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This spring was not only filled with athletic competition at Manchester Essex but also marked by meaningful community service, student leadership, and a continued commitment to mental health awareness. From youth engagement to food drives and mental health advocacy, Manchester Essex athletes proved that teamwork extends far beyond the playing field.

Mental Health Advocacy Through Morgan’s Message Dedication Games

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Manchester Essex’s Morgan’s Message Student Ambassadors organized a week of dedication games across all spring sports. These events were designed to break the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics and to emphasize the importance of treating mental and physical health equally.

On game days, athletes wore Morgan’s Message gear—shirts, bracelets, and stickers—during warm-ups to increase visibility. Chapter volunteers staffed information tables, read pre-game dedication scripts, and collected donations in support of the cause. Each event sent a powerful message: student-athletes are not alone, and mental health matters.

Boys Tennis Team Gives Back at Open Door Food Pantry

On Saturday, May 10, the boys tennis team stepped off the court and into the community by participating in the Stamp Out Hunger event at the Open Door Food Pantry. Divided into groups, the team tackled a variety of tasks including packing over 300 pounds of cod, stocking 310 items into inventory, organizing 331 pounds of food for the Corner Market, and assisting in the warehouse. The effort reflected the team’s dedication not only to sport but also to service.

Softball Team Hosts Youth Skills Clinic

The Manchester Essex Softball team hosted a free clinic for youth players in grades 4 through 7 at Sweeney Park, the home of the varsity squad. Organized by Head Coach Frank Sarro and Manchester Essex Softball Association President Paul Steriti, the two-hour session focused on hitting, pitching, and fielding. The event provided a meaningful way for current players to connect with and inspire the next generation—many of whom may one day wear the Hornets uniform.

Beverly Bootstraps Food Drive Continues Tradition of Service

For the third consecutive year, the Manchester Essex Athletic Department led a department-wide food drive in support of Beverly Bootstraps. Coordinated by students Rory Gerhardt (’27) and Libby McKinnon (’25), each spring team was assigned one of the food pantry’s top 10 most-needed items. Over a two-week period, the student-athletes came together to collect over 150 pounds of donations—demonstrating that their impact goes well beyond wins and losses.

Looking Ahead

From mental health advocacy to youth mentorship and community outreach, Manchester Essex athletes continue to lead with purpose. This spring season was not only a celebration of sport but also a testament to the strength of character and leadership among its student-athletes.

This spring, Sachem High School East, Sagamore Middle School and Chippewa Elementary School came together once again to support the ALS Ride for Life, raising an impressive $11,478 to benefit ALS research and patient care. The fundraising initiative was led by Sachem East’s Student Government, under the guidance of Mr. Gallo and Mr. Jannace, with enthusiastic participation from Sagamore and Chippewa.

This year’s event was held in honor of ALS patient advocate David Phillips, who completed the symbolic journey in his scooter, cheered on by students, staff and families lining the route. The tradition included a meaningful walk from Sachem East to Sagamore and then to Chippewa, raising both funds and awareness.

Sachem East contributed $7,950, continuing its record as the largest single school donor to the ALS Ride for Life. Sagamore raised $3,128 and Chippewa added $400, reflecting a strong districtwide commitment to service and activism.

Over the years, Sachem East’s Student Government, honor societies and families have organized impactful events including community walks, assemblies and popular fundraisers like dodgeball and basketball tournaments. In a notable milestone, Sachem East was the first group to return to the streets with Ride for Life after the COVID-19 pandemic and previously led the district’s only four-school Ride effort.

Sachem’s strong connection to the cause dates back to a close relationship with Ride for Life Founder Chris Pendergast. Today, that mission is carried forward through partnerships with Christine Pendergast and Paul Weissman, ensuring that the legacy of hope and action lives on.

The Sachem Central School District commends all participating students and staff for their leadership, compassion and dedication in the ongoing fight to cure ALS.

