Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Oceanside High School Academic and Career Exploration Program has received a $5,000 grant to reopen the school store, which has been closed since 2020. The grant was provided by NYPD With Arms Wide Open, a nonprofit founded by retired police officer Merritt Riley to support families of first responders who have children with special needs or terminal illnesses. ACE students will operate the store, gaining hands-on experience in retail and customer service.
Riley visited Oceanside High School with WAWO board members Wally Melvin and Sonny Stellman. After speaking with students, the group toured the store and saw the progress made toward its reopening.
Oceanside special education director Saudia Mahamed said the reopening comes at a perfect time, as students are once again using their lockers. The store will carry school supplies, stickers and other locker accessories.
“We are so excited for our ACE students to have this opportunity and look forward to a special celebration of the store’s reopening in the coming weeks,” said Tracy Murray, executive director of Special Education for the Oceanside School District.
The ACE Program provides job training and vocational experiences for Oceanside High School students and partners with local businesses for hands-on learning.
