Mepham Seniors Continue Flag Field Of Honor

Students at Wellington C. Mepham High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District installed American and military flags along the school lawn Oct. 30 as part of a service-based project for the senior class. The front lawn of the school is dotted with sponsored American and military flags to raise money and awareness for their adopted organization, Tuesday’s Children. Fundraising efforts by students yielded nearly $5,000 from the sale of 278 flags. Kerry Dennis, a history teacher and project organizer, said she thinks the service project this semester has “taught students never to forget the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 as well has the incredible sacrifices made by our service men and women to defend our freedom and protect us from those who are opposed to it.”

Other teacher organizers included Social Studies Chairperson Robyn Einbinder, Christopher Patten, Marc Achtziger, Erica Wagner and Sarah Bender. Principal Michael Harrington and some of the custodial staff were also on hand early Sunday to assist. The flags are 3 feet by 5 feet tall and each stand on a 6-foot pole on the front lawn of Mepham between Nov. 1 and mid-December.

The proceeds raised from the flag sales will go directly to Tuesday’s Children. Tuesday’s Children was formed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The group initially worked with children who lost a parent on that tragic day, but have since branched to encompass recovery workers from Sept. 11 efforts, military and children from around the world impacted by terrorism.

Photo Captions:
Tim Karp and Jordan Cooksey prepped a flagpole for installation at Mepham’s Flag Field of Honor.
Felix Perez straightened a flagpole for installation at Mepham’s Flag Field of Honor.
Members of Mepham’s Senior Experience classes helped organize and install the school’s Flag Field of Honor on Oct. 30.

Photos courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District