Top School Stories of 2012 in Bellmore-Merrick

It's been a busy year in the Bellmore-Merrick area.

Between five school districts, there's been plenty to talk about in 2012. Here's a look at some of the top stories from the year.

13. ColtFest Rocks Calhoun High School: Instead of the usual parade, ColtFest included live music, dancing, booths set up by various Calhoun-related entities and a bouncy house for kids to enjoy.

12. Kennedy Students Tutor for a Cure: Tutors for a Cure, helmed by co-presidents Natalie Giovino and Rachel Kessler, both Kennedy seniors, is looking to make a difference in people’s lives in two very distinct ways. Click the link above for more.

11. Bellmore-Merrick Schools Chosen for Bill Gates' Big History Project: The "Big History Project" looks at the past on all time scales spanning 13.7 billion years, from the Big Bang to modernity, seeking out common themes and patterns.

10. Mepham Students Start Organization to Help African Children: In less than three weeks, the students created Mepham Kares, a website for the organization, a Twitter account with more than 50 followers and a YouTube page. The organization has five committees and more than 30 members.

9. Levy-Lakeside Celebrates 60 Years: Levy Lakeside School celebrated it's 60th anniversary by dedicating a commemorative permanent exhibit, titled "Merrick Then and Now".

8. Merrick Schools Announce Superintendent Choice: The Merrick School Board appointed Dr. Dominick Palma as the new superintendent of schools, effective July 1. Click above for more information on his background.

7. Mepham Celebrates 75 Years with Pirate Pride: There were different theme days throughout the week, and the celebration led up to the parade, vendor fair, carnival and football game.

6. Parents Concerned about Old Mill Bug Infestation: Kids at Old Mill Elementary School in North Merrick complained about issues with bugs, and parents showed their concerns.

5. Kennedy High School Ranked Among Top New York High Schools: Kennedy High School has been named No. 71 on the list of top high schools in New York State, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

4. Amid Chaos in North Merrick, Heroes Emerge: The students and staff of Harold D. Fayette School were thrown into a scenario that nobody thought could have happened: an armed carjacking suspect ran towards a school entrance in an attempt to evade the police. Click above to see more on this story.

3. Dr. Henry Kiernan Announces Retirement: After 39 years in education, including eight years in Bellmore-Merrick, Kiernan will be stepping down from his position on July 1, 2013.

2. Hero Aide Awarded at North Merrick Board Meeting: Although a majority of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the latest improvement projects in the district, the highlight was right at the beginning when the board honored Patricia Mormoris, an aide at Camp Avenue School that performed the Heimlich Manuever on a child.  

1. Three Generations Say Farewell to Gunther: Jacob Gunther Elementary School closed its doors in June after serving as an educational facility in North Bellmore for 55 years. 

Do you think we left out a big Bellmore-Merrick story? Share them in the comments section below.