May 29, 2026
Important details for seniors
- The Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 28, at MVP Arena. The ceremony will begin promptly at noon. As a reminder, the MVP Arena will require tickets for all guests at this year's graduation celebration - please reserve your tickets as soon as possible! Each graduate may reserve up to 15 tickets. Tickets are free and can be secured via this Google Form.
- Lawn signs are available for pick up at your student's academy office.
- Caps and gowns will be available for pickup in the Annex Gym on Tuesday, June 9, and Wednesday, June 10, from noon to 4 p.m. If you have not yet paid for your cap and gown, you can submit your payment to the main office during lunch periods only. The cost is $35.
- Chromebooks and hotspots will also be collected during cap and gown distribution, as well as any other school property that needs to be returned, such as library books, textbooks and athletic equipment and gear.
- There will be a meeting in the Albany High auditorium on Monday, June 8, during period 8 to help students prepare for graduation.
- Senior field day will take place on Tuesday, June 16, at 1:30 p.m.
Parents and loved ones, we have an option to pre-order flowers for graduation that will be available for pick-up right at the venue the day of the event.
Be sure to check out our Class of 2026 Graduation page for more details as you and your loved ones plan for this wonderful milestone!
Reminder: early dismissal protocol
If your student needs to be dismissed early for an appointment, please notify the school earlier in the day by calling your student's academy office. Your student will be issued a pass by the academy office so they can be excused from class promptly. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Athletics Ceremonies
On Tuesday, June 2, we will hold two ceremonies to celebrate our incredible student-athletes here at Albany High!
- Join us for our Athletic College Commitment Ceremony at 4 p.m. as we celebrate our seniors who have committed to play at sport at the collegiate level.
- Later that evening at 6 p.m. we will hold our Varsity Athletics Awards Ceremony to honor and celebrate our varsity athletes.
We hope to see you there!
Donate blood on June 3
Join us on Wednesday, June 3, for our third community blood drive of the school year at Albany High! Students, staff and community members are invited to donate. Donors must be at least 16 years of age and all prospective donors must make an appointment. Details are available on our event calendar.
All presenting blood donors will receive a voucher redeemable for one prepacked pint of Stewart's ice cream or gelato at any Stewart's Shops!
From Falcon to CEO
Albany High students had the incredible opportunity to attend a Lunch & Learn workshop led by Deshanna C. Wiggins, who shared insights on her journey from being an Albany High student to becoming the CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce. During the workshop, Wiggins wove together a variety of anecdotes about how her experiences as a young person in Albany drove her to forge a career in communications. Check out this news story to learn more.
Sports spotlight
We've had an exciting postseason for our spring sports thus far! Here are some highlights from this past week:
-
Our Falcons played with grit, determination and strength in the Section 2 Class AAA semifinal series against Colonie at Shuttleworth Park on May 22 and 23. While the season ended with a hard-fought loss, we are extremely proud of our student-athletes and their coaches for their performance this spring. Check out these photos from the semifinal series.
-
Congratulations to Albany High baseball players Seamas LeBuis and Nate Pupons who were recognized in the Times Union’s “Best of the Week in Section 2” as top performers in local high school athletics on May 25! LeBuis, a senior left-hander, allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings in the Falcons’ 3-2 Class AAA quarterfinal win against CBA. Pupons launched a two-run home run with two outs in the top of the seventh, lifting the Falcons to a stunning 3-2 Class AAA quarterfinal victory over second-seeded CBA.
-
Our Albany High boys' and girls' outdoor track and field teams soared to amazing heights as they faced off against the best of the best in Section 2 on Wednesday at Colonie High School. Our boys' 4x100m relay team—Javanni Garland-Santana, Nyerere Young, Nasief Smith and Terrique Francis—blazed into first place with a time of 42.1 seconds! With this incredible finish, they now rank in the top five 4x100m relay teams in New York State. Francis also claimed first place in the 100m dash with a lightening-fast time of 10.83 seconds, putting him in the top 20 in the state! Check out this news story to learn more about this competition and to get details on the upcoming state qualifier meet on June 3 and 4.
Follow our Albany Athletics Facebook and Instagram pages to see our sports highlights!
Upcoming Award Nights
Falcons and families, please mark your calendars for our JROTC Awards Night on Monday, June, 8, and our Junior/Senior Awards Night on Thursday, June 11!
Falcon jazz hits the road
Our Falcon jazz ensembles have two upcoming gigs you won't want to miss!
- On Saturday, May 30, take a drive to Schoharie to enjoy delicious food and dazzling tunes from The Jazzmanian Devils and The B Flats as they perform at Wayward Lane.
- On Friday, June 12, The Jazzmanian Devils and The B Flats will be performing right here in Albany at The Hollow.
