Thursday, October 1, 2026
Merrick Avenue Middle School’s annual Flag Field of Honor event on Nov. 1 raised more than $10,000 this year to benefit Honor Flight Long Island and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The school community—students, teachers, veterans, and local leaders—gathered to display hundreds of American flags along the school’s front lawn, honoring military service members.
French/ENL teacher Denise Schleith spearheaded student efforts to organize the event. In her remarks during the ceremony.
"Each flag before us represents courage, sacrifice, and service,” she said during the ceremony. “Together, they form a powerful symbol of gratitude to the men and women who have served our country and protected the freedoms we enjoy each day."
The Flag Field of Honor is a deeply meaningful tribute and fundraising initiative, with each flag representing a service member. Local families were invited to sponsor flags, with the proceeds benefiting two key organizations supporting veterans and their families.
Veterans Chris Levi and Vincent DellPaoli spoke at the ceremony, with Levi returning for the third year to share his story and DellPaoli reflecting on his experiences as a Vietnam veteran and past Honor Flight participant.
“To our students — let this field inspire you,” Schleith continued. “Remember that service takes many forms. Whether it’s helping a classmate, volunteering in the community, or standing up for what’s right, you can make a difference every day.”
While MAMS took the lead in organizing the event, Sanford H. Calhoun High School also participated in a parallel fundraising campaign, coordinated by business teacher Sue Litwin. The Mack family, who have led the Flag Field of Honor initiative for the past five years, worked closely with the school community to make the event a success, supported by student volunteers and local families.
The flags will remain on display in front of the middle school through the first week of December. Principal Katelyn Dunn expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
"We are so grateful to those who have served and thankful to the families who sponsored a flag this year," she said.