 

Photo caption: Sachem Schools united to support ALS Ride for Life in a successful fundraising effort, raising over $11,000.

 

Photos courtesy of the Sachem Central School District

On May 16, Forest Brook Elementary School in the Hauppauge School District held a celebration honoring first responders for their unwavering service and dedication to the community.

The event kicked off with a vibrant and patriotic lights and sirens parade around the front circle of the school. Students lined the route, waving handmade signs and cheering as first responders walked and passed by in their vehicles. 

After the parade, students gathered for a special assembly to honor their loved ones who serve or have served as first responders. These honored guests sat proudly at the front of the gymnasium while students presented them with handwritten cards and small American flags as tokens of gratitude.

Board of Education member and first responder Brian Michels addressed the audience, sharing a personal story about a time he assisted someone in distress while on a family vacation. It was an inspiring reminder of the everyday heroism demonstrated by first responders. 

Student Olivia Johnson read an essay on the impact of first responders, thanking her father and grandfather, both first responders, who were there. 

The event concluded with a moving performance of “God Bless the USA” by all, reminding everyone of the profound impact first responders have on the lives of so many.

Photo caption: 1-4: Students at Forest Brook Elementary honored their loved ones, both current and former first responders, by presenting them with hand-written thank-you cards.

 

Photos courtesy of Hauppauge School District.  

Hauppauge High School students and sisters Addison and Kiersten Drake turned a class project into a meaningful community fundraiser. As part of the school’s Leadership Class, the sisters organized a Spikeball tournament on May 16 on the school’s football field, drawing 36 teams to compete.

The event served a greater purpose beyond fun and friendly competition. All entry fees were donated to Angela’s House, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports families caring for children with special health care needs, including those who are medically fragile or chronically ill.

Through the tournament, Addison and Kiersten raised more than $650 to benefit Angela’s House and helped make a difference in the lives of children facing serious health challenges.

Photo captions: 

1: From left, Hauppauge High School freshman Kiersten Drake and sister, junior Addison Drake, hosted a Spikeball tournament to raise money for Angela’s House as part of their personal service project for their Leadership Class. 

2-3: Thirty-six teams of Hauppauge High School students competed in a Spikeball tournament, raising money for Angela’s House. 

 

Photos courtesy of Hauppauge School District.  

On Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, Eden High School (NY) held a special lacrosse game to honor the memory of 2013 alum Brady Bermingham. Brady played for Coach Archabald at Eden and went on to play collegiate lacrosse at Roberts Wesleyan College, where he became close friends and teammates with Shane Cole, now the head coach at Greece (NY).

Brady tragically passed away in 2022 at the age of 27. He was known for his kind and gentle spirit, deep love for the outdoors, and passion for helping others through sport. In an effort to bring mental health awareness into the light and honor Brady’s legacy, Coach Cole reached out to Coach Archabald with the heartfelt idea to organize a game in his memory.

The two teams came together not just for a competition, but for a cause. Prior to the game, a ceremony was held that included the exchange of mental health awareness bracelets between the players and a group photo capturing the unity of both rosters. Brady’s parents, John and Liz Bermingham, were present, along with other family members, to witness this moving tribute.

Brady’s legacy is one of compassion, quiet strength, and service. He was not only a dedicated athlete but a generous community member who participated in numerous lacrosse tournaments supporting causes like the American Cancer Society and Veterans Charities. A graduate of Roberts Wesleyan with a dual degree in Physics and Chemistry, Brady applied his talents at companies such as IDEX Corporation and Thermo Fisher Scientific. He was also a proud member of Sigma Pi Sigma and a devoted member of Revive Wesleyan Church in Hamburg, NY.

Saturday’s game was a beautiful reflection of Brady’s life—bringing people together, raising awareness, and showing the impact one individual can have on so many.

Brady’s spirit lives on through those who knew and loved him and through the continued efforts to shine a light on mental health in the athletic community.