Pirate Post October 2026
W. C. Mepham Alumni Newletter
A Message from the Alumni Association Board
October 2026 | Pirate Post
Dear Fellow Pirates,
Fall is always a special time at Mepham. The excitement of Homecoming, the return of familiar traditions, and the accomplishments of today's students remind us why being a Pirate is something we carry with us long after graduation.
October has been an exciting month for our Alumni Association, and we have quite a bit to share!
The Quarterdeck is in the mail! Our annual alumni publication is making its way to our paid members. We hope you enjoy catching up on alumni news, reconnecting with familiar names, and learning more about what's happening throughout our Mepham community. Alumni who have not yet renewed their membership will receive a postcard with information about joining or renewing. Your membership helps us continue the programs, scholarships, and activities that keep our Pirate community connected.
We are also looking forward to our Annual Alumni Awards Brunch on Sunday, October 25, at the University Club at Hofstra University. This is one of our favorite traditions, bringing together classmates, families, and friends to recognize individuals who have made a difference in their professions and communities. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate this year's honorees. It is not too late to attend. BUY YOUR TICKET HERE!
There is plenty to celebrate at Mepham, too. Homecoming brought students, alumni, and families together for a weekend of Pirate pride. We congratulate the newest Athletic Hall of Fame inductees and all those who helped make the festivities memorable.
We are especially proud of the ways Mepham students continue to give back. From the annual Manuel Mojica Stairway Climb honoring the lives lost on September 11 to the upcoming Flag Field of Honor benefiting Tunnel to Towers, today's Pirates are carrying forward a tradition of service that has long been part of Mepham's history.
We also want to recognize the generosity of those who support our school. A recent $10,000 contribution from a community philanthropist is helping provide educational opportunities for Mepham science students. What makes this gift especially meaningful is that the donor is not a Mepham alumnus. It is a wonderful reminder that you don't have to be a graduate to believe in our students and invest in their future.
As an Alumni Association, we hope stories like this inspire others to get involved. Whether through membership, a donation to our scholarship fund, attending an event, or simply reconnecting with a classmate, every act of support helps strengthen our Mepham community.
As we move toward the end of the year, we encourage you to stay connected. Visit our website, share your alumni news, and help us reach fellow Pirates who may have lost touch. There are generations of Mepham stories still waiting to be told, and we would love to hear yours.
Thank you for continuing to support the W.C. Mepham High School Alumni Association. We look forward to seeing many of you at the Awards Brunch and celebrating all that makes our Pirate family special.
Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate!
Warm regards,
The Board of Directors
Join Us for the 2026 Alumni Awards Brunch!
There's still time to join us for one of the Alumni Association's most special traditions!
On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 10:30 AM, we'll gather at the University Club at Hofstra University to celebrate fellow Pirates whose accomplishments and contributions have made a difference.
Our annual Awards Brunch is more than an opportunity to recognize outstanding alumni. It's a chance to reconnect with classmates, share memories, and celebrate the lasting friendships and traditions that make Mepham so special.
Whether you're attending to honor a friend, reconnect with former classmates, or simply enjoy a morning surrounded by fellow Pirates, we'd love to see you there!
Dr. Mary Holohan Bonderoff '84
Mepham Alumni Who's Who – Education
William (Bill) Munck '82
Mepham Alumni Who's Who – Law
Lori A. DiGiulio
Meritorious Service Award
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: University Club at Hofstra University
Cost: $60 per person
Reservations are requested by Saturday, October 24.
Come celebrate with us and help recognize the Pirates who continue to make us proud.
The Quarterdeck Is in the Mail!
Keep an eye on your mailbox, Pirates! The 2026 edition of The Quarterdeck is on its way to our paid Alumni Association members.
This annual publication is one of our favorite ways to bring the Mepham community together, sharing alumni news, celebrating accomplishments, and keeping everyone connected to the school and traditions we love.
Not a current member? You'll be receiving a postcard inviting you to reconnect with the Alumni Association.
Your membership does more than keep you informed. It helps support student scholarships, alumni programs, and the activities that bring generations of Pirates together.
Don't miss out on being part of it!
Join or renew your membership today at www.mephamalumni.org.
Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate!
