Nobel Prize winner and world-renowned chemist David MacMillan made a visit to Lynbrook High School on Nov. 18 to speak with students and provide insight into his illustrious career. 

In the library, students and teachers gathered to hear from Dr. MacMillan, whose research spurred advancements in pharmaceutical practices. Dr. MacMillan shared anecdotes from his personal life, such as his favorite places he’s traveled or influential people he’s met. His discussion of scientific discoveries inspired students in attendance – many of whom are in the Science Research program and hope to pursue STEM-related studies in the future – by explaining that anyone can unearth a planet-changing discovery. Dr. MacMillan also shed light on how he interacts with his own students at Princeton University. 

“It’s amazing to be around so many fantastic young students beginning their scientific journeys,” Dr. MacMillan said. “Every bit of inspiration – including from their own teachers – will help them achieve their dreams.”

Students Kate Santoli and Eric Reilly were co-presenters for the event. 

“This is such a huge opportunity – everyone can probably agree this is a highlight of the year,” Santoli said. “To hear him talk about his career is an inspiration for us all.”

Reilly, whose own research as a student has mirrored that of Dr. MacMillan’s, said the opportunity was a “dream come true.” 

“Dr. MacMillan is the perfect inspiration for our students – he’s personable, relatable and, of course, super smart,” Science Research teacher Charles Vessalico said. 

 

Click here to view the Nobel Prize winner David MacMillan visits Lynbrook High School slideshow.

Date Added: 11/20/2024

At the Nov. 13 board of education meeting, performers from Lynbrook High School gave a sneak peek at their upcoming production of “Grease.” Performances will take place from Nov. 21 through 23.

Additionally, famed actress Didi Conn, best known for her role as Frenchy in “Grease” and “Grease II,” virtually joined the LHS cast and crew for a special Q&A session.

Ms. Conn shared hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the making of “Grease” and offered inspiring advice to the students. She also watched the students perform one of the show’s iconic numbers, praising their talent and energy. “You guys are fantastic! You've got it!,” Conn said, visibly impressed by their performances.

The visit added to the excitement surrounding Lynbrook High’s upcoming production, celebrating both the legacy of “Grease” and the incredible talent of the next generation of performers. #OwlProud

Date Added: 11/15/2024

Thanks to the community's support, Omarion McClean is now a FINALIST for the 2024 USA Football Heart of a Giant award!

As an honorable nominee, Omarion has won a $1,000 equipment grant for the LHS varsity football team. His submitted video showcasing his “Heart of a Giant” story to USA Football, the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants is available to view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N40WSaZkVVU

USA Football, HSS and the Giants will huddle up to review and select their 2024 Heart of a Giant award winner. The grand prize winner will receive an additional $9,000 equipment grant for the high school team and a Heart of a Giant trophy! #OwlProud #OwlCares

 

Date Added: 10/31/2024

n Nov. 7, the Lynbrook High School Concert Choir traveled to Manhattan for a day of musical theater. In the morning, they participated in a workshop that simulated a professional Broadway rehearsal, held in an actual Broadway rehearsal studio. Joshua Kenneth Johnson, a cast member from the Broadway musical “Back to the Future” taught students the vocals and choreography to the show's opening number, It's Only a Matter of Time. Afterward, students had a Q&A with Mr. Johnson to learn about pursuing a career in music and the life of a Broadway performer.

Students then attended a matinee performance of the 2024 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, “The Outsiders,” based on the iconic novel by S.E Hinton that is read in Lynbrook English classes. Following the amazing performance, students had the opportunity to meet several cast members of “The Outsiders,” including actor Brent Comer (Darrel Curtis) and actress Emma Pittman (Cherry Valance). #OwlProud #OwlLearns

 

Date Added: 11/13/2024

Lynbrook High School’s National Art Honor Society held its annual “Night of the Pumpkins” event on Oct. 19, bringing the community together to celebrate the season while raising $1,500 in support of Island Harvest, a local organization dedicated to fighting hunger on Long Island.

The event, hosted at Lynbrook High School, featured over 200 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns that illuminated the evening with creative designs crafted by NAHS members. Families and community members enjoyed a range of festive activities, including face painting, games and activities for all, making it a night of Halloween fun for all ages.

“The ‘Night of the Pumpkins’ was an incredible success, thanks to the hard work of our NAHS students and the enthusiasm of our local community,” said Michael Kunz, NAHS Advisor at Lynbrook High School. “We are thrilled to be able to contribute $1,500 to Island Harvest, an organization that provides vital support to families in need across Long Island.”

The funds raised will go directly to Island Harvest to support its efforts in alleviating hunger through food distribution, educational programs, and advocacy. The partnership underscores the commitment of Lynbrook High School’s NAHS to using art as a means to make a positive impact in the community.

Lynbrook High School extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed to making “Night of the Pumpkins” a huge success! #OwlProud #OwlCares

 

 

Date Added: 11/4/2024

By Katy Gottlieb, LHS Key Club Vice President

To kick off Halloween, LHS Key Clubbers taught the importance of safety to the kindergarteners at the Lynbrook Kindergarten Center. LHS Key Clubbers read books to the kindergarteners on the dos and don’ts of trick or treating to remain safe this spooky season.