Our student-musicians love sharing their talent with the community—we hope to see you there!
Masquarade Ball
Our senior-junior prom, Masquarade Ball, will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 6-10 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center, located at 55 Eagle St. in Albany. Students are reminded that they need to bring their student ID to the event for entry. Students who would like to bring a guest from another school must fill out a form, which is available in their academy office.
As a reminder, students can stop by the Falcon Market to get free formalwear to wear to prom!
Regents: mock exams, make-up labs, review sessions
As Regents exams approach, Albany High is facilitating mock exams, lab make-ups and review sessions for our students who will be taking one or more Regents exams this June. The schedule is located in the "Additional Links" dropdown on the Albany High web page. We encourage students and families to bookmark the page as changes and additions may take place in the weeks to come.
Important end-of-year dates
We would like to provide an update and reminders about important dates coming up in May and June as we prepare for the end of the 2025-26 school year. Check out this news story for a helpful overview!
Teen Time events
Falcons, mark your calendars for our upcoming Teen Time events on Friday, June 5, and Friday, June 12! The main gym will be open from 3:30-5 p.m. for students in grades 9-12. Teen Time is a free event and is a great way to hang out with your friends in a safe, fun and welcoming environment! (Please note there is no Teen Time for today, Friday, May 29.)
Yearbook info
Yearbooks will be arriving at Albany High soon! Our yearbook club advisor has ordered 300 copies that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for students who did not choose to pre-order a copy earlier in the school year. Due to the limited quantity of yearbooks, students are encouraged to pre-pay to reserve a copy by placing an order via the 2026 Albany High Yearbook web page. Check out this news story for additional details.
Summer Arts Program
Our Summer Arts Program gives students currently in grades 3-11 throughout the district the opportunity to participate in four weeks of creative educational activities. The following lessons will be offered during this summer’s program: art, theater, dance, band and strings. Check out our Summer Arts Program web page for additional details and sign-up instructions!
Scholarship Opportunities
At Albany High, we are committed to helping our students explore multiple pathways to offset the cost of higher education. Throughout the academic year, we encourage juniors and seniors to check out scholarship opportunities listed in SchooLinks.
In addition to our Board of Education scholarships offered in multiple subject areas, numerous scholarships created in memory and recognition of members of our school community and their loved ones are also offered. Check out this news story to learn more!
After-school tutoring at Albany High
Falcons, do you need extra help with your coursework? Join us at our after-school tutoring program, which runs Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in room 2235. If you need extra help with your classes, come join us and get some support from Albany High teachers. Hope to see you there!
Albany High communications
We hope you enjoyed this Albany High weekly update! As a reminder, to avoid overwhelming your inbox with lots of messages throughout the week, we curate this weekly communication on Fridays at this web page with important updates and exciting news to keep our Falcon families "in-the-know." Feel free to bookmark this page so you always have the important details you need at hand.
We also have dedicated Albany High social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us to see lots of great photos and reels!
Exciting events coming up soon
This is a list of events coming up that we want to draw particular attention to for students and families! These are just some of the great things happening here at Albany High, and remember you can view our full calendar to see them all!
Follow Albany High!
Looking for last week's update?
Reserve graduation tickets ASAP!
The Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 28, at MVP Arena. The ceremony will begin promptly at noon. As a reminder, the MVP Arena will require tickets for all guests at this year's graduation celebration - please reserve your tickets as soon as possible! Each graduate may reserve up to 15 tickets. Tickets are free and can be secured via this Google Form.
Parents and loved ones, we have an option to pre-order flowers that will be available for pick-up right at the venue the day of the event.
Lawn signs are available for pick up at your student's academy office.
Be sure to check out our Class of 2026 Graduation page for more details as you and your loved ones plan for this wonderful milestone!
Falcons to compete in baseball semifinal series
With one swing of Nate Pupons' bat, a gritty pitching performance from Seamas LeBuis and a spectacular game-ending catch from Matt McCarthy, the Albany High baseball team shook up the Section 2 Class AAA playoffs on Tuesday. Seeded seventh and competing in sectionals for just the second time in 17 years, the Falcons (11-7) knocked off the state's No. 12 team. The Brothers (17-4) finished the regular season 14-2 in the tough Suburban Council and came in riding a 12-game winning streak.
Next up for the Falcons is a semifinal series with third-seeded Colonie (15-6), which is ranked No. 17 in the state and survived its own quarterfinal scare against sixth-seeded Shenendehowa on Tuesday. The three-game series begins Friday, May 22, at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam's Shuttleworth Park.
Check out this news story for more details!
Important end-of-year dates
We would like to provide an update and reminders about important dates coming up in May and June as we prepare for the end of the 2025-26 school year. Check out this news story for a helpful overview!
Cadets showcase strength and skill
Over the past several weeks, our JROTC cadets have represented Albany High with pride at two thrilling competitions. First, a group of 33 cadets traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to compete in the National JROTC Raider Championship, which took place April 17-18. Next, a group of 17 Falcons competed in the National Drill Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, on May 1. Facing off against more than 200 teams from across the United States, our Albany High cadets competed in marching, inspection and color guard. Check out this news story to learn more.
Spectacular moments in sports
Wow, it has been an amazing week for sports! In addition to our baseball team heading to the semifinal series, here are some other notable moments:
- We honored our baseball seniors on Friday, May 15, in a wonderful ceremony.
- Our girls' flag football team defeated Bethlehem on Saturday, May 16 at the quarterfinal game, and then continued on to battle Shaker in the semifinal game. Congratulations Falcons on an awesome season!
- Our Albany High boys’ tennis team finished their season at the Section 2 singles and doubles tournament on Saturday, May 16. In the singles tournament, Stanley Cornell put forth a tremendous effort, taking a tough loss in the second round to his rival from Albany Academy. Check out this news story to learn more.
- Albany High senior Terrique Francis earned first place in the 100m dash at the Suburban Council Championships for boys' outdoor track and field on May 19! Come cheer on both our boys' and girls' outdoor track teams at sectionals on Wednesday, May 27, at Colonie High School. The action kicks off at 4 p.m. and tickets must be purchased via the GoFan website.
-
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has announced its spring 2026 scholar-athlete individuals and teams. We are excited to share that 62 Albany High School student-athletes had a 90 or above grade-point average and will receive pins for their scholastic achievements! Additionally, three of our spring teams earned the Scholar-Athlete Team Award, with the average GPA of the top 75% of the roster being 90 or greater.
Varsity athletes and their loved ones are encouraged to save the date for our Varsity Athletic Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, June 2, at 6 p.m. Check out this letter from Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Kimberly Pilla, to learn more.
Additionally, we will honor student-athletes who have committed to play at the collegiate level at our Athletics College Commitment Ceremony on Tuesday, June, at 4 p.m.
Follow our Albany Athletics Facebook and Instagram pages to see our sports highlights!
Lunch & Learn: From Falcon to CEO
Falcons in all grades are invited to join us for our Lunch & Learn: From Falcon to CEO event presented by Albany Black Chamber of Commerce CEO Deshanna C. Wiggins! Deshanna C. Wiggins is an Albany High alum who has a deep personal commitment to public service, equity and community-centered leadership. Come hear about her journey from being an Albany High student to becoming the CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce.
The event will take place on Thursday, May 28, during periods 4-7.
Induction Ceremonies
- Sixteen talented Albany High art students were inducted into the National Art Honor Society on May 14!
- On May 19, Albany High School inducted 35 students on May 19 into three World Language Honor Societies: National Chinese Honor Society, Société Honoraire de Français (French Honor Society) and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society). Congratulations to all these students who are expanding their horizons through language learning and exploration of other cultures!
Masquarade Ball
Our senior-junior prom, Masquarade Ball, will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 6-10 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center, located at 55 Eagle St. in Albany. Students are reminded that they need to bring their student ID to the event for entry. Students who would like to bring a guest from another school must fill out a form, which is available in their academy office.
As a reminder, students can stop by the Falcon Market to get free formalwear to wear to prom!
Falcons to march in Albany Memorial Day Parade
Come see our Falcons march in the Albany Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25! Our JROTC students and the Marching Falcons will take part in this annual tradition to help honor those who have fallen in service to our country. The parade will begin 1t 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Central Avenue and Lexington Avenue.
Testing Unwind event is a hit
Pizza, snow cones, popcorn―oh my! Our Albany High Student Government club knocked it out of the park with their “Testing Unwind” event! The snacks were on point and everyone enjoyed playing games, watching a movie, making slime and hanging out together. What a perfect way to unwind after a whirlwind of testing.
Falcons win 'Outstanding Student Orchestra' award
Congratulations to the Albany High Theater Ensemble and our Falcon musicians for winning the "Outstanding Student Orchestra" award at the 10th Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards! This is the second time in three years that the Albany High Theater Ensemble has taken home the "Outstanding Student Orchestra" award.
Regents: mock exams, make-up labs, review sessions
As Regents exams approach, Albany High is facilitating mock exams, lab make-ups and review sessions for our students who will be taking one or more Regents exams this June. The schedule is located in the "Additional Links" dropdown on the Albany High web page. We encourage students and families to bookmark the page as changes and additions may take place in the weeks to come.
Career exploration
- Our Career Fair hosted at Albany High on May 21, was an incredible opportunity for students, families and community members to connect with dozens of businesses, agencies and organizations to learn about summer job opportunities, internships and more!
