Lynbrook High School is thrilled to announce that Eric Reilly was named a semifinalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Eric is among 300 scholars who will be awarded $2,000 each as well as $2,000 for their schools. 

Eric’s project, titled “The Visible Light-Induced Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols to Carbonyls and Peroxides Using Green Chemistry Principles,” has potential practical and sustainable effects on pharmaceutical medicine. Beginning at Princeton University and continuing his research at Hofstra University, Eric established a new mechanism to reduce toxic byproducts while adding an oxygen molecule to alcohols – yielding a more environmentally-safe and cost-effective practice. Eric was inspired by Nobel Prize-winning chemist David MacMillan – who recently visited Lynbrook High School – and began his research in Dr. MacMillan’s Princeton laboratory as a sophomore. Working with a PhD student of Dr. MacMillan’s, Eric’s work built on the published papers of Dr. MacMillan’s research group. Eric’s research is ongoing, as he will return to the laboratory in February for his Science Research course. 

Eric thanked the Science Research department at Lynbrook High School for their support, including his eight fellow students and teachers Charles Vessalico and Kathleen McAuley. 

“It’s the most valuable class I have taken,” Eric explained. “All my presentation skills, my research skills – almost every essential skill – was built through the Research department.” 

On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. The finalists will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in Washington, D.C., taking place March 6-12.  

 

Date Added: 1/10/2025

Over the break, Lynbrook had four champions conquer at the Southside wrestling tournament, including Ryan Benson, Zach Tinyes, RJ Tinyes, and Elias Vanegas (not pictured). 

Additionally,  Zach Tinyes was named champion at 131lbs. He was awarded the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award in the tournament, and he got the Most Pins in the Least Amount of Time Award! #OwlProud

 

Date Added: 1/3/2025

Several student-led charitable endeavors were only a few of the achievements to receive applause at the Dec. 11 Lynbrook Board of Education meeting, which also included award winners and conference champions.

First to be recognized was the staff of Lynbrook High School’s student-run Horizon newspaper, which continued its streak of success at the annual Empire State Scholastic Press Association Awards. The young journalists placed among the top across 14 awards, including silver for Best Overall Newspaper, gold for Best Artwork Portfolio by Jasmine Ostroff and gold for Best Editorial by Kerry Cullen.

Next, administrators and trustees commended charitable work by several Lynbrook Schools organizations. The National Art Honor Society hosted Night of the Pumpkins, which supported Island Harvest; the Key Club hosted the Double-Good Popcorn Fundraiser and sold merchandise to support 13 local charities, including Hewlett House; the varsity boys and girls soccer teams fundraised in support of the Ronald McDonald House; the varsity football team fundraised to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation; and the junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams fundraised for the Side-Out Foundation through their Dig Pink Game.

The girls varsity tennis team was commended for being named conference champions, finishing the season 12-2 overall. Additionally, the volleyball team – only in their second year since first forming – are conference champions, finishing with a 13-3 record. They qualified for playoffs and won their first playoff game.
Prior to the meeting, the Lynbrook High School String Quartet welcomed guests through musical entertainment with holiday themed songs.

Photo captions:
1) The staff of Lynbrook High School’s student-run Horizon newspaper were recognized for their wins at the Empire State Scholastic Press Association Awards. Students Katy Gottlieb and Ella Carroll accepted the recognition alongside trustee Sean Murray and Superintendent Dr. Paul Lynch.
2) The varsity boys and girls soccer teams were commended for their fundraising in support of the Ronald McDonald House.
3) The varsity football team received applause for their support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
4) The junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams were recognized for their fundraising efforts during the Dig Pink Game, which supported the Side-Out Foundation.
5) The girls varsity tennis team was commended for being named conference champions.
6) The volleyball team received the spotlight for being named conference champions.
7) The Lynbrook High School String Quartet entertained guests with holiday songs.

Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

Click here to view the Charitable endeavors get the spotlight at Lynbrook board meeting slideshow.

Date Added: 12/17/2024

Lynbrook High School students in the Culture Club made a trek to Marion Street Elementary School on Dec. 6 to promote kindness through creative activities.

All grades throughout the Marion Street building were joined by their older peers for the student-guided endeavor. To warm up, Marion Street students colored in illustrations that promoted the importance of kind deeds. Each student received a cup of beads in different sizes, styles and colors that were carefully added to a string, resulting in their own unique friendship bracelets. Beads with students’ initials were also handed out by the visiting high schoolers to add another touch of personalization. Marion Street students were thrilled to work with their peers, who make routine visits to the school to host engaging and informative experiences.

Photo caption:
1) Marion Street Elementary School fourth graders Aurora Maguire and Isabella Andon promoted kindness during a visit from their Lynbrook High School peers on Dec. 6.
2) Lynbrook High School Culture Club member Catherine Christakos picked out beads for a friendship bracelet for her peer Chloe Macklin.
3) Students were the “I” in kind, as shown by Rosina Arcella, center, who was joined by Sarah Malinka and Thomas MacLeish.
4) A friendship bracelet came together one bead at a time for Juliette Dominguez.
5) Each bracelet was a unique creation, including those made by Seth Albert and Ryan Salazar.

Photos courtesy of Lynbrook Public Schools

Congratulations to the Lynbrook High School Varsity Wrestling team, who took first place at the Knights Classic at Uniondale High School! #OwlProud

 

Date Added: 12/5/2024

By Online Editor-In-Chief, Katy Gottlieb

This year’s Powderpuff game, hosted by the Lynbrook High School Key Club, benefitted the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which received all proceeds from donations and money collected from jersey purchases. Furthermore, in the weeks leading up to the event, Key Clubbers sold breast cancer awareness merchandise during lunch periods to raise money for Hewlett House, run by Geri Barish, a five-time cancer survivor and an inspiration to all. To prepare for the big day, captains organized jersey collection and practices for their teams.

