The Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society was hard at work the first two weeks in December, collecting donations such as dog and cat food, treats, toys, blankets and cleaning products for the nonprofit group, Francesca’s Furry Friends.

Francesca’s Furry Friends was started in honor of Francesca Gallo, who was passionate about helping animals in shelters during the holiday season. Francesca unfortunately lost her battle with leukemia in her teens, but the tradition she started many years ago continues with the help of the Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School National Junior Honor Society and their advisor, Mrs. Senia.

Throughout December, posters were hung around the school, notifying students of this important event and announcements were made by honor society members each morning. This year, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School collected over a dozen large bags filled to the brim with dog and cat food, toys, treats, collars, leads and blankets. On Dec. 8, all of the items were donated in Francesca’s honor to the Almost Home Animal Rescue in Patchogue.

Photo caption: From left, National Junior Honor Society President Elizabeth Dionne, Publicicst Julianna Abbamonte, Publicist Maeve Boland, Secretary Lillian Russo, Vice President Jack Lucca and Treasurer Jeffrey Paglino with the Francesca’s Furry Friends donations.

 

 

Date Added: 12/16/2024

 

Bravo to our incredible OBMS talent show performers! This year’s show featured a stunning mix of vocalists, dancers, and musicians playing guitar, piano, violin, cello, trumpet, ukulele, drums and more. What a night of talent and creativity!

 

Click here to view the OBMS’s Tri-M Talent Show 2024 slideshow.

Date Added: 12/9/2024

Throughout the months of October and November, Ronkonkoma Middle School and Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School students held donation drives for Long Island’s chapter of Blue Star Moms NY6, a non-profit organization that supports military families and veterans.

On Nov. 6, students from Ronkonkoma Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society gathered to pack donations to send to currently deployed service members. They were joined by President of Blue Star Moms NY6 Patricia Harper who graciously picked up the donations for distribution.

Similarly, at Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, the social studies department led the initiative, asking students to collect various goods throughout the month of November, from toothbrushes and socks to medicine and non-perishable food items. In addition to collecting items, students wrote thoughtful, encouraging cards for veterans and those actively deployed. The students will be donating their items at the end of November.

Date Added: 11/21/2024

On Nov. 7, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School inducted 28 new members into their chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

To kick off the ceremony, Principal Mr. Piombo warmly welcomed the inductees and their families before the school’s show choir beautifully performed their rendition of the national anthem. Advisor Ms. Senia then congratulated the students and recognized their hard work leading up to the ceremony.

Connetquot High School senior and former member of the Oakdale-Bohemia chapter of the National Junior Honor Society Minal Ahmed reflected on her time at the middle school and how being a member of the National Junior Honor Society positively impacted her. “Being in the honor society isn’t just about keeping your grades up,” said Minal. “It is an opportunity to have leadership, character and be involved in your community.”

Then, President Elizabeth Dionne, Vice President Jack Lucca, Secretary Lillian Russo, Treasurer Jeffrey Paglino and publicists Julianna Abbamonte and Maeve Boland led the inductees in a candlelighting ceremony. Each student lit a candle symbolizing the pillars of the National Junior Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character.

Each year, the inductees choose a staff or faculty member to induct as an honorary member. This year, Publicist Maeve Boland presented Mrs. Maxim with the honor. Board of Education Trustee Jaclyn Napolitano-Furno then led the inductees in the induction pledge before the students were officially accepted as members of the National Junior Honor Society.

 

Click here to view the OBMS welcomes 28 new members into National Junior Honor Society slideshow.

Date Added: 11/12/2024

On Friday, November 8, Connetquot students took part in special assemblies, put on inspiring musical performances, gave dedications, made donations, recited poems, listened to veterans share their experiences and wrote letters to honor our community’s veterans. As a school community, we would like to thank our veterans for their service today and every day!

 

Click here to view the Veterans Day in Connetquot slideshow.

Date Added: 11/8/2024