so I didn't know him well, but there he was cheering and talking with the kids. When we had a moment to talk, I thanked him for being there and told him it meant a lot to the kids and to me as well. He smiled warmly and told me that's why he tried to go to see all the teams play, particularly the ones who don't often have cheering fans. In the past few days since we heard that he passed away, I have heard so many other stories about him celebrating with other Townsend sports teams and clubs.

THHS teacher Jennifer Johnson

"He believed in me more than I ever believed in myself."

When he signed my trip slip for my math competition, Mr. Seidel said something along the lines of "bring honor to our school," and I said something along the lines of "I'll probably lose." But that Friday, I won, and I wanted to tell him the next Monday in class. I never got to tell him. Earlier in the year too, before my socratic seminar, he asked me if I was excited, and I was visibly terrified, so he told me that I would do great, because I had great ideas in class, and that if I wanted to, I could always run my ideas by him prior to the seminar. He believed in me more than I ever believed in myself.

THHS Junior Sydney Liu

"He always somehow knew the right thing to say at the right time, and I think that’s what made him so special to so many people at THHS."

I remember recently I was having a really bad day after getting into a disagreement with a friend and I was really upset. I went to Mr. Seidel, and without hesitation he made the space feel welcoming and safe. He just listened to me. He didn’t judge, rush me, or make me feel silly for being emotional. He always somehow knew the right thing to say at the right time, and I think that’s what made him so special to so many people at THHS. He made people feel seen, heard, and cared for, and that’s something I’ll never forget.

THHS Sophomore Tajrian Noor

"He listened. No judgement, no dismissal of my feelings, he just listened to what I had to say and replied with 'I hear ya, kiddo.' That's all I needed to hear."

AAnyone who had him knew he was an amazing teacher, but it's just as important to note how much Mr. Seidel genuinely cared about each one of his students. He was very interested in my band and always asked how it was going; he made sure to catch our performances each year at FON. He used to joke that he had an awesome blue van we could use if we ever went on tour. When we had made stickers of our logo, he was the first teacher I gave one to, and he even put it on his computer. It meant a lot to me.

I had an exceptionally difficult junior year in both my school and personal life, and his support for my creative endeavors was greatly appreciated. But I specifically remember a particularly rough day I had, and although I had gone into his office to ask a question about class, I ended up crying and letting everything out that had been going on. And he listened. No judgement, no dismissal of my feelings, he just listened to what I had to say and replied with "I hear ya, kiddo." That's all I needed to hear. And I know for a fact that I was far from the only student that came to him seeking advice or comfort, precisely because he was such a good listener and supportive figure in our lives. It was easy to tell that he really loved his job.

THHS Alumna AJ Botsaris

Mr. Seidel in his AP U.S. History classroom. Photo by Agnieszka Nalepa.

Mr. Seidel wearing Ms. Sardiña's sunglasses at a Mets game. Photo by Ms. Sardiña.

Mr. McCaughey and Mr. Seidel running the bases after the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game. Photo by Mr. McCaughey.

Ms. Sardiña speaks about Mr. Seidel. Filmed by Nicole Harvan.

Senior Aydin Yildiz said, "This was just a funny little video of Mr. Seidel not only being great at teaching US history but showing that he was also a very funny guy to be with. Not only was he a funny person, but he also loved the Mets even when they are losing. He was a true fan, which we all loved and respected." Video by Brandon Pinto.

Senior Aydin Yildiz said, "This was just a funny little video of Mr. Seidel not only being great at teaching US history but showing that he was also a very funny guy to be with. Not only was he a funny person, but he also loved the Mets even when they are losing. He was a true fan, which we all loved and respected." Video by Brandon Pinto.

Mr. Seidel showing off a fish he caught. Video by Ms. Chang.

Mr. Seidel showing off a fish he caught. Video by Ms. Chang.

"He reassured me, recommending me resources and telling me that once I start talking, I won’t be able to stop."

When I asked Mr. Seidel if I could miss a seminar discussion one day, he asked me, “what’s wrong?” And I looked over at him, and I could tell he was genuinely concerned. I wasn’t even thinking about how anxious I was, but I took the time to reflect and honestly told him that my experiences in speaking during seminars can get overwhelming for me. He reassured me, recommending me resources and telling me that once I start talking, I won’t be able to stop. On the day of the seminar, I was so proud of getting through it; I felt engaged with my peers and gave Mr. Seidel the biggest smile. After it, he said, “see that wasn’t so bad.” I think this moment really goes to show how truly supportive he was and how he held others’ best interests to a high degree, whether he knew them well or not."