This year’s Powderpuff captains consisted of senior captains Katy Gottlieb, Peyton Leighley, Brooke Mazzei, Gabby Meszaros, Gaby Ramirez, and Kelsey Roth. Junior captains included Sophie Deifel, Addison DiFiore, Marissa Schiller, Aliye Simsek, Payton Stalter, and Dani Zhanay. Coaches included juniors Jake Brenneis, Mason Cofer, Cooper Cordes, Paolo Palleschi, and Miles Storm, and seniors Brian Gilmartin, Emmett O’Grady, Cooper Schorr, Bennett Votano, and Simon Yu.

“Being a coach and having the ability to lead a team was an excellent experience,” Cordes said. “My favorite part was running up and down the field and calling out plays.”

The game was played in 12-minute halves with a lead for the seniors at halftime. After the juniors won the coin toss, the seniors started the first half with the ball. For the seniors, Ramirez threw a beautiful ball all the way down the field to Mazzei, allowing her to score, followed by Ramirez scoring one herself. While, for the juniors, DiFiore scored one touchdown, and Maggie Mattera, scored three extra points. Stalter, Simsek, Ella Caroll, Joeli Deninno, Natalie Kehoe, and Leah Pisano also added tackles to support the team; while for the seniors, Cate Jennings, Jillian Festa, Kelsey Roth, Chloe Roemig, and Katy Gottlieb had a few tackles each, contributing to the seniors’ 21-9 victory.

Student photographers junior Aidan Pearsall, junior Luke Pignataro, and senior Sean Strohofer took photos of the event. Additionally, senior Justin Haberman announced the event and provided commentary while senior Justin Williams recorded sideline tiny mic interviews. #OwlProud #OwlCares

 

Click here to view the LHS hosts 17th Annual Powderpuff Game slideshow.

Date Added: 12/4/2024

Lynbrook High School students in Lauren Reganato’s Family and Consumer Science class have been recently maintaining an outdoor garden, complete with herbs and vegetables. Students used the crops to make a Thanksgiving meal featuring mashed potatoes with garlic, chives and homegrown potatoes; marshmallow sweet potatoes with homegrown sweet potatoes; stuffing with onions, sage and parsley; turkey marinated with rosemary and thyme; and bacon Brussels sprouts with scallions. #OwlProud #OwlLearns

 

Click here to view the Student-run outdoor garden yields Thanksgiving meal slideshow.

Date Added: 12/10/2024

By Emily Franklin, Senior

Lynbrook High School’s Business Law and Speech and Debate classes extended their learning through a unique opportunity, visiting the Long Island Federal Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Located in West Islip, the courthouse is the second largest in the country and the largest structure on Long Island. Students had the chance to meet with United States Circuit Judge Joseph Bianco, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019. Bianco graduated from Georgetown University in 1988 and received a degree in law from Colombia Law School, and his story was inspiring to both students hoping to pursue a future in law and those with other interests.

“The most valuable thing I learned from Judge Bianco is that hard work pays off,” senior Lilah Walsh said, “and you shouldn’t quit at your passion just because you think there are people smarter than you, because it might not be true.”

Students witnessed a touching naturalization ceremony. Led by Judge Bianco, the overwhelming emotion and excitement was palpable in the over 100 individuals and their families as they took the Oath of Allegiance, officially granting them US citizenship.

“[The ceremony] made me happy because after years of hard work, all of these people finally became citizens and it was very special to watch,” Walsh said. “A lot of them were even crying tears of joy,” she added.

Senior Paula Rojas-Young was also moved by the ceremony, learning that “court doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing; it can also be a place where wonderful things happen.”

The students also received a tour of the courtrooms and conducted their own mock trial. Walsh participated in the trial as a judge, and she learned a lot about the role: “I experienced the pressure placed upon judges and learned that being one isn’t always easy.” Although a fun activity, Bianco made sure to reinforce the complexity of a true court case, and the impacts on the plaintiff, defendant and others involved.

Visiting the Long Island Federal Courthouse was a memorable experience for all, and the students learned the true workings behind the court system. “I enjoyed the trip because we got to learn from such an important person and see things that we normally don’t during other field trips,” senior Jessica Strohofer said. Judge Bianco created an inspirational day, and speaking about overcoming his obstacles encouraged Rojas-Young and many of the other students to “persevere and build connections whenever you can.” #OwlProud #OwlLearns

Six seniors at Lynbrook High School signed letters of intent signifying their commitment to play for their future colleges and universities on Nov. 13.
Students and their loved ones donned their respective schools’ logos and gathered to celebrate the prideful occasion. Athletes and their respective school sport include:
• Bianca LoBosco – St. John's University, Softball

• Brooke Mazzei – Temple University, Lacrosse
• Luci Miata – Dominican University, Lacrosse
• Christopher Paladino – Adelphi University, Lacrosse
• Jade Ventura – Southern Connecticut State University, Swim
• Penelope Yaker – Stonehill College, Lacrosse
The district congratulates these six talented seniors and wishes them luck in the coming years.

Photo caption:
1) Seniors from Lynbrook High School signed letters of intent on Nov. 13 to play at their future colleges and universities.
2) Chris Paladino will play lacrosse at Adelphi University.

Click here to view the Lynbrook athletes sign to play at colleges and universities slideshow.
Photos courtesy of Lynbrook Public Schools