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OBMS dedicates auditorium to Jon-Michael Lasher

OBMS dedicates auditorium to Jon-Michael Lasher thumbnail252147
OBMS dedicates auditorium to Jon-Michael Lasher thumbnail252148

On Nov. 14, the Connetquot school community celebrated the life of Connetquot alumni and former Director of Fine Arts and Music Jon-Michael Lasher during a special dedication ceremony, renaming the Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School auditorium as the Jon-Michael Lasher Auditorium.

Jon-Michael grew up in Bohemia and was an integral part of the Connetquot music department as a student. He attended Sycamore Avenue Elementary School, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School and graduated from Connetquot High School in 1992. While in high school, Jon-Michael was drum major of the marching band and a Tri-M Honor Society officer.

Jon-Michael later came back to teach at his alma mater, Connetquot High School, serving as wind ensemble, marching band and jazz ensemble director and Tri-M Music Honor Society adviser from 2003 to 2009. He then became the district’s director of fine arts and music until his passing in 2019.

As director, Jon-Michael was a strong advocate for all of his staff and students throughout the district, helping to create new programs such as the third grade music performance ensembles, and strengthen the ones that were already established. Through his guidance and support, his students and staff were involved in festivals, competitions, parades and concerts all over the country.

“Jon-Michael’s legacy and love for music and the arts was unmatched and continues to inspire us all today,” said Director of Fine Arts and Music Vincent Malafronte. “Jon always reminded everyone to ‘do what you love, love what you do, and make a difference in the world,’ and that, ‘it’s a good day for a good day’.”

Surrounded by community members as well as Jon-Michael’s parents, John and Lucille, wife, Susan, son, Thomas, daughter, Maggie, sisters, Laurie and Jackie, brother, Jim, nieces, nephews and other family members, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School’s auditorium was officially renamed the Jon-Michael Lasher Auditorium.

Date Added: 11/20/2023

Congratulations to OBMS’s Newest National Junior Honor Society Inductees!

students and faculty thumbnail251911

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Date Added: 11/15/2023

October Students of the Month

Thomas Clinnin
Martin Giordano
Joel Koch
Margaret Michael
Finn Noone
Owen O’Donnell
Dane Post
Eliana Vidal

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Date Added: 11/13/2023

Caught Being Kind Awards - September

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Date Added: 10/18/2023

Congratulations to OBMS’s newest Tri-M Music Honor Society inductees!

Congratulations to OBMS’s newest Tri-M Music Honor Society inductees! thumbnail250539

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Date Added: 10/16/2023