Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Current News

World Language Poster Contest Winners

World Language Poster Contest Winners

Bellmore-Merrick’s World Language Department is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 District-Wide Poster Contest.

In alignment with this year’s district theme, students across all grade levels participated by designing posters under the theme: “Languages Unite Communities.”

Students were encouraged to incorporate the core concepts of Create, Celebrate, Connect, Care, and Commit into their artwork, demonstrating how language fosters connections across cultures. Students utilized this opportunity to explore and showcase the diverse languages and cultures within our community and around the world.

The top three winners from each school advanced to the district-level competition at Brookside, where staff and visitors could vote for their favorite entries. Congratulations to this year’s district champions!

High School - District Winners

First Place: Joseph Solorzano-Ruiz, Calhoun

Second Place: Mia Zampella, Calhoun

Third Place: Chloe Auyeung, Calhoun

Art from poster contest winner.

Middle School - District Winners

First Place: Charlotte Frank, Merrick Ave

Second Place: Jimin An, Grand Ave

Third Place: Samantha Tuchman, Merrick Ave

We also recognize the outstanding students who placed in the top three at their respective schools and moved on to compete at the district level.

Calhoun High School

First Place: Joseph Solorzano-Ruiz

Second Place: Mia Zampella

Third Place: Chloe Auyeung

John F. Kennedy High School

First Place: Daniella Tejada

Second Place: Luca Kaplan

Third Place: Lindsay Nashtatik

Mepham High School

First Place: Leah Weerth

Second Place: Delia Burns

Third Place: Dylan Siegal

Grand Avenue Middle School

First Place: Jimin An

Second Place: Leonardo Barsallo

Third Place: Audree Chiu

Merrick Avenue Middle School

First Place: Charlotte Frank

Second Place: Samantha Tuchman

Third Place: Sara Pittman

We would like to thank the entire faculty, staff, and students who submitted their votes for the poster contest. And of course, our congratulations to our students! Félicitacions! Congratulazioni! ¡Felicitaciones! Gng X!

Date Added: 4/2/2025

Summer Creative Arts Program – Registration Opens April 9

Click here to view Summer Creative Arts Program information link

Date Added: 3/4/2025

Attachments:

Click here to view the flyer.

Mepham St. Baldrick’s Event Raises $58K

The Central High School District and its surrounding community came together March 19 at Mepham High School in an inspiring show of unity and generosity for their annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, supporting pediatric cancer treatment and research.

Students, teachers, parents and local businesses joined forces to raise funds and awareness with dozens of participants volunteering to shave their heads in solidarity with children battling cancer.

The event, held in the high school gym, was filled with enthusiasm and heartfelt moments while raising more than $58,000 for the foundation. Since 2008, this event has raised more than $750,000.

Mepham sophomore Leah Weerth was the top fundraiser, securing $4,480 in donations, followed closely by Merrick Avenue social studies teacher Matt Chicco who raised $4,323.

Together with teachers Kerry Dennis and Chris Patten, and social studies chairperson Robyn Einbinder, other members of the department also oversaw various details of the evening’s success. Additionally, students in Jackie Geller’s Community Leadership classes volunteered as part of their senior service-learning project.

“This night showcases the spirit and generosity of Mepham,” Dennis said. “Our community pledged years ago that we would continue to fight to end childhood cancer and this year’s event proved that that commitment means something to these students and our Bellmore-Merrick community.”

Patten also played the bagpipes with the Amityville Highland Pipes Band, of which he is a member.

“Childhood cancer is personal for this building,” added Patten. “We do this for our students who bravely battle cancer today and those who successfully beat this illness before.”

Seniors Jake Classie and Luke Yepez served as emcees for the evening.Riley Adams and Alana Muñiz co-sang the national anthem. The district’s Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting program documented the event and produced an on-air segment during the fundraiser. Plus, members of the Skull & Bones Drama Club entertained attendees with a performance from their upcoming show, “The Wizard of Oz.”

Members of the Star Wars-themed cosplay group, the 501st Legion and the Saber Guild, were also on hand to support the cause and offer epic photo opportunities.

When it came time for head shaving, students from the district’s cosmetology program housed at Calhoun High School, led by instructor Jaime Pendl, operated the hair buzzers.

Click here to view the Mepham St. Baldrick’s event raises $58K slideshow.

Date Added: 3/21/2025

STEAM Career Fair on April 8

More than 70 professionals representing various careers are slated to be hand at John F. Kennedy High School’s STEAM Career and College Fair on April 8 from 5:15-8pm. Individuals from various careers, organizations and colleges spoke to students and their families about college and career opportunities.

Date Added: 3/21/2025

Attachments:

Click here to view the flyer.

Mepham business students joined DECA

For the first time in school history, Mepham business students have joined DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), allowing them to compete regionally and advance to the State Career Conference (SCC) for a chance to qualify for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in April. This week, business teacher Mrs. Frend led seven qualifying students (Andrew Graf, Eloise Hannula, Luke Fischetti, Nick Pariag, Drew Erickson, Jenny Marmol, and Thomas Youssef) to Rochester to compete at SCC in events such as Principles of Entrepreneurship, Accounting Applications, Business Finance, Professional Selling, and Hospitality and Lodging Selling. The conference, which hosted over 3,100 students competing in over 50 performance events from across New York, required competitors to present to industry professionals, including entrepreneurs, sales managers, human resource managers, CEOs, and CFOs, demonstrating their business acumen and professionalism under pressure.

The students dedicated months of preparation, showcasing their hard work and commitment to excellence. Their participation in DECA marks an exciting milestone for Mepham’s business program, setting a strong foundation for future competitions. Walking away with medals was Drew Erickson placing in the Top 10 for Accounting Series and Eloise Hannula with Top 10 and Best Overall for Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling. Each event held between 50 and 100 competitors! The DECA team has made history by representing Mepham on a statewide stage and proving the strength of its business students.

Congratulations to these amazing business students, and thank you to Ms. Frend for your leadership and guidance of our students.

Date Added: 3/20/2025