OBHS Students are honored for their academic excellence

By: Kevin Biggiani

In recent weeks, several students of Oyster Bay High School were recognized and celebrated for their academic excellence at a series of honor society inductions. This year’s induction ceremonies were held in person and were well-attended by proud parents and friends of the inductees. 

COVID-19 pandemic protocols during the 2020-2021 school year mandated that last year’s induction ceremonies be held virtually. This year marked the return of the in-person ceremonies, allowing students, parents, teachers, and administrators to come together to celebrate the achievements of the inductees. The school district’s administration should be recognized and commended for their efforts in safely bringing these events back to an in-person format for the community to enjoy. 

Each honor society induction is done in its own unique and memorable way, making it special for each inducted student. The Tri-M and National Art Honor Societies had their induction ceremonies on January 13, 2022. Ten students were inducted into the Tri-M Honor Society, and thirteen students were inducted into The National Art Honor Society. These induction ceremonies were beautifully orchestrated by the Oyster Bay High School’s Fine and Performing Arts Department alongside the officers of the Tri-M and The National Art Honor Societies. Some highlights from the ceremony include a selection of instrumental music performed by honor society members, a reading from inductees’ application essays expressing what art means to them, and the recitation of the traditional pledge to the society. To end the ceremony, faculty advisors Mr. Matthew Sisia and Ms. Maria Randazzo recognized the graduating class of the Tri-M and the National Art Honor Societies, which Deanna Besart followed up by playing a magnificent piece on the piano, titled "Songs Without Words," as a tribute to the seniors. The induction ceremony concluded with the percussion ensemble playing a rousing selection called "The Hawks."

The Oyster Bay Business Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society Induction Ceremonies were held together on March 22, 2022. Fourteen students were inducted into the Business Honor Society. Thirty-three students were inducted into the World Language Honor Society, representing excellence in American Sign Language, French, and Spanish. Adding a uniqueness to the ceremony, the American Sign Language students took their pledge by signing, while their French and Spanish counterparts did so by speaking in the foreign language they were inducted for. There were special candle lighting ceremonies for both honor societies.

The National Honor Society Induction Ceremony took the stage on April 5, 2022. Forty-nine students met the application criteria and were inducted into this prestigious honor society. Officers gave presentations explaining the qualifications each member must have: scholarship, service, leadership and character. The forty-nine students took their oath as new members of the National Society and received their certificates. Science teacher, Mr. Stephen Acquaro, was named an honorary member of the National Honor Society.

The Science National Honor Society was held on April 7, 2022, and thirty-one students were inducted into the society. The faculty advisors and officers of the honor societies put together memorable presentations. The Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society was held on April 11, 2022, and thirteen students were inducted into the society. Faculty advisor and supervisor, Mr. Jack Bixhorn, showed a video montage of math teachers and current students, which can also be seen on the high school’s Twitter page. In the video, OBHS math teachers congratulated the new inductees on their admission into the society. In addition, some of the current members expressed their nearest and dearest math memories during their time as a students in the district.

The final honor society induction ceremonies held were for the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society. These impressive ceremonies were held on April 27, 2022. The induction ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Principal Sharon Lasher and a review of the honor society’s qualifications by faculty advisor, Mr. David Pontillo. Following the opening remarks, President of Rho Kappa, Joan Olivero, and officers, Holly Schadler and Laura Castrogiovanni, spoke about the characteristics of Rho Kappa. Twenty students were inducted into Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Pontillo announced that Assistant Principal, Dr. Ryan O’Hara, would be named an honorary member of Rho Kappa based on his contributions to the social studies department. 

Shortly thereafter, the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society took center stage with faculty advisor, Dr. Deidre Faughey, emceeing the induction ceremony. Students Natalie Varolian and Kristen Purcell, co-editors of the yearbook, Kevin Biggiani, editor-in-chief of The Harbour Voice, and John Purcell, president of Agapae, gave short speeches about their respective roles and the hard work that goes into producing such high quality publications. They each expressed their gratitude towards their faculty advisors, Dr. Deidre Faughey and Ms. Megan Galioto, for all their contributions to the success of their respective publications. Eight students were inducted into the esteemed Quill and Scroll International Honor Society, and each received a membership certificate and a ten-karat gold Journalism Honor Society Pin. Principal Lasher concluded the memorable evening with a few remarks.

The Harbour Voice caught up with Principal Lasher after all the honor society inductions were completed to get her thoughts and impressions of the students’ achievements and the extraordinary ceremonies honoring them. Ms. Lasher stated, “One of my favorite things to do is to recognize the accomplishments of our wonderful students. Our honor society induction ceremonies give us the opportunity to formally and publicly share the achievements of our students with their families and our entire school community."

The Harbour Voice congratulates this school year’s inducted students on all of their tremendous accomplishments.