As Mr. Lake enters his 13th year as Principal of Oregon Middle School, his commitment to providing every student with a positive and meaningful learning experience remains as strong as ever. With over 27 years of experience in education, working with students in grades 6–12, Mr. Lake brings a deep understanding of both academic and developmental needs to his leadership role.

Before becoming Principal, Mr. Lake served as an Assistant Principal at William Floyd High School and Patchogue-Medford High School, gaining valuable insight into school administration and student support.

Mr. Lake’s path to education was unconventional. He began his academic journey with an Associate’s Degree in Hotel Administration from Nassau Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta. After several years working as a sales manager for three Fortune 500 companies, he discovered his true calling in education. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Education and a degree in Educational Leadership from Dowling College.

Driven by a passion for guiding and mentoring young people, Mr. Lake is dedicated to helping students navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges of middle school. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated students, families, and staff that make up the Oregon Middle School community.

Outside of school, Mr. Lake enjoys spending time with his wife of 28 years, Kelly Ann, and their four children — two now in the workforce, and two in college.

Mr. Lake looks forward to another exciting year of supporting student growth and success at Oregon Middle School.

Shannon Ott, Assistant Principal of Oregon Middle School.

With over a decade of experience in the field of education, Mrs. Ott brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a strong commitment to student success. Her professional background includes a variety of roles that reflect a deep understanding of student development, instructional support, and inclusive practices.

Mrs. Ott began her career as a School Psychologist, where she worked directly with students, families, and educators to support academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth. From there, she advanced to serve as the Supervisor of Psychologists for several districts within the NYC Department of Education, overseeing a team of professionals and providing guidance on best practices in school psychology and special education. As Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) in Patchogue-Medford, Mrs. Ott led multidisciplinary teams in making critical decisions to ensure students received appropriate services tailored to their unique needs within the Least Restrictive Environment. Most recently, Mrs. Ott served for four years as Director of Special Education in Patchogue-Medford, where she ensured equitable access to quality education, implemented programs to support diverse learners, and worked collaboratively with educators and families to drive student achievement.

Throughout every step of her, Mrs. Ott has remained grounded in the belief that all students can succeed when given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities. She is known for being compassionate, approachable, and passionate about creating positive learning environments that nurture the whole child.

As Assistant Principal of Oregon Middle School, Mrs. Ott is excited to continue this mission by working closely with students, teachers, staff, and families. Her leadership style is centered on building strong relationships, fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, and supporting both academic excellence and personal growth. She looks forward to contributing to the vibrant, welcoming community at Oregon Middle School and ensuring that every student and staff member feels seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.