Mepham Shaves For Childhood Cancer Research

The force was strong at Wellington C. Mepham High School on March 13 as the school hosted its annual Chop Your Lock's for Charity event to benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

Participants raised more than $37,000 and guest visitors included the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming organization that attends charitable events, and the Amityville Highland Pipe Band. And the Mepham Skull & Bones Drama Club treated guests to a performance of their upcoming production, “In the Heights.”

The night was put together by Mepham’s Participation in Government students. They solicited donations and raffles and ran the event, while seniors Lauren Lasker, Amanda LaRossa, Joe Lozito and Cassidy Hoffman served as hosts. Additionally, School and Community Leadership students assisted with the night's events as well.

“Our Participation in Government and Leadership students really took the reins this year, overseeing an event that included students and staff from all over the district, as well as the community,” said Kerry Dennis, social studies teacher, kickline coach and St. Baldrick's co-coordinator.

Merrick Avenue Middle School social studies teacher Matt Chicco was the top individual fundraiser, bringing in $3,008. Team Guiliana G., created for Mepham social studies teacher Jacqueline Geller’s cancer-surviving 5-year-old daughter, was in second, earning $2,725 for the cause.

Since 2008, Mepham High School has raised more than $300,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which funds research for childhood cancers.

Photos: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District