The annual Vernon Art Gallery event at James H. Vernon School transformed the hallways into a vibrant celebration of student creativity on May 8. Visitors were greeted by an incredible display of over 1,200 original artworks, each one created by students in grades 3 through 6 under the guidance of art teacher Ms. Crowley.

Each piece on display told a unique story of imagination, effort and the artistic growth students have experienced throughout the year. From colorful mixed-media portraits to expressive abstract paintings, the gallery offered a rich and diverse look at the visual arts curriculum at Vernon.

Families and community members wandered the halls, taking time to engage with the students’ work and learn about the different techniques and inspirations behind the pieces. The evening served not only as a showcase of student talent but also as a celebration of the creative process and the power of visual expression.

Congratulations to Ms. Crowley and her talented students for putting together such a beautiful and inspiring event! The Vernon Art Gallery continues to be a cherished tradition, shining a spotlight on the importance of arts education in our schools.

Click here to view the Vernon Art Gallery showcases student creativity and talent slideshow.

 

Date Added: 5/13/2025

Vernon School proudly welcomed its newest members into the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) during a special induction ceremony held last night. The event celebrated the creativity, dedication and passion of these talented young artists.

Each inductee was recognized for their commitment to the visual arts and their contributions to the school’s vibrant artistic community. Their work not only showcases technical skill but also brings imagination and joy to those around them.

Congratulations to our newest NJAHS members — the future of art is bright with you in it!

Date Added: 5/9/2025

Fourth grade students at James H. Vernon School are making their mark on Long Island’s coastline – literally - thanks to Audubon New York’s “Share the Shore” initiative. The statewide conservation program invites students to help protect vulnerable coastal bird populations through public art, and this year, nine Vernon students were selected as winners for their vibrant, bird-friendly beach sign designs.

The winning artwork will be transformed into weather-resistant educational signs that will be installed this summer at four popular Long Island beaches: Stehli Town Beach, Centre Island Beach, Sunken Meadow State Park and West Meadow Beach. These signs aim to raise awareness among beachgoers about the importance of sharing shoreline space with nesting and migratory birds.

“These signs are not just informative - they’re beautiful pieces of art,” said Erica Giglio Pac, Oyster Bay-East Norwich’s Director of Fine, Performing and Media Arts. “Our students have used their creativity to promote environmental stewardship in a way that’s both engaging and impactful.”

The nine student winners - Dimitra Belesis, Reese Blaeser, Thomas Crawford Kwon, Kylie Joannon, Hailey Kopacz, Dean Godoy, Ainhoa Silva Lorca, Emily Sullivan and Andrew Terranova - were selected for their compelling designs that promote safe and respectful behavior around coastal bird habitats.

Ten additional students received honorable mentions for their thoughtful and artistic entries: Hannah Ansbro, Natalia Fortich, Juliet Talamo, Anastasia Karpavicius, Mila Murray, Zachary Paleos, Madeleine Petrara, Vivian Ramprashad, Valentina Ruiz de Luque and Wesley Snyder.

To celebrate their achievements, both the winners and honorable mentions will take part in a special field trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center on May 15. There, they’ll explore local wildlife habitats, learn more about coastal conservation, and see how their work contributes to real-world environmental protection.

The “Share the Shore” initiative encourages Long Islanders to recognize and respect the natural spaces shared with coastal wildlife. Thanks to Vernon School’s young artists, that message will now be communicated through colorful and meaningful public artwork all summer long.

 

 

Date Added: 5/8/2025

James H. Vernon School’s talented 5th and 6th grade students made an impressive mark at the 2nd Annual CLASS National Chinese Talent Contest—a nationwide event celebrating K-12 students' creativity and skills in Chinese language and culture. This year, our students excelled in multiple categories, earning top awards in singing, dancing, sports and art.

The 5th grade took center stage in the singing category, earning 10 first-place awards for their lively performance of “Happy New Year.” Congratulations to our winners: Annalee Jane Campiglia, Ava Fishberger, Fisher Duxbury, Joshua Torres, Julia D’Anna, June Hux, Milana Isakarov, Oliver Khalife, Paulina Kartsonis and Victoria Peltzer.

Both 5th and 6th grade students displayed remarkable talent in the art category, earning well-deserved recognition. Milana Isakarov secured second place, while June Hux and Katerina Belesis earned third place.

Our 6th grade students showcased elegance and cultural appreciation in their stunning dance performance of “Blue and White Porcelain.” Anna Bakalis, Sharlynn Biel and Alayna Shamalov earned third place for their exceptional performance.

In the sports category, Alayna Shamalov demonstrated impressive skill in aerial yoga, earning a third-place win.

These incredible achievements were made possible under the dedicated guidance of Vernon’s Mandarin teachers, Ms. Wang (5th Grade) and Ms. Song (6th Grade). Their support and encouragement have helped our students excel in their appreciation of Chinese language and culture. Congratulations to all our participants and winners for their outstanding performances!

Date Added: 4/3/2025

While March is officially recognized as Music In Our Schools Month, Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District embraces music education as a year-round priority. On Mar. 20, the OBHS gym was filled with the rich sounds of student musicians from five distinguished bands, who gathered to present the highly anticipated Cavalcade of Bands.

Each ensemble delivered a compelling performance, demonstrating their dedication and musical growth. The evening culminated in a spectacular grand finale, as all 242 students joined forces for a powerful rendition of the “Mission Impossible” theme. This extraordinary collaboration showcased not only their talent but also the unity and teamwork fostered through music education.

Erica Giglio Pac, Director of Fine, Performing, and Media Arts, underscored the significance of the event: “Witnessing the development of our student musicians across the district is both inspiring and deeply rewarding. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication, and I am profoundly grateful to our exceptional music educators whose passion and commitment make these moments possible. It is also incredibly meaningful to see families, board members and administrators in attendance, supporting music education and fostering a strong, community-centered event.”

The district congratulates the talented student musicians for their commitment to excellence. Special recognition also goes to the outstanding music educators – Ms. Macy, Mr. Devassy, Mr. Giannetta, and Mr. Sisia – for their unwavering guidance and support. Additionally, the district welcomed alumna Laura Angelone (Class of 2017) as the special guest conductor, whose expertise and enthusiasm enriched the experience.

 

Date Added: 3/21/2025