Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School in the Connetquot Central School District celebrated academic excellence and community leadership as it inducted 44 students into the National Junior Honor Society. The annual ceremony recognized students who have demonstrated exemplary scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character.
Families, faculty and district administrators gathered in the school auditorium for the evening event, which opened with a performance of the national anthem by the Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School Show Choir. NJHS adviser Ms. Senia welcomed the audience and introduced the inductees, noting the hard work and commitment required to earn a place in the prestigious organization.
This year’s guest speaker was Connetquot High School senior Olivia DiGaetano, a former Oakdale-Bohemia NJHS member. She spoke to students about the significance of the honor and reflected on how her involvement in the society helped shape her academic and personal goals. DiGaetano urged inductees to view the recognition not as a final achievement but as motivation to continue pursuing excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
The ceremony continued with the traditional candle lighting, led by NJHS officers President Hassanatou Diallo, Vice President Jake Gesseck, Secretary Wyatt Ruppert, Treasurer Wesley McCuen and publicists Chase Adler, Cora Grippo and Leah LaBarba. Each candle represented one of the organization’s core principles, symbolizing the qualities the new inductees are expected to uphold.
In a highlight of the evening, student Andrew Vereb conducted a special honorary induction of teacher Mr. Agatstein, honoring his dedication to Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School and his positive impact on students.
Board of Education President Marissol Mallon closed the ceremony by leading the official NJHS pledge. With families looking on, the 44 inductees formally joined the National Junior Honor Society, marking an important milestone in their academic careers.