Earlier this month, hundreds of parents, students, teachers, alumni and friends came together at Connetquot High School to honor the legacy of Jon-Michael Lasher, who passed away earlier this year.

Jon-Michael Lasher was a mainstay in the Connetquot community, first as a talented student-musician, who would later return as a beloved music teacher, and then as director of fine arts and music. In a widespread effort to honor Mr. Lasher and establish scholarships for talented Connetquot students, volunteers from Connetquot, surrounding school districts and communities alike put on a show that would make Mr. Lasher proud.

Art exhibits and demonstrations were lined throughout the high school, along with singers, musicians, musical groups and ensemble groups that performed in the Eric Martinsen Performing Arts Center, entertaining and impressing all of those who came to honor Mr. Lasher. The community and administration truly joined hands in making this night special for those who loved Mr. Lasher.  

Raffles for a variety of donated baskets, along with donations from local businesses, and the sale of snacks helped to raise funding for future scholarships. While there were too many volunteers and supporters to list, a sincere thank you goes out to all, especially the following groups and individuals – The Connetquot School District Board of Education and Administration; Middle Country School District Board of Education and Administration; Mrs. Christine Viola, secretary for Connetquot Fine Arts and Music; Connetquot and Middle Country Fine Arts & Music Faculty and Staff; Tri-M Music Honor Society Students of Connetquot High School; Tri-M Music Honor Society Students of Middle Country School District; ORBBA and Middle Country Friends of Music as well as the Connetquot High School Stage Crew and Custodial Staff.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the family of Jon-Michael Lasher as well, especially to his wife Susan, along with his children Maggie and Thomas. The district is so grateful to Mr. Lasher for the lives he touched, and all that he did for Connetquot’s Fine Arts and Music Program.