- Career Day at Pine Hills Elementary School was a success thanks to Albany High role models! Student representatives from Robotics, Automotive Tech, Construction Tech, Cosmetology, Barbering, Culinary Arts and Health Sciences programs provided insight, and hands-on experience, as to what CTE classes – and a career – may entail. Check out these photos of our Falcon presenters in action!
Falcon filmmaker honored by Young Masters Awards
Congratulations to Falcon filmmaker Ian Roach for being selected as one of the top ten artists in the Young Masters Awards National Art Contest for his film, "Rad Dude's Guide to Love and Manhood"! Read more about Roach's accomplishment in this news story.
May open gym sessions and Teen Time events
We invite our student-athletes in grades 9-12 to participate in our open gym sessions this May! Additionally, we are offering Teen Time events in the gym several Fridays during the month of May. This is an opportunity for students to hang out in the gym and socialize in a safe and welcoming environment. The full schedule is available in this news story.
Falcon jazz hits the road
Our Falcon jazz ensembles have two upcoming gigs you won't want to miss!
- On Saturday, May 30, take a drive to Schoharie to enjoy delicious food and dazzling tunes from The Jazzmanian Devils and The B Flats as they perform at Wayward Lane.
- On Friday, June 12, The Jazzmanian Devils and The B Flats will be performing right here in Albany at The Hollow.
Our student-musicians love sharing their talent with the community—we hope to see you there!
International Club visits the Berkshires
Our Albany High International Club spent a lovely weekend in the beautiful Berkshires thanks to the support of Albany Fund for Education! Our Falcons collaborated to prepare the camp for summer visitors by raking, cleaning and preparing food. There was also plenty of time to bond with fellow club members during the getaway. Students had a blast playing volleyball, boating, swimming and sharing stories around the campfire! Read this news story for additional details.
Falcons shine at Olympics of the Visual Arts
Eight talented Albany High art students―Vander Khan, Olive Carey, Julia Rosi, Eliza Schlesinger, Lucy Rathke-Cook, Sienna Stewart, Hailey Farrell and Alex Steuer―engaged their ingenuity, teamwork and creativity at the 44th Olympics of the Visual Arts (OVA) on April 30 in Saratoga Springs! For the competition, our Falcons embraced the theme of “natural connections” by crafting two incredible pieces: a table setting with an ocean theme for the design category and a large-scale illustration based on the children’s book “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen for the illustration category. Read more about this amazing experience in this news story.
Science behind sobriety field tests
Albany High students in Elizabeth Lopatniuk's health classes participated in a dynamic lesson about the effects of alcohol on the body. Albany High Student Resource Officer Nick Schuler led students through an overview of field sobriety tests that are routinely performed during a traffic stop when an officer suspects a driver may be under the influence of alcohol. Check out this news story to learn more.
Yearbook info
Yearbooks will be arriving at Albany High towards the end of May! Our yearbook club advisor has ordered 300 copies that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for students who did not choose to pre-order a copy earlier in the school year. Due to the limited quantity of yearbooks, students are encouraged to pre-pay to reserve a copy by placing an order via the 2026 Albany High Yearbook web page. Check out this news story for additional details.
Summer Arts Program
Our Summer Arts Program gives students currently in grades 3-11 throughout the district the opportunity to participate in four weeks of creative educational activities. The following lessons will be offered during this summer’s program: art, theater, dance, band and strings. Check out our Summer Arts Program web page for additional details and sign-up instructions!
Community swimming update
There will be no community swimming at the Albany High pool on Tuesday, May 26, and Thursday, May 28. Community swimming will resume on Tuesday, June 2. For more details about this program, check out our community swimming web page.
Scholarship Opportunities
At Albany High, we are committed to helping our students explore multiple pathways to offset the cost of higher education. Throughout the academic year, we encourage juniors and seniors to check out scholarship opportunities listed in SchooLinks.
In addition to our Board of Education scholarships offered in multiple subject areas, numerous scholarships created in memory and recognition of members of our school community and their loved ones are also offered. Check out this news story to learn more!
After-school tutoring at Albany High
Falcons, do you need extra help with your coursework? Join us at our after-school tutoring program, which runs Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in room 2235. If you need extra help with your classes, come join us and get some support from Albany High teachers. Hope to see you there!
Albany High communications
We hope you enjoyed this Albany High weekly update! As a reminder, to avoid overwhelming your inbox with lots of messages throughout the week, we curate this weekly communication on Fridays at this web page with important updates and exciting news to keep our Falcon families "in-the-know." Feel free to bookmark this page so you always have the important details you need at hand.
We also have dedicated Albany High social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us to see lots of great photos and reels!
Exciting events coming up soon
This is a list of events coming up that we want to draw particular attention to for students and families! These are just some of the great things happening here at Albany High, and remember you can view our full calendar to see them all!
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.