From the Principal's Desk

By John F. Didden, Principal

The 2001–2002 school year has been an extremely challenging one for us. The tragedy of September 11 left us, like the rest of America, reeling. But, like the rest of the country, the Mepham school community responded splendidly. We joined in the relief efforts and gathered the much needed supplies that were sent to Ground Zero. Our choir conducted a benefit concert that raised approximately $7,000 that was given to the Bellmore-Merrick Wellness Council who distributed these and other funds it collected to assist afflicted members of the Bellmore-Merrick community.

A few weeks later members of the Mepham Class of 1966 dedicated and installed a plaque in the main foyer that commemorated the sacrifices of Mepham graduates who lost their lives in the Vietnam war. This was an extremely well attended and very moving event. Later that same month we went ahead with a previously planned “anti-violence week.” The culminating activity of this week that stressed non-violence, justice, and acceptance of all people was a very powerful assembly featuring NYC Detective Stephen McDonald, who has been confined to a wheelchair ever since he was shot in the line of duty. His message was justice, understanding, forgiveness, and tolerance.

As the fall moved on, we continued our usual efforts. The drama students presented Neil Simon’s play Rumors and later The Pajama Game. Our teams gave their all on the fields. As winter approached, the band and the choir treated us to a wonderfuly successful winter concert. We began 2002 with optimism and hope and were greeted with great news: four of our students were named semifinalists in the Intel Science Research Competition. This was an outstanding accomplishment for a school of our size. Once again, one of our math teachers, Robert Walsh, was selected by the Tandy Corporation as one of the top 100 teachers of math, science, or technology in the nation.

For the second consecutive year Newsday identified Mepham as one of the top 20 schools in all of Long Island, based on the number of our students receiving Regents diplomas, and being named as Advanced Placement Scholars. Our wrestlers were conference champs and finished 7th in the county. Wrestling coach Mike Muscara was named Conference Coach of the Year. Boys and Girls Track won their division and the Boys Tennis team won their conference. All of our teams have had good seasons with our coaches emphasizing the importance of dedication and sportsmanship. We are proud of their efforts.

As I have reported to you previously, our staff continues to “turn over.” This year we are bidding farewell to three members of our teaching staff who have made terrific contributions to our students and school during their time here: English teachers Peter Flanner and Michael Madama and longtime physical education teacher and coach Jim Murrin. I cannot say enough about the outstanding Mepham staff. These hard working folks work tirelessly at every aspect of their jobs, doing everything possible to make our students successful. I would not trade this staff for any staff anywhere.

Of course, the Mepham Alumni Association continues to amaze us with its generosity and support. In addition to providing us with wonderful scholarships, inspiration, and leadership, the association presented us with the gift of a brand new grand piano for our auditorium. We dedicated this wonderful gift at our Spring Arts choral concert in June. Each year we try our best to live up to the spirit and example of those who went before us here. We will continue to do so and we will be ever grateful for all that you do for us.

From Scuttlebutt, Summer 2002.

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