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

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District marked a significant milestone on Friday, Oct.17, celebrating the completion of its ambitious 21st Century Capital Improvement Bond Project with a grand opening ceremony at James H. Vernon Elementary School.

The comprehensive $29 million initiative brought transformative upgrades to all three district campuses, with improvements that promise to enhance educational opportunities for students across the community for years to come.

The wide-ranging project touched every corner of the district. At Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, a new PreK wing now provides dedicated space for the district's youngest learners. Oyster Bay High School received multiple new facilities, including a cutting-edge innovation lab and broadcasting studio, along with a modernized entrance façade and new turf field.

Vernon School saw perhaps the most extensive renovations, featuring a state-of-the-art music wing with two spacious orchestra and band rooms complemented by several smaller practice classrooms. The school also gained a new athletic center and a completely reimagined cafeteria, along with various smaller improvements including an updated playground.

In welcome news for taxpayers, the entire project came in approximately $2.5 million under budget – representing roughly 8% in savings from the initial projected cost.

The Vernon School celebration brought together district leadership and the wider community in the new athletic complex. Superintendent Francesco Ianni, Deputy Superintendent Maureen Raynor and Board of Education President Nancy Castrogiovanni addressed the packed room, reflecting on the project's significance for students and families.

Nassau County Legislator Samantha Goetz attended the event and presented the district with a special citation in recognition of the achievement.

The evening showcased the talents that will flourish in these new spaces. The cast of Vernon's upcoming production of Matilda energized the crowd with a spirited performance of Revolting Children, while student representative Ava Fishberger shared her classmates' enthusiasm for the enhanced facilities.

Following the formal presentations, Superintendent Ianni and President Castrogiovanni joined Vernon Principal Anastasia Smith in cutting the ceremonial ribbon, then led attendees on a comprehensive tour of the renovated facilities.

In a creative display of the district's enhanced capabilities, guests entering the newly renovated cafeteria witnessed a live broadcast by Bay News Now, Oyster Bay High School's student news team. With reporters stationed in the athletic complex and music wing, anchors in the cafeteria, and a full technical crew managing the production, the students demonstrated professional-level broadcast journalism. The broadcast streamed live on Bay News Now's YouTube channel, showcasing the real-world applications of the district's new media facilities.

The evening concluded in the new music wing, where attendees were treated to moving performances by the Vernon band and orchestra under the direction of the school's music faculty – a fitting finale that brought the new music facilities to life.

The successful completion of the 21st Century Capital Improvement Bond Project represents a significant investment in the future of Oyster Bay-East Norwich students. From early childhood education spaces to advanced technology labs and professional-grade performance facilities, these improvements create an environment where students can explore their interests, develop their talents and prepare for future success.

As the district community gathered to celebrate this achievement, the excitement was evident throughout the evening – not just for the impressive new buildings and equipment, but for the expanded opportunities they represent for every student who walks through the doors.

Click here to view the Oyster Bay-East Norwich celebrates completion of $29M capital improvement project slideshow.

Date Added: 10/20/2025

It's a winning week for Oyster Bay High School athletics, as two exceptional student-athletes have been honored by regional media outlets for their outstanding contributions both on and off the field.

Senior Joe Henry, team captain and quarterback for the Oyster Bay High School varsity football team, has been recognized as Newsday's Athlete of the Week. In a recent game against Carle Place, Joe made school history by becoming the first player in Oyster Bay High School football history to surpass 3,000 career rushing yards – a milestone achievement that showcases his dedication and talent.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Joe excels in the classroom, maintaining a 3.7 GPA while participating in multiple honor societies. His feature is now available on Newsday's website. Click here to view the feature.

Senior Andrew Jennette has been named a News 12 Scholar-Athlete, earning a $1,000 scholarship from FourLeaf Federal Credit Union in recognition of his exceptional achievements. As captain of the boys' varsity volleyball team and a valued member of the track team, Andrew demonstrates leadership and athletic excellence across multiple sports.

Andrew's accomplishments extend well beyond athletics – he also serves as captain of the Oyster Bay High School robotics team, embodying the well-rounded student-athlete ideal.

Each year, News 12 selects just 28 outstanding student-athletes from across Long Island who demonstrate excellence both in competition and in the classroom. Andrew is the second student this year to receive this prestigious honor and has been invited to the Scholar-Athlete Banquet in June to celebrate alongside his fellow honorees.

Andrew's feature will air on News 12 Tuesday at 5 p.m. and run through Wednesday at 11 a.m.

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District congratulates both Joe and Andrew on their well-deserved recognition. These young men exemplify the dedication, leadership and academic excellence that make our community proud.

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

Date Added: 10/17/2025

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District invites the community to celebrate a historic milestone as we officially dedicate the newly renovated James H. Vernon Elementary School. This ribbon cutting ceremony marks the successful completion of the district's 2021 community-supported bond initiative.

Event Highlights:

The evening will feature guided tours of Vernon's stunning new facilities, including:

* The state-of-the-art music wing
* Expanded cafeteria
* Modern athletic complex

As a special preview, students will present a live sneak peek performance of Vernon's upcoming musical production of Matilda.

How to Watch:

Can't attend in person? Join us via livestream! Bay News Now, Oyster Bay High School's award-winning news broadcast, will provide complete coverage beginning at 5:40 PM on their YouTube channel.

Watch Live: Click here to watch.

Be sure to subscribe to Bay News Now on YouTube at @BayNewsNow for this event and future district coverage.

A Community Achievement:

This renovation represents the culmination of our community's investment in educational excellence. Thanks to the support of district voters in 2021, Vernon Elementary now features enhanced learning spaces that will serve students for generations to come.

We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you!

Date Added: 10/14/2025