THHS Junior Adora Uddin

Mr. Seidel and Mr. Morzan teaching one of their AP U.S. History classes. Image courtesy of Ms. Nakos.

Mr. Seidel and Mr. Morzan teaching one of their AP U.S. History classes. Image courtesy of Ms. Nakos.

"I have heard from so many students and colleagues about Mr. Seidel's humble, vigilant dedication to his craft. We should follow the example he set."

I will always associate Mr. Seidel with mornings at Townsend Harris High School. Walking up the stairs to the fourth floor and passing by room 415 in the calm before First Band, Mr. Seidel could reliably be found seated on the edge of his chair, calmly readying the day's lessons on the classroom computer or patiently working with a student who needed extra help. We would exchange greetings in the hallway and talk lightheartedly, often cynically, but always hopefully, about the Mets with the other Social Studies teachers in room 437 when I occasionally dropped in to make copies.

On Fridays at exactly nine o'clock, we would race out the door to move our cars before the meters on Melbourne Avenue kicked in. It was here, piecemeal in these hurried moments outside, our breath hanging in the cold air of this year's particularly hard winter, that I started getting to know him a little better. We would talk about our cars, our kids, a bit about American history and literature, and even about fishing (I told him I need all the help I can get!). I looked forward to these brief exchanges and as a relatively new teacher at the school, felt welcomed by Mr. Seidel early on.

Hanging above him in the corner of room 415 was a flag bearing a famous rallying cry of the U.S. Navy: "Don't Give Up the Ship," uttered by Captain Lawrence as the USS Chesapeake faced an insurmountable challenge. This seems a befitting slogan for our school community in the aftermath of his passing. I have heard from so many students and colleagues about Mr. Seidel's humble, vigilant dedication to his craft. We should follow the example he set as we sail on together, striving to make every moment count and refusing to give up.

THHS teacher Sean Nolan

Ms. Sardiña, her father, and Mr. Seidel fishing together. Photo by Ms. Sardiña.

Ms. Sardiña, her father, and Mr. Seidel fishing together. Photo by Ms. Sardiña.

"Seeing his bright smile and hearing his laugh in the hallway immediately made every day better."

Mr. Seidel would often joke with us mid-APUSH review, and he told us stories about fishing, his family, and his "naughty" dog even when it had nothing to do with the lesson. One moment that really sticks out to me is when he told us about his daughter Reese and how she hates Reese's even though her name is Reese! Mr. Seidel loved hearing the "tea" and was always ready to jump in if needed (e.g. to go after College Board for all their issues). He will be dearly missed both inside and outside of class. Seeing his bright smile and hearing his laugh in the hallway immediately made every day better. I know our class will really miss his dad jokes as well. I have to admit I found them pretty funny.

THHS Junior Sabah Jivraj

Mr. Seidel and Mr. Morzan posing with an American flag with an image of themselves on it. Photo by Agnieszka Nalepa.

Mr. Seidel and Mr. Morzan posing with an American flag with an image of themselves on it. Photo by Agnieszka Nalepa.

"He genuinely cared about all of his students, and his heart was so full of love."

Mr. Seidel would always look forward to knowing what I have planned for my weekend. He would always talk about food with me and ask me why I didn’t bring him Starbucks. He loved joking around like that. He was so happy when I was showing him junior banquet photos of me and my friends. Whenever my friends and I would stand on the 4th floor after 8th period, he would come up to us and joke with us about random things. Then, he would tell us to go to class, and this would just be our fun routine every day after 8th period with him. He genuinely cared about all of his students, and his heart was so full of love. I will always remember Mr. Seidel.

THHS Junior Kristen Lee

"He was always real with his responses. It made me know he was listening and that he cared about my experiences."

Mr. Seidel would do Monday check-ins with every table individually, making every student feel heard, where he asked about our weekends. These check-ins led to conversation and got him to know about what we (his students) were going through, but it helped me learn a lot about him and his life outside of being a teacher. He was always real with his responses. It made me know he was listening and that he cared about my experiences. He helped whenever possible. Whenever I mentioned a charity MSA was collecting for, an MSA bake sale, or an event, he would not hesitate for a second to donate whether or not he could make it to the event or bake sale.

