Oyster Bay High School’s student-run news team, Bay News Now (BNN), made a powerful impression at the Broadcast Alliance for Senior High (BASH) Awards yesterday at Hofstra University. Competing against more than 40 high schools from Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester, the OBHS team took home three top honors, demonstrating excellence in student broadcast journalism.

The BASH Awards celebrate the best in high school broadcast journalism, highlighting the storytelling, reporting and production talents of students across the region. OBHS’s BNN team earned first place for Best News Package, with reporting by Madeline Mathews and photography by Noah Kingsley. They also received third place in the Human Interest Story category, with roles reversed - reporting by Noah Kingsley and photography by Madeline Mathews. The team also placed third for Best Short Broadcast/Daily Show, which featured anchors Madeline Mathews and Noah Kingsley, weatherman Henry Briggs, and a behind-the-scenes crew including Eva (Eden) Juretschko, Sienna Stewart and AnaLuz Ferrer working in the control room and on camera.

These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and creativity of OBHS students and the dedicated leadership of their teacher and advisor, Mr. Alex Dollin. A former morning show producer at News 12, Mr. Dollin brings real-world industry experience to the classroom and inspires his students to pursue meaningful stories and strive for professional production standards. Under his guidance, the BNN team has quickly become known for its high-quality content - so much so that the anchors were recently featured in interviews on News 12 and FOX 5 News. The FOX 5 segment can be viewed here [https://www.fox5ny.com/video/1645968].

This success comes as OBHS marks the one-year anniversary of its broadcast studio, a milestone that reflects how far the program has come in just twelve months. Since launching the studio, the school has replaced traditional morning announcements with a live daily show, entirely produced, written and anchored by students. This hands-on approach to broadcast journalism gives students career and technical education (CTE) training that is rare among Long Island high schools. Everything is taught in-house, with students gaining real experience in television production, investigative reporting, field reporting, writing and producing digital content - and even professional and financial skills for the media workplace.

The OBHS multimedia journalism and television production program is part of a CTE-endorsed pathway, offering students the opportunity to earn a CTE endorsement on their high school diploma. This credential signifies that a student has completed a rigorous, state-approved course of study in a specific career field, combining academic coursework with real-world learning and culminating in a technical assessment or industry-recognized credential. The endorsement signals to colleges and employers that a student possesses specialized skills and knowledge, giving them a competitive edge in both college admissions and the job market.

Thanks to the vision of Mr. Dollin and the enthusiasm of OBHS students, the BNN program has grown into a model of excellence in student media. The recent accolades at the BASH Awards are just one reflection of the program’s incredible momentum and its bright future.

Click here to view the Oyster Bay High School’s Bay News Now wins big at BASH Awards slideshow.

 

Date Added: 5/23/2025

On May 16, the Oyster Bay High School chapter of the National Art Honor Society, in collaboration with K-2 art teacher Ms. Meredith Brustman, hosted a spectacular Paint Night at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. The event was a tremendous success, selling out thanks to the enthusiastic support of families and community members, and serving as a standout fundraiser for the district’s arts programs.

Now in its third year, Paint Night has become a cherished tradition in the district. Proceeds from the event will directly support student-artists by covering membership dues for both the National Art Honor Society and the National Junior Art Honor Society. The funds will also help provide graduation cords, certificates and pins, as well as a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior pursuing the arts. In addition, the fundraiser will support educational field trips to museums and other cultural institutions, enriching students’ learning experiences through direct engagement with the arts.

A highlight of the evening was high school junior Julia Milos, a National Art Honor Society member, who led elementary students and their families through a step-by-step painting project. Her poise, creativity and leadership inspired all in attendance and demonstrated the meaningful mentorship opportunities that the arts can foster.

The event’s success was made possible by the collaboration and dedication of several OBHS students, including Perla Martinez Nieto, Leonel Escoto Soto, Erika Velasquez and Delmy (Daniella) Zavala Chicas. Special thanks also go to Ms. Randazzo, advisor to the National Art Honor Society, for her ongoing guidance and support.

Paint Night was a celebration not only of creativity, but of community, leadership and the transformative power of the arts. Congratulations to everyone who helped make the evening such a memorable experience.

 

Click here to view the OBEN’s Paint Night celebrates creativity, community and student leadership slideshow.

 

Date Added: 5/20/2025

On Apr. 9, Oyster Bay High School welcomed internationally acclaimed composer and violist Jessica Meyer for a special visit and workshop with student musicians.

