By John F. Didden, Principal
| Years ago, many of us, I am sure, wondered and perhaps worried about what Mepham would be like in the year 2000. Well, we have entered the new Millennium, and I am happy to report that although the school changes a little bit every year, one thing remains constant: Mepham is the “Mother School” of our district and remains dedicated to producing well-rounded, well-grounded young people who are prepared to make a difference in the world in which they live. | | |
This has been a very good school year for Mepham. In an article identifying the top three hundred high schools among the thousands of high schools in our country, Newsweek magazine ranked Mepham as number 178. Three of our students were Intel (formerly Westinghouse) Science Competition semifinalists. Only 300 are selected nationwide. Three of our students were National Merit Scholarship winners. The Tandy Corporation selected science teacher Anthony Graziano as one of the ten best new (teaching three or fewer years) science teachers in the country. Our students continue to collect honors in science and math competitions on all levels. Our foreign language students continue to win awards on all levels as well. As you can see, New York State continues to raise the standards’ bar and Mepham students continue to rise to the challenge successfully. We are again among the top schools in New York State in terms of Regents diplomas and Advanced Placement Scholars.
Under the leadership of Assistant Principal Lewis Serra, we began a unique Homework Support program for students. Mr. Serra enlisted the assistance of undergraduate students from C. W. Post University who are enrolled in teacher preparation courses. These university students have been coming to the Mepham Library four days a week after school to help our students with their homework. About thirty students a day take advantage of this special academic assistance. The university students have profited from these interactions as well, since they receive first-hand experience in working with high school students. In addition, they have the opportunity to observe classes in session here and attend special workshops created for them by members of our professional staff. Next year, this “lab” experience of working with our students will be an official part of their university course and the class itself will be taught here at Mepham. Mr. Serra’s efforts have created a wonderful partnership with C.W. Post that is innovative and unique and serves high school and university students extraordinarily well.
Homecoming is always a highlight of the beginning of the school year. Our Homecoming Grand Marshall was Mepham alumnus, Ron Duckstein, an executive and owner of several Outback Steakhouse restaurants. In addition to riding in an Outback-decorated Humvee, Ron arranged for volunteers from his restaurants to set up and serve food at the football game. The proceeds from this service were donated to the Senior Class and the Sports Booster Club. It was a wonderful way to generate spirit. Our football, boys’ soccer, girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams, girls’ basketball, softball, baseball, lacrosse teams all made the playoffs. As always, our track and wrestling teams as well as tennis, badminton, bowling, and swimming teams had very successful seasons. This was also the first year for girls’ interscholastic lacrosse. Although the girls didn’t win many games, the season successfully built spirit and a foundation for future years. This year’s JV cheerleaders won first place in a county competition and our Varsity cheerleaders took second place in their competition.
Our drama program continued its winning ways with a fall production of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple and a spring musical of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. The band collected many trophies and accolades for their participation in a competition in Virginia Beach. The choir was equally successful in a choral competition in Boston. Both of these groups have presented excellent concerts this year as well as doing special performances as part of this year’s annual Senior Citizens’ Luncheon at Mepham. All of our clubs and activities have been successful. The Key Club, for example, conducted two blood drives, which collected well over a 100 pints of blood each time. Our Peer AIDS Educators presented a wonderful program at a district-wide PTA program at Kennedy High School.
In light of last year’s Columbine High School tragedy, one of our key goals this year was to emphasize “human connections” between and among all segments of our school community. Our involvement in the Anti Defamation League’s A World of Difference program combined with our International Culture Club, Gay Straight Alliance and Language Honor Societies focused school-wide activities on promoting tolerance and understanding among all people. These types of efforts will be ongoing as we attempt to create a kinder, gentler society and world for all.
As the year begins to draw to a close, we are preparing to say farewell to three retiring faculty members. Marilyn MacCoy has taught physical education and coached girls and boys’ volleyball for over thirty years. Ms. MacCoy has the unprecedented distinction of having been selected as Nassau County “coach of the year” in both boys’ and girls’ volleyball. Longtime English teacher Vivian Sheperis is also retiring, as is math teacher and girls’ soccer coach, Sal Bommarito. Their contributions to Mepham over the course of their careers have been tremendous. We wish them all the best in their retirement. This has been a busy spring as the district has hired 56 new teachers for next year. Some of this is the result of retirements; the rest related to increased enrollments in our district schools and expansion of special programs.
Once again, Mepham has been blessed by the extraordinary help and support of our PTA. Kathy Lattanzio and Marilee Coughlin demonstrated excellent leadership as our co-presidents. The partnership with PTA leadership continues to be exceptional. The Sports Boosters, under the leadership of Vince Proto and Ken Geiger did a marvelous job of spearheading homecoming, a winter pep rally, a series of excellent fundraisers, the Varsity “M” dinner and numerous scholarships for students. Last but far from least, the Alumni Association under the leadership of Frank Setteducati and the board of officers have once again been extraordinarily supportive of our efforts. The Alumni Association has generously donated two new showcases for the main foyer to match those outside of the gym entrance. These will expand our capacity to display Mepham historical awards and artifacts for all to see. The Alumni have, once again, outdone themselves in their offering scholarships to so many of our graduating seniors. We continue to owe a great debt of gratitude to all of the Alumni members. Thank you for all that you do for us.
From Scuttlebutt, Summer 2000.
