Students and staff from Mepham High School participated in the 3rdannual Manuel Mojica Stairway Climb on Nov. 7.

A firefighter for the FDNY, Mojica was a Bellmore resident and father when he lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001, at the age of 37. His children, Stephanie, a class of 2011 alum, and Manny, a class of 2014 alum, and their mother Anna returned to Mepham for the climb.

“Manny followed in his father's footsteps and is now a member of the FDNY,” explained event organizer and social studies teacher Kerry Dennis. “Our annual climb not only pays tribute to firefighter Mojica but to all of the first responders of victims of the Sept. 11attacks from our community.”

The North Bellmore and Bellmore Fire Departments donned full gear while participating in the stair climb. They also used fire trucks to create a massive American flag archway for participants to walk under during the event.

Students in the school’s Participation in Government and School and Community Leadership programs filled building stairwells with the names of the 2,977 victims from Sept. 11.

Social studies teacher Chris Patten and department chairperson Robyn Einbinder helped lead the effort in which proceeds will be donated to the seniors’ fall Service-Learning Project's partnership with the Ronald McDonald House.

Click here to view the Mepham Stair Climb Remembers Fallen, Focuses on Service 2024 slideshow.