HERALD SCHOOLS

Bellmore-Merrick central staff wows in Faculty Follies

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Students and families from all over the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District were treated to a special performance on Jan. 30, as teachers and administrators took the stage for the fourth annual Faculty Follies variety show.

The event was hosted at Mepham High School to benefit the Community Cupboard, the district’s food bank. One by one, teachers and administrators from each of the six schools stepped into the spotlight to sing, dance and entertain the packed auditorium. The acts were introduced by students from the district’s Ambassador Program, who served as the evening’s emcees.

“This is not a follie — this is some serious talent,” said Superintendent John DeTommaso.

The night kicked off with a group rendition of “The Greatest Show,” and a rocking performance by the Brookside Band. A trio of teachers sang the “Friends” theme song while twirling umbrellas, and Merrick Avenue Middle School choir teacher Dana Brandwein sang “Shallow” while playing piano. 

Grand Avenue Middle School science teacher Tami Cruz and Calhoun High School choir teacher Sanford Sardo showed off their Latin dance moves, and Follies first-timer Dennis Ringel, a health teacher at MAMS, strummed a Dave Matthews Band mashup on his guitar.

For the first time ever, the event featured a high-energy lip sync battle, which pitted teachers from the respective middle schools in a friendly competition. Central teachers collaborated in a carpool karaoke segment, Mepham teachers kicked up their heels in a country-themed flash mob, and the Brookside Band returned for the finale to play “Footloose.”