At the end of last year, he asked me how to tell if something is Halal prior to a club trip, he was chaperoning to get food for the Muslim students going on the trip. That same day, we were talking about college. He said that if I ever run into trouble, I could go to the precinct Mrs. Seidel worked at and mention her. When I saw him last school year to get his yearbook signature, he said, “If you ever need anything, I’m an email away.” I had a short conversation with him when I went back to visit this year, but I wish I could go back and thank him because he brought light and smiles to my junior year, and his presence assured me I had someone I can visit and talk to junior year and after.

THHS Alumna Shayra Shoshi

Mr. Morzan, Mr. Seidel, Ms. Sardiña, senior Jenna Abdelhamid, Mr. Ruiz, senior Jade Deen, and Mr. McCaughey posing together in the THHS cafeteria. Image courtesy of Ms. Sardiña.

Mr. Seidel posing in sunglasses for a 0.5x picture. Photo by Agnieszka Nalepa.

Mr. Seidel posing for a picture with seniors Emani Imam and Agnieszka Nalepa at Senior Sunrise. Photo by Agnieszka Nalepa.

PFD Co-President Methulia Medage speaks at the Public Forum Debate Memorial. Filmed by Ryan Chen.

PFD Co-President Mirabelle Miketa-Garcia speaks at the Public Forum Debate Memorial. Filmed by Aidan Ng.

The Kurt Hahn Community Remembers Mr. Seidel

Before working at THHS, Mr. Seidel was a dedicated educator at Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School in Brooklyn. Members of the KHELS community shared their memories with The Classic.

Image courtesy of Simone Rodney.

Seidel helped me tremendously during high school, especially during the pandemic my senior year. He always held me accountable and made sure I did my work to the best of my ability. Without him, I wouldn’t have graduated.

KHELS alumnus Liam Ramnath

"Without him, I wouldn’t have graduated."

Filmed by Nicole Harvan.

"He was warm, disarming, and quick with the self-deprecating joke. He bonded with the most challenging students and engaged the most apathetic with his warmth and sense of humor."

When Joe and I started teaching together at Kurt Hahn, he was a ten year vet, and I was a second year teacher. And yet from our very first meeting, he made it clear that he valued my perspective, and made me feel like I had something worthwhile to contribute. Joe had a way of putting you at ease. He was warm, disarming, and quick with the self-deprecating joke. He bonded with the most challenging students and engaged the most apathetic with his warmth and sense of humor. He was so brilliant but also so unpretentious, so grounded. I learned so much from him- how, instead of getting twisted up in protocols, to let a class flow naturally, to build off student ideas in class conversation, to take the time to sit in a teachable moment even when it derailed "the plan." Joe was a rare person to be universally liked and respected, by all his students and all his colleagues, regardless of background. He never pretended to have all the answers, was always open to learning something new, and always willing to take on a challenge. He was also an attentive friend, who made sure to check in when we stopped working together. He was a great cook, a loving father, just the absolute best human being I've ever known. This loss is absolutely crushing.

KHELS Colleague Rachel Lamb

"He made sure we had a human connection and friendship."

Mr. Seidel was my co-teacher for two years. He would always ask me how my weekend was or what I ate for lunch in the midst of the chaos of teaching and planning. He made sure we had a human connection and friendship. We shared many cherished memories in KHELS. He will be truly missed.

KHELS Colleague Yasmin Nusrat

Seidel went from being a coworker to a friend to family. He was always willing to give you great advice and just a joy to be around. He was a genuine person and never liked being front and center.

KHELS Colleague Simone Rodney

"Joe Seidel was a giant amongst mortals."

I was the secretary for the Kurt Hahn EL School while Joe worked there. Joe Seidel was a giant amongst mortals. He left a lasting impact on all the staff (who became part of his family), students (& their families), and anyone who was lucky enough to encounter his presence. I was lucky enough to work with him when he worked at the Kurt Hahn EL School. Joe attended KHELS graduations even after he left the school, for each of his Crew students.

KHELS secretary Lori Blitzer

One Life's Lessons

The Classic asked all those who shared memories of Mr. Seidel to also answer this simple question:

"What was the most important lesson you learned from Mr. Seidel?"

Here are their answers.

Photo by Ryan Chen

The Lessons Learned

The most important lesson I learned from Mr. Seidel was that kindness matters just as much as success. He taught me that sometimes simply listening to someone and making them feel seen can have a bigger impact than you realize.

