The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District is thrilled to announce that seniors Brandon Antonetti and Adrian Kim have been named 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists. This prestigious recognition is determined by their top PSAT scores from their 11th grade year. Brandon and Adrian are part of a select few high school juniors nationwide and provides them the opportunity to continue in the competition for scholarships worth 26 million dollars.

Date Added: 9/13/2024

On September 11, Oyster Bay High School hosted its annual college fair in the upper lobby of the gym. Seniors had the opportunity to meet with dozens of college representatives, gather brochures, and ask important questions about the next steps in their academic journeys.

With another college fair scheduled for next week, students will have even more chances to explore their options. Over the coming months, guidance counselors will be meeting one-on-one with seniors, helping them narrow down their list of potential schools and navigate the application process.

This fall, counselors will also begin working with the junior class to prepare them for next year’s application and decision-making process, ensuring they are well-informed and ready for what lies ahead.

As the college application process kicks into high gear, Oyster Bay’s students are supported every step of the way. With guidance counselors offering individualized attention and ongoing opportunities like the upcoming college fair, the seniors are well-equipped to make informed decisions about their futures. The foundation for the next class of applicants is also being laid, ensuring they’ll be prepared for their turn in the spotlight next year.

Click here to view the Oyster Bay High School Hosts Annual College Fair slideshow.

Date Added: 9/12/2024

Students across the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District returned to school on Sept. 4 for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Excitement buzzed in the hallways as administrators, teachers, and staff warmly welcomed students back to their classrooms. Throughout the first few days, students will have the opportunity to meet their new teachers, reconnect with classmates, and settle into their new routines. The district is looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Click here to view the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Celebrates the First Day of School slideshow.

Date Added: 9/4/2024

On August 28th, Oyster Bay High School hosted a College Application Bootcamp for incoming seniors, led by Head of Guidance Dr. Joy-Anne D’Anca and her dedicated team of counselors. The primary goal of the day was to help students complete their Common Application and begin drafting their college essays. 

The event featured representatives from Adelphi University, Molloy College, and SUNY Oswego, who offered valuable insights into crafting a standout application and writing a compelling essay. They emphasized the importance of authenticity, advising students to reflect on what they truly want colleges to know about them, to start with a strong hook to engage the reader, and to tell a unique and personal story. 

The college reps shared that they spend about ten minutes reviewing each application due to the high volume of submissions, underscoring the need for essays that are both attention-grabbing and concise. They highlighted that a well-crafted essay can often be the deciding factor in the admissions process. 

Following a general session on application tips, the college reps met individually with students, answering questions and providing feedback on essay drafts. Throughout the day, students also had the opportunity to work independently on their applications and continue refining their essays. 

The event saw an excellent turnout, marking the beginning of a series of college preparation activities planned by the guidance department, which will include a series of on-site mini college fairs starting in September. 

Oyster Bay High School takes pride in the comprehensive support and guidance it offers its seniors, contributing to the school’s impressive 100% graduation rate in 2024.

Click here to view the College Application Bootcamp Kickstarts Senior Year at Oyster Bay High School slideshow.

Date Added: 8/30/2024

In a recent presentation to the Board of Education, Dr. Joy-Anne D’Anca, Supervisor of Guidance, shared the significant achievements of the Oyster Bay High School Class of 2024. The school reached an unprecedented milestone with a 100% graduation rate, highlighting the effectiveness of their comprehensive support system for students.

A significant portion of the graduating class, 81 out of 109 students (74%), applied to at least one college by the Early Action deadline, showcasing the proactive approach of both students and counselors. This effort contributed to an overall 2% increase in applications to four-year colleges and universities compared to the previous year.

The presentation underscored the diverse and highly competitive college acceptances secured by students. This success was largely attributed to the tailored guidance provided by the counselors. During SUNY Free Application Week in the fall, counselors worked closely with students, both individually and in small groups, to identify and apply to the best-fit schools. This hands-on approach ensured that applications were completed effectively and efficiently.

OBHS also hosted Mini-College Fairs in September and October, featuring 100 colleges over two fairs, with 90% of these institutions being four-year schools. These fairs, along with on-site college interviews, provided students with direct access to admissions representatives. Many students received on-the-spot admissions decisions, preliminary merit scholarship offers, and waived or reduced application fees.

To further support the students, the counselors conducted meetings with 11th and 12th graders to ensure they fully understood the application process. These sessions provided crucial help and support, contributing to the successful completion of college applications.

The presentation highlighted that the guidance center's efforts were not just about applying to any four-year institution but targeting the right ones based on individual student strengths. This approach encouraged students to take calculated risks rooted in reality, aiming for institutions that matched their profiles and aspirations.

In summary, the four-year trend for college acceptance and graduation rates at OBHS is on the rise. The counselors emphasized that their work goes beyond guiding students on what to do; it focuses on empowering them with the knowledge and support needed to reach their goals. This comprehensive and personalized support system has proven invaluable, making a significant difference in student outcomes.

Students from the Class of 2024 will be heading to a diverse array of schools this fall, including Columbia University, Hofstra University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, Princeton University, Stony Brook University, SUNY Oneonta, and Vassar College.

Date Added: 7/26/2024