Oasis Night lived up to its name, transforming a winter evening in January into celebration of Poly spirit and community that reaches across divisions and generations. Beginning in the late afternoon, families, students, alumni, and faculty arrived ready to cheer, connect, and take part in one of Poly’s most anticipated annual events. From student-led fundraisers to the final buzzer, the night reflected the energy and togetherness that define Oasis Night year after year.

Athletics Action

The evening’s momentum built quickly as Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Squash opened competition against Riverdale. The girls’ team took home a win with a final score of 4-3, while boys lost 6-1. 

In the Legacy Gym, special VIP bleachers for Lower School families ensured Poly’s youngest supporters had a front-row seat to the action. Our varsity basketball teams faced off against Dalton. Both games were close and had everyone on the edges of their seats in the packed gym. The girls’ game was decided in the last three seconds; final score was Dalton 43, Poly 42. The nail-biter night ended in triumph for Poly with the boys winning 59-55.

Another Poly tradition took center court with the introduction of this year’s Oasis Society honorees. The evening’s namesake honor celebrates student leaders for their character, academic achievement, integrity, and other defining qualities.

Performances by the Dance Team and Middle School Step Team added to the evening’s energy and kept the crowds hyped for more basketball action.

Outside the Gym

The gym wasn’t the only place our community gathered this Oasis Night. The Class of 2026 and young alumni reunited over pizza, while across the hall, parents, students, and the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Erika Freeman P’24, ’26, ’28, ’32  gathered for the HUGs meeting in the Joseph Dana Allen Library. Student leaders from various affinity and alliance spaces shared their assembly presentations with parents about the vital ways that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work, speeches, and legacy has changed the course of history, through the perspective of their respective identities. 

In the Trophy Room, Charlotte Merchant ’28 and Bailey Hill ’29 hosted a bake sale to support KEEN New York, an organization that provides free, fun, and inclusive one-on-one programs of physical activity for youth with disabilities. Nearby, the Women at Poly Equity & Empowerment Service Learning Team led by Harper Bailie ’27, Blake Baird ’27, Serena Levin ’27, and Anna Seisen ’27, organized a scavenger hunt to raise awareness and funds for Sanctuary for Families, whose services support survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and related forms of gender violence. 

Also on hand, Poly’s Robotics Team members including Alex Basham ’26, Charles Jaffe ’27, Kiera Kinnane ’27, Lalitha Jayaram ’28, and Sage Smith ’29 partnered with the school store to sell customized Poly apparel, with all proceeds benefiting students with special needs. 

A Night That Brings Everyone Together

As the final games wrapped up and families began to head home, Oasis Night once again proved why it remains a cherished Poly tradition—blending athletics, service, arts performances, and community into one dynamic evening.