Mepham kickline recognized as national champions

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The Town of Hempstead presented Mepham High School’s varsity kickline team with a national championship sign on Aug. 17 to commemorate the girls’ stellar performance at the National Dance Alliance Nationals in Orlando, Fla.

During the weekend of March 6, the team competed and won their first national championship title in the large varsity kick category. “I have been lucky to coach this program for the past 12 seasons, and this team impressed me from the very beginning,” said Coach Kerry Dennis. “Not only were they talented but they were driven, always supported one another, and had a willingness to sacrifice for a common goal in a way I had never seen before.”

Hempstead Town officials recognized the team by presenting them with a congratulatory sign immortalizing the titles they earned. The sign will be displayed in front of the school as students return for the 2020-21 school year.

“A celebration is long overdue for Mepham’s varsity kickline team,” said Town Supervisor Donald Clavin. “These competitors put in countless hours of effort and training in order to be the best — it’s time to finally recognize these national champions representing America’s largest township.”

Eager to return to school after their successful trip, the team soon learned that Mepham, along with the rest of the schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, had moved to online classes to slow the spread of coronavirus.

“The Mepham varsity kickline team gave this competition their all,” said Councilman Dennis Dunne, “but coronavirus robbed them of their time to celebrate. I’m proud to officially recognize the accomplishments of this incredible team, and wish them a safe return to school in the fall.”

“Congratulations to the student athletes who make up this team of national champions,” said Town Councilman Christopher Carini. “I’m happy that they can finally get the recognition they deserve, and look forward to cheering them on again in their next competition.”

Compiled by Alyssa Seidman