Mepham students, alumni 'sing in' the holidays

Chestnuts may not have been roasting, but the sounds of the holiday season could be heard over the fire at an annual caroling event featuring former and current Mepham students.

Mepham’s Vocal Music Department sang holiday songs with school alumni and other community members on Circle Drive in North Bellmore on Dec. 13. With decorated homes surrounding them and a chiminea in the middle of the circle of Mepham Pirates, the carolers sang classic holiday songs for the entire neighborhood.

Choral director Michael Mitchell had a flashlight strapped on his ski cap so he could read from music sheets and conduct the students. The teens sang along with alumni from the 1960s and beyond to continue what Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District officials said is a 60-year Mepham tradition.

“I’ve been doing this for so long,” said Doris Christmann, a member of the class of 1965. “My kindergarten teacher lived in this circle, and I remember joining in junior high school. It’s been a great tradition.”

The cold weather did not deter the students, alumni and residents, who sipped on coffee and hot cocoa during the event. It also did not stop one senior from surprising a classmate with a special question.

With 2014 just around the corner, Keven Neira asked Sabrina Garone to the prom several months in advance. In the spirit of the holidays, several of Neira’s classmates helped him ask the question by holding up signs that spelled, “Prom?”

Garone said yes.

For more photos, check out our weekly print edition.