Sophomore Tajrian Noor

Mr. Seidel taught me a very important lesson and that is that no matter how many exams you fail, how many times you fall, and what college you go to… pessimism is what actually destroys you. If you are able to see the beauty in a cruel world, you can succeed without fear.

Junior Dylan Wang

The most important lesson I learned from Mr. Seidel was to be kind. He was the kindest and most generous person ever. Just by his actions and his beliefs, I learned that kindness goes a long way, and I truly saw that quality in Mr. Seidel.

Junior Kristin Lee

Mr. Seidel’s kindness taught me never to give up on myself. He believed in me, and that taught me the importance of perseverance.

Senior Natalia Piekarski

The most important lesson Mr. Seidel taught me was kindness and understanding. Mr. Seidel always looked out for his students, family, and the people around him. He tried to understand us and get to know us, and he showed kindness to every person.

Junior Stella Hwang

The most important lesson I learned was to take a break, and also to believe in myself through it all.

Junior Sydney Liu

There’s this quote from Maya Angelou that says: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Senior Israel Morales

Mr. Seidel taught me to slow down and think about myself sometimes.

Junior Aki Benjamin

I learned to take the time to find joy in everything, even if it's the van you own.

Senior Annahi Guaman

Mr. Seidel taught me a lot about history, but I think the more permanent lessons he taught me were the ones about the kind of person I want to be. He encouraged me to be kinder, more self-confident, and always help others, through both his words and the example he set. I was once 30 minutes late to class because I saw a bird get side-swiped by a car on Melbourne Avenue and got held up ensuring it was alright. Instead of scolding me, he clapped, told me I was a “bird hero,” and said he was proud of me. He encouraged me to help others, human or not. Mr. Seidel has also, over the last year, repeatedly encouraged me to speak up and be more confident. From calming me down over testing to telling me to speak louder in class, his urging never really stuck. However, at his after-school memorial, I found the courage to give an impromptu speech in front of the entire room, something I never would’ve done before.

I’ll do my best to take his advice to heart and believe in myself the way he used to. His passing taught me a lesson that I’ve heard people say before but never quite internalized: do not hesitate to tell people how you feel. I’ll always regret that I never got to tell him how much he meant to me and how grateful I am. I will also endeavor to live life to the fullest the way he always did. I’ll pursue my passions the way he pursued fishing, remain persistent the way he did with the Mets, and find balance in my life the way he did with work and family.

Junior Nicole Harvan

To be proud and grateful, even in rough times.

Junior Manyata Chhetri

I’ve learned that life is not just about your career and studies; prioritizing your family and especially yourself, is just as important.

Junior Adora Uddin

One of the most important lessons that I learned from Mr. Seidel was to treat everyone with the utmost respect and kindness. Mr. Seidel always went out of his way to make those around him feel valued and respected and this past weekend it was very evident that those around him truly appreciated this trait of his.

Junior Sabah Jivraj

“Do something fun over the weekend that’s not studying” - actual quote from Mr. Seidel

Alumna Azeezat Yusuf

He never treated any student differently based on what struggles they had or what they were going through, and his showcase of kindness taught me that no matter what someone's going through or who they are, you should always show the respect that you want to be showed.

Senior Daniel Jagdeo

Mr. Seidel reminded me that so much of being a great teacher is showing up and showing people you care about them with your presence and support. That's also what makes great human beings.

THHS teacher Jennifer Johnson

I learned that quiet and steady is sometimes better than talking from Mr. Seidel. He was a great listener.

THHS teacher Valeria Jacobs

To give them hell on exams!

Senior Jedadiah Juarbe

What I learned from him is that, since our time on Earth is limited, you should take time to cherish those around you. Just because they’re still around today doesn’t mean they will continue to be around tomorrow.

Senior Bryson DeLosSantos

I learned to keep showing up for the people in your life, to trust your instincts, and to keep the plan simple in the classroom.

KHELS Colleague Rachel Lamb

Always do your best in everything you strive to achieve; in other words, give 'em hell.

Alumna AJ Botsaris

Mr. Seidel taught me to never give up and to always do my best even if I fail. From then on, I always did my best, and if it didn’t work, I tried again over and over. I learned to show compassion and work on my patience and work well with time.

KHELS Alumnus Liam Ramnath