One by one, students walked onto the stage and towards the spotlighted canvas showing a painted tree. They dipped their thumbs into one of the brightly colored paints and pressed them onto the canvas, the vibrant leaves symbolizing the start of a new chapter. On November 5th , 2025, Oyster River High School (ORHS) inducted... Continue Reading →
As the flash of her camera goes off, Liz Keenum, local photographer, adjusts her angle for the next shot while assuring her clients that they look great. Keenum is a photographer who has made a name for herself in the Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) community and Seacoast area. She has run her photography... Continue Reading →
Coming Soon...
When I was choosing classes from 8th-11th grade, the Oyster River High School (ORHS) Program of Studies was my best friend—so much so that I would read it for fun whenever I felt down! I realize, however, that a 64-page detailed document is not everyone’s preferred reading material. Instead, here’s a 3-page article that’s hopefully... Continue Reading →
Some people have a love-hate relationship with nail polish. Often, they don’t want to do their nails because of the smell of acetone, the ability to chip easily, or they have a job that uses their hands. Casey Crowell (‘25) had that problem, but eventually came across organic nail polish. She says, “I like that... Continue Reading →
Colleen Keeley started her teaching career at Oyster River High School (ORHS) in a pair of red adidas Gazelles, and a thrifted t-shirt with birds printed on the front in black ink from her hand carved stamp. Keeley is both filling a needed position and bringing a new wave of creativity to the ORHS art... Continue Reading →
On January 26th, Lilly Smith (’26) was sitting in her regular seat in the Oyster River High School (ORHS) art room. Two of her friends walked through the door and, excitedly looking at her, asked if they could watch her art class. “I had no idea what they meant," said Smith. With her fired up... Continue Reading →
Last night was the tenth annual competition of Poetry Out Loud at Oyster River High School. ORHS students from all grades gathered in the Durham Public Library to compete against each other, seeing who could recite their two chosen poems. 17 students partook in the competition, all critiqued by five judges, four of whom... Continue Reading →
“Lawrence has helped me see things differently in my artwork. He doesn’t try to be superior and talk to us [students] like we’re just kids. It’s kind of hard to put into words how he’s impacted me as a person because he’s very inspiring and influential, and unlike any teacher I’ve ever had,” says Emma Sassaman, who is taking advanced art class this year [...]
Mouth of the River 