A native of Bay Shore and a graduate of The Juilliard School, Ms. Meyer is recognized as one of the leading violists in the world and currently serves on the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music. She began composing approximately a decade ago and has since produced notable works, including compositions for the United States Marine Band.

OBHS is proud to be part of a unique collaboration with four other Long Island schools—Baldwin High School, East Meadow Middle School, Manhasset High School, and Bay Shore High School—to commission an original work by Ms. Meyer. The resulting piece, “From City to Shore”, offers a musical exploration of Long Island, tracing a path from the energy of New York City to the peaceful landscapes surrounding the Montauk Lighthouse.

During her visit, Ms. Meyer participated in a Q&A session with members of the symphonic band and wind ensemble, offering insight into her creative process and the art of composition. Following the discussion, the wind ensemble had the opportunity to rehearse the new piece under her guidance, receiving valuable feedback as they prepared to bring her vision to life.

As a department, we believe it's crucial for our students to not only hone their performance skills but also gain a deep understanding of the broader landscape of the arts, including composition, said Ms. Erica Giglio Pac, Oyster Bay’s director of fine, performing and media arts. Learning about the creative process behind a composition helps our musicians develop a stronger connection to the music they perform. It is important for them to recognize the dedication, vision and meticulous work that goes into every piece created by composers like Jessica Meyer. By experiencing this firsthand, students can enrich their own artistic journeys and appreciate the collaboration that brings a composition to life.

The commissioned piece will be performed publicly for the first time during the OBHS Spring Concert on Apr. 28.

 

Click here to view the OBHS hosts renowned composer Jessica Meyer for collaborative commission slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/10/2025

Mila Yurter, a 10th grade art student at Oyster Bay High School, earned first place in the photography category at the 2025 Long Island Media Arts Show, held on Mar. 28.

Her photograph, titled “Key to the City”, was selected from among 157 photography submissions—part of a total of 316 entries from 28 school districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The piece was created during a photography field trip to the Brooklyn Bridge, organized by art teacher Mr. Boris, which provided students with the opportunity to explore urban landscapes and develop their creative perspective.

The Long Island Media Arts Show is a respected educational conference and juried exhibition that highlights the digital and visual arts talents of high school students across the region. Student work is evaluated by a panel of professionals in the field, including industry experts, high school and college faculty, and judges from FTC Film/TV and Interactive Media Arts.

Mila’s recognition is a testament to her creativity and technical skill, as well as the strength of the OBHS’s visual arts program.

 

Date Added: 4/8/2025

On Mar. 27, the Oyster Bay High School International Club and World Languages Honor Society hosted the district’s annual International Night, bringing together families from throughout the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District for an evening of cultural celebration and culinary delights.

International Night is a cherished tradition, serving as both a fundraiser for the hosting organizations and a testament to the diversity within the school community. Proceeds from the event contribute to an annual scholarship awarded to two graduating seniors. The World Languages Honor Society is co-advised by Ms. Angela Kowalsky and Mrs. Frances Sotiriou, while the International Club is led by Mrs. Frances Sotiriou.

Held in the OBHS cafeteria, the event featured festive decorations, including flags, maps and student projects from Theodore Roosevelt and Vernon Schools. These projects, titled “I Treasure My Traditions and Culture,” highlighted students’ favorite foods, holidays and customs, accompanied by drawings and photographs, offering attendees a deeper appreciation of the community’s rich cultural tapestry.

Informational brochures detailing facts from different cultures were placed around the room, while a large screen showcased music and dance performances from around the world. Younger children enjoyed interactive activities, such as coloring pages and maps, making the event engaging for all ages.

A highlight of the evening was the diverse array of food, generously donated by local restaurants and district families. Special thanks go to Harborside Deli, La Famiglia of Glen Cove, House of Dosas, Chocolishious of Locust Valley, and the Walsh, Arnella and Ani families for their contributions.

Another standout moment of the night was a captivating performance by three young dancers from McCabe Irish Dance School. They mesmerized the audience with five traditional Irish dances, adding an extra touch of cultural appreciation and entertainment to the evening.

The success of International Night was bolstered by the enthusiastic support of the administration and the PTAs at Theodore Roosevelt and Vernon Schools. Their efforts in promoting the event to younger students and encouraging participation through cultural worksheets helped make the celebration even more inclusive.

As International Night continues to grow, organizers hope to involve even more local businesses and cultural organizations in the years to come, further strengthening the bonds within the Oyster Bay-East Norwich community through shared traditions and experiences.

 

Click here to view the Oyster Bay High School Celebrates Cultural Diversity at International Night slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/28/2025