Schools

Mepham gives back at cancer fundraiser

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Each class at Wellington C. Mepham High School did battle for a cause last week, as an annual spirit event became a fundraiser for a cancer charity.

Battle of the Classes, which was organized by seniors in Chris Parren and Kerry Dennis’s Participation in Government class, was held in the Brookside School gymnasium on Nov. 14. The evening, filled with physical activity and Pirate pride, doubled as a fundraiser, with $3,815 collected for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District officials explained that Mepham students will work to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, a childhood cancer charity that helps fund research for a cure, at school events throughout the year. Last year, the school raised more than $60,000 for St. Baldrick’s at the “Chop Your Locks” event and through other fundraisers.

The St. Baldrick’s motto –– “Be a hero” ––was also evident in this year’s team names and decoration themes. Each class presented a superhero theme in a different way, as the Freshman Force, Sophvengers, Super Juniors and the Seniors Rising drew inspiration from Marvel’s Avengers, Superman, Batman and other characters.

Students in the four classes, as well as a faculty team, competed against one another in a variety of physical activities, ranging from volleyball, relay races and tug-of-war to a pirate relay and scooter race. The senior class was named the evening’s winner.

Principal Michael Harrington said that Battle of the Classes is usually a highlight of the school year. With the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser tied to it, he said it became even more special.

“It’s seniors who lead the school traditionally, led by two great teachers, who come together for a great cause,” he said. “It’s always one of those nights that you look back on and that makes you proud to be part of the Mepham family.”

Before the competition, classes competed in penny wars throughout the week, raising an additional $837 for the charity.