The Asian Pacific Student Association at Kennedy High School and The Hearts & Hope Project, a student-led organization, collaborated for a creative charity event on Nov. 19. 

Dozens of student volunteers turned out to create origami cranes for children centers, including The Ronald McDonald House on Long Island. Senior Joleen Shau, president of both the APSA and The Hearts & Hope Project, donated all the supplies. 

“This is my passion project, it’s what I enjoy doing,” added Shau. She noted that The Hearts & Hope Project “aims to promote optimism in community through handcrafts and basic necessities.” 

Shau carefully instructed students on best folding practices and then walked around, guiding students as necessary.  Other founding board members also assisted, including Farah Khan, Kristina Shau, Tazulanna Baron, Natalie Baron and Jocelyn Yeung. 

The club, which is advised by teacher Brad Seidman, has facilitated several events that raise awareness about Asian Pacific culture to its 50+ members. These events have included trivia contests, presentations about holidays and cuisine tastings. 

Click here to view the Kennedy Club Origami slideshow.

Date Added: 11/20/2024

 

Students and staff from Mepham High School participated in the 3rdannual Manuel Mojica Stairway Climb on Nov. 7.

A firefighter for the FDNY, Mojica was a Bellmore resident and father when he lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001, at the age of 37. His children, Stephanie, a class of 2011 alum, and Manny, a class of 2014 alum, and their mother Anna returned to Mepham for the climb.

“Manny followed in his father's footsteps and is now a member of the FDNY,” explained event organizer and social studies teacher Kerry Dennis. “Our annual climb not only pays tribute to firefighter Mojica but to all of the first responders of victims of the Sept. 11attacks from our community.”

The North Bellmore and Bellmore Fire Departments donned full gear while participating in the stair climb. They also used fire trucks to create a massive American flag archway for participants to walk under during the event.

Students in the school’s Participation in Government and School and Community Leadership programs filled building stairwells with the names of the 2,977 victims from Sept. 11.

Social studies teacher Chris Patten and department chairperson Robyn Einbinder helped lead the effort in which proceeds will be donated to the seniors’ fall Service-Learning Project's partnership with the Ronald McDonald House.

Click here to view the Mepham Stair Climb Remembers Fallen, Focuses on Service 2024 slideshow.

Date Added: 11/13/2024

At its Nov. 6 meeting that celebrate Board Appreciation Month, members of the Central High School District’s fine and performing arts department offered gifts of art and music.

Led by Director Cheryl Fontana, students and staff presented artwork and offered a vocal performance that reflects this year’s theme, one of creating a community of kindness and acceptance. It is based off the children’s book, “Bitsy Bat” by Kaz Windness.

“Our eight board members combine for over 90 years of supporting Bellmore and Merrick schools,” Superintendent Michael Harrington noted at the board meeting. “They give everything they have selflessly so that our kids have the best educational experience that they can have.”

Art clubs from Grand and Merrick Avenue Middle Schools led by Heather Corderia, Alannah Belmonte and Nicholas Giordano, collaborated to create a collage, drawing inspiration upon the book, “Bitzy Bat.”

Students from the PREP Academy, led by Arianna Parland, a leave-replacement for Heather Lohr, also created a large piece of artwork that served as a roadmap to their success as students. A postcard-sized version was also gifted to the board.

Amanda Cantwell also led the select vocal group Grand Voices in a performance of “Hold Onto Me.”

Click here to view the Art, Music Highlight Board Appreciation Month slideshow.

Date Added: 11/8/2024