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

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.