Mepham High School held its annual Stairway Climb on Nov. 17 in honor of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and in recognition of the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

Now in its fourth year, the event is named the Manuel Mojica Stairway Climb in memory of FDNY firefighter Manuel Mojica, a Bellmore resident and father who lost his life at the age of 37 on 9/11.  

His children, Stephanie (Class of 2011) and Manny (Class of 2014), along with their mother Anna, returned to Mepham to take part in the remembrance. Manny’s wife, Julianna, and their newborn son, Nico, were also in attendance.  

The Stairway Climb was first created by the Class of 2023, inspired by the Tunnel to Towers Climb held each June at the Freedom Tower in lower Manhattan. 

“That inspiring event sees one thousand participants climb 104 stories, symbolizing strength, hope, and the resiliency of the American spirit,” explained event organizer and social studies teacher Kerry Dennis. “The class of 2023 believed we could create the same here at Mepham. Today, we, as unified Pirates, will climb the stairs and walk the halls of Mepham High School, taking victims of the September 11th attacks.” 

After senior Halen Songco performed the National Anthem and some opening remarks, students and staff participated by climbing the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs throughout the school’s three-story building. Members of the North Bellmore Fire Department also joined in the effort. 

As students proceeded along the route, stairways were filled with the names of those 2,977 victims.  

“Each name was thoughtfully hung by our Participation in Government and School and Community Leadership students, creating a powerful, constant reminder of those we honor,” added Dennis. 

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.