__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD Celebrating the festival of lights
local wrestler is recognized
Rotary Club raises over $700
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Vol. 29 No. 1
JANUARY 1 - 7, 2026
$1.00
PAL Sharks take bite out of competition
“The Merrick program represents what can be achieved when a group commits to a The Merrick PAL Sharks shared vision and truly trusts Academy B2015 soccer team has the process,” Kapper said. He noted that the Sharks regbeen named the 2025 Elite Development Program Boys ularly faced strong opponents Team of the Year, recognizing a from dif ferent leagues and season of consistent success states, creating a competitive and strong player development environment that challenged players to grow. against top regional “The Mer rick competition. Sharks are a clear The Sharks went example of how undefeated during consistent developthe fall season and captured the chamment and belief in pionship at the 2025 the program lead to Eastern NY Youth real g rowth and Soccer Association success,” he added. Challenge Cup. The Kapper also team also competed credited families in the North Atlanfor playing a key tic League and parrole in the team’s ticipated in several accomplishments, re g i o n a l t o u r n a pointing to the ments, including MANfRED KAppER importance of stathe Baymen Easter bility and longCup, Hershey term commitment. Memorial Day Challenge, and “Success is not driven by the Jefferson Cup in Richmond, players alone,” he said. “ParVirginia. ents play a critical role by Head trainer Manfred Kap- understanding the long-term per, director of operations for developmental pathway and Kapper Soccer, led the team committing to it. When families through a year-round training trust the environment rather program in partnership with than constantly searching for the PAL program, emphasizing the ‘next best option,’ players discipline, preparation and are given the stability they need teamwork.
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
T
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Student government members Kayla Indich and Zach Babitz, Adam Schefter, Artie Kempner, Principal Gerard Owernburg and Dr. Gary Morganstern, copresident of the Kennedy Alumni Association.
Kennedy alum return for Alumni Day ESPN pair reflects on time at Kennedy High By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Two prominent alumni returned to John F. Kennedy High School to share career advice, personal reflections and lessons learned on their paths to success during the school’s annual Alumni Day. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, a member of the Class of 1985, and Monday Night Football director Artie Kempner, Class of 1977, took part in a panel discussion on Dec. 17 led by the school’s student government. The pair reflected on their years as Kennedy Cougars, discussed how their education helped shape their careers and described the professional journeys that led them to the top of sports media.
Schefter, now one of the most recognizable NFL reporters in the country, spoke about the winding road that brought him to ESPN. Before joining the network in 2009, he built his career through years of newspaper reporting for the Rocky Mountain news and then The Denver Post and radio work. Schefter told students that internships and early experience played a critical role in his success. “Volunteer at a paper department, team, or station,” he said, recalling his time working on the student newspaper while attending the University of Michigan. “Do whatever you can to get into the door. It’s all about what you make of the experience while you are there. It’s up to you to go make things COntInueD On PAGe 2
he Merrick program represents what can be achieved when a group commits to a shared vision.
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