Oyster Bay celebrates perseverance of high school’s Class of 2026

Rain clouds forced Oyster Bay High School’s Class of 2026 graduation indoors, but the change of venue did nothing to dim the celebration.

With the stands packed with family and friends, seniors marched last Wednesday into the school gymnasium in two lines, converging at center court as the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble — under the direction of Matthew Sisia — played “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Senior class president Gabriella Sherlock led the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem followed, performed by the OBHS Chamber Singers conducted by senior Mosie Bradley. Students from the high school’s sign language program translated the lyrics into American Sign Language.

Principal Melissa Argaman welcomed the crowd and introduced the ceremony’s speakers: salutatorian Julia Milos, valedictorian Mia Bencal, Superintendent Francesco Ianni and Board of Education President Nancy Castrogiovanni.

Ianni drew on his own story to inspire the graduates. He arrived in the United States as an immigrant with no English, was forced to restart his schooling, and two years later earned a scholarship to NYU to study mathematics.

“I never gave up because failure isn’t final — only quitting is,” Ianni told the graduates and their families. “We make our comeback not in one giant leap, but by continuously moving forward against the current.”

The administrator also drew a direct parallel between his own perseverance and that of the graduating class, who began middle school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You turned friction into excellence,” he said. “Rather than simply getting by, you have paved the way for extraordinary futures. Walk into the world like you own it — not with arrogance, but with the quiet, unshakable confidence in your own strength.”

Mia Bencal picked up the theme, telling her classmates that “people of accomplishment rarely sit back and let things happen to them — they happen to things.” She urged graduates not to watch the world from the sidelines.

Following the speeches, Argaman presented the Beekman Medal to senior Giovanna Lisa. It’s an honor awarded annually to the graduating senior who best exemplifies leadership, service and integrity within the community.

Each graduate was called to receive a diploma from Ianni and Castrogiovanni. before senior class officer Scarlett Frederickson led the class in the ceremonial tassel turn from right to left.

Picture perfect day

Below are photos of the ceremony provided by the school district: