Students at Oyster Bay High School got a unique educational experience on Nov. 13 when the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery brought its Trout Van program directly to their AP Human Geography classroom.

During the presentation, a representative from the Hatchery introduced students to two live trout and provided an in-depth look at fish breeding techniques that have been used since the facility first opened in 1883. The demonstration centered on the Hatchery's seasonal egg stripping program, which showcases the centuries-old technique of egg taking and fertilization.

Students learned to identify the Brook trout, New York's official state fish, and discovered how to distinguish between male and female specimens. The presentation emphasized the ecological importance of these fish, which serve as a vital food source for numerous predators throughout the ecosystem.

With fall marking spawning season for trout, the timing of the visit allowed students to witness firsthand how Hatchery staff assist these fish in safely spawning their eggs. The facility raises approximately 32,000 trout annually using these traditional methods.

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery originally operated as a New York State fish hatchery and now serves as a nonprofit educational center under the management of the Friends of the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, Inc. Today, its mission is to serve as an environmental education center and public aquarium while continuing to raise and stock trout.

Through the support of Hatchery members, government agencies, private organizations and foundations, the facility has expanded its programming to include outreach options like the Trout Van. Working in conjunction with the Trout in the Classroom program, the Hatchery brings these egg stripping demonstrations directly into schools, providing students with hands-on exposure to aquaculture and environmental science.

The presentation offered Oyster Bay High School students a fascinating glimpse into this important aspect of aquaculture and environmental conservation.

Click here to view the Oyster Bay High School students learn centuries-old fish breeding technique slideshow.

Date Added: 11/17/2025

Oyster Bay High School's gymnasium transformed into a space of reverence and gratitude on Nov. 10 as the school community gathered for its annual Field of Honor ceremony in commemoration of Veterans Day. The event has become a cherished tradition at OBHS.

Principal Melissa Argaman opened the ceremony with words of welcome, setting a respectful tone for the afternoon's proceedings. Secondary Curriculum Associate Ms. Kimberly Corbo then spoke about the significance of Veterans Day, reminding students and staff of the importance of honoring those who have served.

The OBHS band and orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Matthew Sisia, performed a stirring rendition of the national anthem, filling the gymnasium with a sense of patriotism and pride.

At the heart of the ceremony was the Interact Club, a Rotary International service club for young people dedicated to developing leadership skills while making a positive impact in their community. Club members, seated prominently at the front of the assembly, played a central role in the day's proceedings.

Ms. Andrea Breun, advisor of the Interact Club, shared a personal connection to the day's observance, speaking about the multiple family members in her own life who have served in the military. Her words underscored the personal nature of Veterans Day for many families in the community. She then introduced Interact Club Vice President AnaLuz Ferrar, who presented a ceremonial wreath in honor of all veterans.

The ceremony took on added meaning when students were invited to stand if they had family members in active service or who are veterans. The visual representation of military families throughout the gymnasium served as a powerful reminder that the impact of service extends across generations.

Guest of honor Marine Corps Officer Patrick Kelly, a 21-year veteran, brought a special connection to OBHS – his grandmother graduated from the school in 1942, as the nation was deeply engaged in World War II. Kelly's presence bridged decades of history, connecting the school's past to its present commitment to honoring service members.

With 81,000 veterans calling Long Island home, the Field of Honor ceremony serves as an important reminder of the community's deep military roots and the ongoing responsibility to recognize and support those who have served.

The annual event continues to provide OBHS students with an opportunity to pause, reflect and express gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

Click here to view the OBHS Honors Veterans at Annual Field of Honor Ceremony slideshow.

 

Date Added: 11/14/2025

The Art Guild has announced the winners of their prestigious Nassau County High School Student Juried Art and Competition, and Oyster Bay High School students have made their mark with impressive showings.

Five talented students from Oyster Bay High School earned the distinction of having their artwork accepted for exhibition: Riley Baehr, Julia Milos, Chloe Romano, Adriana Tiberio, and Taylor Torres. Their pieces were selected from submissions across Nassau County, demonstrating the high caliber of artistic talent at the school.

Among these accomplished young artists, Julia Milos received special recognition with an honorable mention for her piece during the adjudication process, further highlighting the exceptional quality of work coming from Oyster Bay High School's art program.

The selected artwork is currently on public display at The Art Guild's Elderfields Preserve location at 200 Port Washington Boulevard in Manhasset. Art enthusiasts and community members have until Nov. 29 to view the exhibition and appreciate the creativity and skill of Nassau County's emerging artists.

