Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Bellmore-Merrick PTA Council will recognize outstanding educators and parent volunteers from across the school district during its annual Founders Day awards dinner on March 30 at The Bayview in Freeport.
The event, which brings together representatives from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s two middle schools and three high schools, is expected to draw more than 270 attendees this year — the largest turnout in recent memory, organizers said.
“This is really about giving back to the staff,” Melissa Warshaw, the council’s vice president and co-chair of the event, said. “They work hard, and we want to thank them for being supportive of our students and community.”
A total of 22 honorees — including teachers, staff members and parents — have been selected from across the district. Each school determines its recipients through its own process, typically recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond their roles to support students.
The Founders Day tradition is tied to the mission of the National PTA, which was founded in 1897 to promote parental involvement and support children’s education. Organizers said the annual celebration remains an important opportunity to unite the district’s school communities.
“Founders Day is a reflection of this collective commitment to the students,” Jessica Wessel, co-chair of the event, said. “It recognizes individuals who go above and beyond … and are consistently working to make a difference for the children.”
Planning for the event begins months in advance, with PTA representatives from each of the district’s five schools meeting regularly to coordinate the program and logistics.
“Our collaboration turns into action,” Wessel said. “There’s an overwhelming support of this event from parents, faculty, administration and the teachers union, and that’s really what makes the night so meaningful.”
This year’s program will feature student musicians from across the district performing during the evening, highlighting what organizers describe as a unified school community. Rather than spotlighting a single school, selected orchestra students from multiple buildings will perform together.
“We wanted to show that we’re one big community,” Warshaw said.
Organizers also have introduced several new elements aimed at enhancing the experience for attendees, including raffles, a photo booth and small gifts for staff members.
In addition, guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support the Community Cupboard, a local food assistance effort. The initiative serves about 30 families each week and also provides hands-on learning opportunities for students in special education programs, who help sort, package and prepare food for distribution.
“We really felt like it’s such an important part of our district, giving back, that we wanted to make this event also about giving back,” Wessel said.
While the dinner is not a fundraiser, proceeds from journal advertisements purchased by staff and families will go toward scholarships for graduating seniors across the district’s three high schools. Depending on the total raised, between 20 and 30 students may receive awards, according to organizers.
For Warshaw, who was honored at last year’s event, helping lead this year’s celebration carries special meaning.
“It’s a big honor to receive this award,” she said. “Now, being able to recognize others and celebrate everything they do for our schools is really rewarding.”
Wessel said she hopes attendees leave with a greater understanding of the PTA’s role in supporting students and families.
“The PTA does a lot within the schools,” she said. “This is what the community looks like when everyone shows up for the kids.”
The evening will include a lighthearted awards presentation, with organizers incorporating personal details about each honoree to create a more engaging experience for attendees.