🏴 What's Happening at MephamThe 2026–27 school year is underway, and today's Pirates are already giving us plenty to celebrate. Here's a look at some of what's been happening at Mepham this September. |
Flag Field of HonorMepham's Flag Field of Honor is a special tradition that gives our community the opportunity to recognize and remember those who have served. Sponsor a flag in honor or memory of a veteran, active-duty military member, first responder, or someone special to you. The flags will be displayed at Mepham as part of this year's Field of Honor. Flag sponsorships are due by October 30. Complete the form to sponsor a flag and be part of this meaningful Mepham tradition. |
Homecoming 2026: Pirate Pride on Full Display!There’s nothing quite like Homecoming at Mepham! On Saturday, October 3, the Mepham community came together for a day of celebration, school spirit, and tradition. From the Athletic Hall of Fame induction to Pirate Fest and the Homecoming football game, the day offered plenty of opportunities for students, alumni, families, and friends to celebrate being Pirates. The festivities began with the Athletic Hall of Fame induction, recognizing individuals who have contributed to Mepham's proud athletic history. Pirate Fest followed, bringing the community together before the afternoon's Homecoming game. For our alumni, Homecoming is always a reminder that while the years may pass, the friendships, memories, and pride in our school remain. Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty, Mepham will always be a place to call home. |
Pirate Pride: Celebrating Student AchievementCongratulations to Mepham's Class of 2027 Valedictorian and Salutatorian! The W.C. Mepham High School Alumni Association congratulates Shaina Marder, Class of 2027 Valedictorian, and John Macko, Class of 2027 Salutatorian, on their outstanding academic achievements. Both students have demonstrated the dedication and hard work that make the Mepham community proud. We wish them continued success as they complete their senior year and prepare for the exciting opportunities ahead. National Merit Recognition for Elias Katz Congratulations also go to Mepham senior Elias Katz, who has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Student! Elias is among approximately 50,000 students nationwide recognized through the National Merit Scholarship Program for their performance on the PSAT. It's wonderful to see the next generation of Pirates continuing Mepham's tradition of academic excellence. Congratulations to Shaina, John, and Elias! The entire Mepham alumni community is cheering you on. |
Shaina Marder, Class of 2027 Valedictorian, and John Macko, Class of 2027 Salutatorian |
National Merit Commended Student Elias Katz! |
Mepham Students Making a Difference: Honoring Heroes and Giving BackThe tradition of giving back continues at Mepham, and today's Pirates are making a difference both inside and outside the classroom. 5th Annual Manuel Mojica Stairway Climb
Manuel's children, Stephanie ('11) and Manny ('14), are Mepham alumni, making this tribute especially meaningful to our Pirate family. Participants climbed 2,977 steps through Mepham's hallways and stairwells in remembrance of the lives lost on 9/11, while supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. |
In September, more than 500 Mepham students and staff participated in the 5th Annual Manuel Mojica Stairway Climb, honoring FDNY Firefighter Manuel Mojica, a North Bellmore resident who lost his life on September 11, 2001. |
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A $10,000 Gift Helps Bring Science Beyond the Classroom
Sometimes, the most meaningful learning experiences happen outside the classroom, and thanks to the generosity of a community supporter, Mepham students are getting that opportunity.
A recent $10,000 contribution from the Ortiz family, who are not Mepham alumni, is helping support educational opportunities for students in the science program.
One example is an annual fishing trip organized by Mepham science teacher Mr. Anthony Graziano, who has been providing this experience for students for approximately 12 to 15 years.
The trip introduces students to the marine life of the Great South Bay, including fluke, bluefish, porgies, sea bass, spiny dogfish, and other local species. For some students, it's an opportunity to experience an environment they've never explored before.
For the past three years, the organization Fred's Send a Kid Fishing, led by Paul Garafalo in memory of his father, Fred, has helped fund the boat. This year, when budget constraints threatened to cancel the trip, funding from the Ortiz family helped cover transportation, allowing the experience to continue.
Fred believed that the best way to encourage people to appreciate and protect our local waterways was to give them an opportunity to experience them firsthand. That philosophy continues through the organization's support of young people.
Giving Back Makes a Difference
This story is a wonderful reminder that supporting Mepham doesn't require being a graduate. It simply takes a belief in the importance of education and a willingness to help.
We hope this generosity inspires fellow Pirates, families, and friends to consider how they, too, can make a difference. Whether supporting scholarships, educational programs, or special experiences, every contribution can help create opportunities for the next generation.
Interested in supporting Mepham students? Visit www.mephamalumni.org to learn more about supporting the Alumni Association and its mission.