Senior Key Club treasurer Bennett Votano said, “It is important to teach the kindergartners about Halloween safety because if they don't follow these rules, it could be dangerous.” Therefore, ensuring safety on Halloween is essential for children to have fun – which is what these Key Clubbers set out to do.

First, the Key Clubbers broke into small groups and rotated around all the classes. The high schoolers asked the kindergartners if they were excited about Halloween and asked them to guess what they were dressed up as. After the book was finished, the high schoolers interacted with the kindergartners by asking them fun fall questions such as what they were dressed up as and their favorite Halloween candies. Junior KC treasurer Aidan Pearsall exclaimed, “It made me so happy to hear the kids light up at our interest in their costumes.” To culminate the morning, the high schoolers and kindergartners took a group photo to remember the special event. Finally, the students who participated won erasers for answering questions. 

“My favorite part of the event was giving erasers to the kids after we read them the book,” Votano expressed. “It made me happy to see them so excited.”

Ultimately, fun was had by all this Halloween. KC advisor Dr. Ben Tieniber added, Our seniors are giving back to the community. Senior KC treasurer Cooper Schorr agreed, stating, “My favorite part of the event was seeing all the kids and being able to sit down with them. It reminded me of how far I have come in my life and that they will one day be like me. It was more special than just teaching kids about Halloween safety.” By teaching these students about stranger danger and Halloween safety, these Key Clubbers were able to make a difference in these kindergartners’ lives! #OwlProud #OwlCares

 

Date Added: 11/5/2024

LHS senior Rachel Stein has earned the prestigious High Merit award for her artwork in the Celebrating Art Spring 2024 national competition! This accolade reflects not only the exceptional quality of her work, but also means that she placed above the top 45% among thousands of entries from across the USA. As a result, Rachel is now a published artist with her piece showcased worldwide on the Celebrating Art website and featured in their published 2024 art anthology.

The artwork featured in the 2024 art anthology was a piece that Rachel created last year in Mr. Kunz’s AP Art Class. It was just one of the many pieces Rachel created for her sustained investigation entitled “Reflections of a Childhood Halloween.” CelebratingArt.com is devoted to the promotion and appreciation of student art. The intent of our student art contests is to motivate student artists. The top entries are published in an anthology that will record the creative works of today's student artists. #OwlProud

 

 

Date Added: 11/4/2024

The Owls community came out in force to showcase their green and gold pride and cheer the varsity football team to victory on Oct. 26. 

Lynbrook Schools students of all ages and who play on several sports teams were represented in the annual parade that spanned from Lynbrook High School to the Marion Street Elementary field. Homecoming King Cooper Schorr and Queen Cate Jennings were escorted alongside their fellow Homecoming Court nominees, while members of the varsity and junior varsity cheer and kickline teams were escorted on Lynbrook Fire Department trucks. Ahead of kickoff, seniors on the cheer, kickline and football teams were applauded as they walked onto the field with their parents. 

The Owls displayed an unbreakable defense and a fierce offense as they quickly took the lead over Valley Stream North in the first quarter. Lynbrook triumphed with a final 43-7 score. During halftime, the marching band brought the music while being led by senior conductors, cheer showed off high-flying maneuvers and kickline pumped up the community spirit.  

 

 

The Lynbrook School District is proud to announce that Lynbrook High School senior Katy Gottlieb has been named a Semifinalist in the 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar Program. She will move on to the next round of the competition to become one of 150 Coca-Cola Scholars and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

Gottlieb – who is vice president of the Lynbrook High School Key Club and District Executive Assistant of the New York State Key Club, member of the START Club, treasurer of the National Honor Society and vice president of her local Future Doctors of America chapter – was chosen for her staunch leadership skills and her more than 600 hours of community service.

“Katy is a truly exceptional student who tirelessly dedicates herself to her peers and community,” Principal Matthew Sarosy said. “The honor of being named a Semifinalist is well-deserved.”
In the next phase of the competition, Katy will complete an essay focused on a college class that she would design. Scholars will be announced in February and will be invited to Atlanta, Georgia, from April 3-6 for the 37th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni.

Several students received the spotlight at the Oct. 9 Lynbrook Board of Education meeting as they were honored for a variety of achievements. 

First to receive recognition were the seven Lynbrook High School musicians who have been accepted into this year's prestigious NYSSMA All-State Music Ensembles as performers and alternates. Charisse Cueto, who was named a Semifinalist in the prestigious 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, was next to be recognized, followed by six students who were named Commended Students. The district commends these talented students and wishes them luck as they proceed in their performances and competitions. 

Photo captions:
1) Lynbrook High School musicians who were selected as performers and alternates in the NYSSMA All-State Music Ensembles were recognized at the Oct. 9 board meeting. 
2) Charisse Cueto, who was named a Semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, received recognition. 
3) Students who were named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program received recognition.  

Photos courtesy of Lynbrook Public Schools

Date Added: 10/15/2024