After 25 years at Mamaroneck High School, beloved chemistry teacher Mr. Seck is retiring and preparing to begin a new chapter split between the United States and his home country of Senegal. During his time at MHS, Mr. Seck made a lasting impact on students through both his teaching and dedication to his program, Students for Senegal. 

Mr. Seck became known throughout the school for his friendly personality, positivity, and ability to always put a smile on students’ faces. When reflecting on his career, Mr. Seck explained what first inspired him to become a teacher was “the energy, the students, and my love for just working with them.” What ultimately drew him to become a teacher was the opportunity it gave him to motivate and connect with others, which he shared he prefers to just “sitting down at the desk.”

Students and staff appreciated the enthusiasm he brought to the classroom each day. Looking back on his early years of teaching, Mr. Seck recalls that on his first day at Mamaroneck “[he] didn’t know anything,” because he “didn’t go to school to become a teacher,” so he had to quickly adjust to a new environment and structured system. However, with the support of mentors and administrators who believed in him, he grew into the role seamlessly and discovered how much he truly enjoyed teaching.

In addition to teaching chemistry, Mr. Seck played a major role in leading the Students for Senegal Club, introducing the school community to his very own Senegalese culture, and taking 15-30 students on annual trips to Senegal. These experiences allowed students to engage directly with the country’s traditions and way of life, gaining new perspectives about their teacher and the world beyond the classroom.

Last Sunday, the club’s final annual Senegala was held at the Larchmont Yacht Club, bringing together over 180 people whose lives Mr. Seck has profoundly impacted—including students from the first ever trip to Senegal. While the gala traditionally raises money for Senegal through auction prizes, this year’s event centered on something deeper, the legacy of Amary Seck. By the time he finished his speech, there was not a single dry eye in the room. He grew emotional as he reflected on how much he would miss greeting students in the hallways and seeing the community he helped build every day. 

At the end of the night, each former trip participant was given a single flower. One by one, they approached him, placing their flowers into his hands until they formed a full bouquet—a quiet and powerful reflection of the countless lives he has touched. 

Over the course of 25 years, Mr. Seck created countless memories with students inside and outside the classroom. When asked what he will miss most, he shared that he will miss the students and the joy he experienced working with them every day, describing Mamaroneck High School as a place that felt like home.