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Pirates Giving Back: Walking for a CauseMepham students continue to demonstrate that Pirate pride extends well beyond the classroom. This October, two student groups are stepping up to raise awareness and support important causes. Mepham's Pink Pirates The Pink Pirates are walking again in support of breast cancer research! Students, families, and community members are coming together to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer. The Alumni Association encourages fellow Pirates to support their efforts, whether by participating, making a contribution, or helping spread the word. LEO Club's Light the Night Walk — October 17 Mepham's LEO Club will participate in its fourth Light the Night Walk on Saturday, October 17, at Eisenhower Park. Students have been raising funds for Blood Cancer United, supporting research into leukemia and lymphoma. Alumni and friends who would like to contribute can support the students through their fundraising page. It's inspiring to see today's Pirates giving their time and energy to help others. Their commitment to service is something our entire alumni community can celebrate. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at MephamMepham's A World of Difference (AWOD) Club brought students together for its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, recognizing the cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. The celebration featured Spanish music and traditional foods from Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, generously shared by students. Students received a special passport as they sampled foods from each country, making the event an opportunity to explore different cultures and traditions. A special thank-you goes to Ms. Carla Sanchez Gonzales, who prepared and contributed Venezuelan and Mexican dishes for students to enjoy. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 through October 15, and events like this remind us of the importance of embracing the many cultures that make up the Mepham community. It's wonderful to see today's Pirates celebrating diversity, sharing traditions, and learning from one another! |
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Stay Connected with Your Pirate FamilyYour Mepham connection doesn't end at graduation! Whether you're looking to reconnect with old friends, share a class reunion, or find out what's happening in the Mepham community, the W.C. Mepham High School Alumni Association is here to help keep those connections alive. Our alumni website offers opportunities to stay involved, including our members-only Pirates Cove, where members can access alumni resources and the directory. Haven't visited in a while? Take a few minutes to explore the website, update your contact information, and see what's new. And if you're planning a class reunion, we'd love to hear about it so we can help spread the word! |
Help Us Invest in the Class of 2027Today's Students. Tomorrow's Leaders. Forever Pirates. Every year, the W.C. Mepham High School Alumni Association has the privilege of recognizing graduating seniors through our scholarship program. These awards celebrate students who have worked hard, demonstrated commitment, and made a difference in their school and community. As we look ahead to the Class of 2027, we're asking our alumni community to help us continue this important tradition. For many of us, Mepham was more than a high school. It was where we built friendships, discovered our interests, and began preparing for the future. Now we have an opportunity to give something back. Our goal is to raise the funds needed to support the 2027 Alumni Scholarships, and we need your help. Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, your contribution can make a meaningful difference for a graduating Pirate. No gift is too small. Donations of $25, $50, $100, or any amount you choose will help us work toward our scholarship fundraising goal. If you've been looking for a way to give back to Mepham, this is a wonderful place to start. Please consider making a donation to the 2027 Scholarship Fund today. Together, we can help the next generation of Pirates take their next steps with the support of the alumni community behind them. |
Important Dates10/12 Columbus Day - School Closed 10/15 Fall Guidance Program for 9th and 10th Grade Parents -Calhoun 7PM 10/17 PSAT Exam 10/20 World Language Honor Society Induction 10/20 PTA Meeting 6:30PM 10/20 Alumni Meeting 7:30PM 10/21 & 10/22 Unity Day October 25 – 10:30 a.m.: 2026 Alumni Awards Brunch, Hofstra University Club October 30 : Flag Field of Honor Sponsorship Deadline |
Supporting the Class of 2027Each year, the Mepham Alumni Association proudly awards scholarships to graduating seniors, continuing our tradition of Pirates supporting the next generation of Pirates. Our scholarship program is funded through the generosity of alumni, families and friends. Every contribution helps us recognize deserving Mepham seniors and continue this important Alumni Association tradition. DONATE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND → | Stay ConnectedThe Pirate Post may look a little different, but our goal is the same—keeping Pirates connected. Visit the Alumni Association website throughout the year for alumni news, upcoming events, reunions, Mepham stories and ways to get involved. Have news, a reunion, a Mepham memory or something you'd like us to share? We'd love to hear from you. STAY CONNECTED WITH MEPHAM ALUMNI → Once a Pirate, always a Pirate! |
W. C. Mepham Alumni Association is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. 2401 Camp Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710
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