By John F. Didden, Principal
The opening of the 2002-2003 school year brought us back to September 11, 2001 as we dedicated a memorial peace garden in the "circle" on the west side of the school. The garden was dedicated to the memory of those who were lost on September 11, 2001 and was made possible through the generosity of the Alumni Association and the PTA. The garden serves as a reminder of our need to work for peace among all people.
The opening of the new school year also allowed us to unveil a number of major building renovations in the form of two general classrooms created out of what had been an architectural drawing room, two new art rooms in the former wood shop, a new chemistry lab in what had been a home economics room and an additional general purpose science room made from a former office and math classroom. This summer, our auditorium will receive a major face lift as will the front walkway. Our district is working hard to make sure that our buildings continue to serve our students well.
This fall also allowed us to look at some of Mepham's latest academic accomplishments including an 82% Regents diploma rate and 84 Advanced Placement Scholars. Both of these statistics are all-time highs for Mepham and keep us in the "top" ten or twelve schools in Nassau County. The AP Scholar accomplishment according to a Newsweek survey ranked Mepham 122nd in the country in that category! In January, we were delighted to learn that our valedictorian, Barry Dolinger had been named an Intel National Science Research Semifinalist. Our students are also excelling in other areas as well. In recognition of our students' successes, we inaugurated two new honor societies, the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the English Honor Society. Mepham also "piloted" a new program that enables our seniors to participate in "real-world" projects and internships. One senior, for example, worked as an intern with the lighting director for the Broadway show Thoroughly Modern Millie. Seniors love the program which encourages them to apply what they have learned and to explore careers of interest to them.
Outside of the classroom, Mepham students enjoyed our usual exciting sports activities with the spring conference championships being won by our baseball, softball and girls and boys track teams. Our drama club put on The Good Doctor in the fall and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat for the spring musical. With all the numerous activities going on, Mepham High School never sleeps. In fact, the A World of Difference club sponsored a "stay awake-athon" that raised money for charity. We also hosted our second annual Senior Citizen Prom [see below] and the District's annual Senior Citizen Luncheon. A great time was had by all.
The end of a school year also signals the retirement of some of our favorite staff. This year my secretary, Anne Palkovich and main office secretary Frances Branca are retiring. Anne has been here for thirty-three years and has served five principals. She and Frances have given so much to the school over the years that the "Mother School" will not be the same without them.
We close this column as we always do_thanking the incomparable Mepham Alumni Association for its continued support and inspiration. Thank you all!
From Scuttlebutt, Summer 2003.
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