This juried competition provides high school students with valuable experience in the professional art world, offering them the opportunity to have their work evaluated by experienced judges and displayed in a respected gallery setting.

OBEN extends its heartfelt congratulations to these student artists on their incredible achievement and looks forward to seeing their continued artistic development.

 

Click here to view the Oyster Bay High School students shine at Art Guild competition slideshow.

 

Date Added: 11/7/2025

Ten members of Oyster Bay High School's Rho Kappa honor society traveled to Nassau Community College on Friday, Oct. 24, to participate in the 2nd Annual Civics Summit – an event designed to strengthen student understanding of civic responsibility and democratic values.

Under the guidance of Social Studies teacher and Rho Kappa advisor Mr. David Pontillo, the students joined peers from Locust Valley and Cold Spring Harbor high schools for a day focused on civic engagement and historical reflection. The summit emphasized how America's commitment to democracy proved decisive in defeating fascism during World War II, drawing connections between past and present civic duties.

The conference featured a combination of video presentations and interactive panel discussions, giving students multiple opportunities to engage with the material. Oyster Bay High School students actively participated in these panels, both asking thoughtful questions and contributing their own perspectives during discussions. The highlight of the summit came with the keynote address delivered by Helen Patton, granddaughter of the legendary World War II General George S. Patton. Following her speech, Ms. Patton led her own panel discussion, offering students a personal connection to the historical events that shaped modern democracy.

Junior Emma Hampton said: The Civic Summit we attended was a fantastic example of how American youth can be dedicated and engaged in our country's history, future and politics. The summit's collaborative approach, bringing together students from multiple Long Island school districts, demonstrated the power of civic education to inspire the next generation of engaged citizens.

Representing Oyster Bay High School at the summit were Giovanna Lisa, Gio Maninos, Mosie Bradley, Maalika Mehta, Emma Hampton, Christos Kokotos, Tommy Rahilly, Silas Miller, Noah Kingsley and Maddie Matthews. The event received local media coverage from News 12, which featured footage of participating students from Oyster Bay and other schools. Click here to view the coverage of the summit

 

Click here to view the Two OBEN Athletes Earn Regional Recognition For Excellence In Sports And Academics 25-26 slideshow.

Oyster Bay High School is proud to announce its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2026, recognizing two exceptional students whose academic achievements, leadership and service exemplify the highest standards of excellence.

Mia Bencal has earned the distinction of valedictorian with an outstanding weighted GPA of 110.46. A dedicated scholar with aspirations in medicine, Mia plans to major in Biology before attending medical school.

Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As a three-sport athlete, Mia serves as captain of both the soccer and basketball teams while also competing on the lacrosse team. Her ability to balance athletic demands with academic rigor demonstrates exceptional time management and dedication.

Mia's commitment to excellence is equally evident in her extensive involvement in school organizations. As Editor-in-Chief of the Harbor Voice, she leads the school's publication, ensuring student voices are heard throughout the community. She also serves as president of both Quill and Scroll and Science Olympiad, positions that showcase her diverse interests and leadership capabilities.

A talented musician, Mia contributes her skills as a percussionist in both Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, and is an active member of the music honor society Tri-M. She also participates in SALP and is currently working toward achieving the prestigious Girl Scouts Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting.

Julia Milos has been named salutatorian, distinguished not only by her academic excellence but also by her adventurous spirit and dedication to both STEM and the arts.

As captain of the varsity sailing team, Julia earned a full scholarship through the Coastal Education Program – Sterling Harbor Foundation, where she logged an impressive 107 sea miles through the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Concordia sloop Arcadia. This unique experience reflects her willingness to embrace challenges and seek opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.

Julia's academic achievements are equally impressive. She has earned multiple awards in STEM and attended prestigious college summer programs in actuarial science and STEM fields, aligning with her career aspiration to become an actuary. Recently, she was recognized as a commended student through the College Board National Merit Scholars program.

Her talents extend seamlessly into the arts, where she is a dedicated performer in every school musical and designs the playbills that accompany each production. Julia has taken advantage of the school's higher-level art electives, earning 2nd place in Oyster Bay High School's Juried Art Competition and the Best in Show Award at the 6x6 Heckscher Museum Collaborative Exhibit.

As President of Mu Alpha Theta, the mathematics honor society, and an active member of several other honor societies, Julia demonstrates leadership that bridges analytical and creative pursuits.

Both Mia and Julia embody the values of academic excellence, leadership and service that Oyster Bay High School seeks to instill in all its students. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the dedication of the entire school community. As they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their educational journeys, the Oyster Bay community celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to their continued success.

 

Date Added: 10/23/2025