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May 6, 2026

Bellmore-Merrick Unites for Mental Health at Rock Benefit Concert

Student band member group photo.

The Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.  

The event featured talented rock bands and vocal groups from Kennedy, Mepham and Calhoun High Schools, and Merrick Avenue and Grand Avenue Middle Schools. A highlight of the evening included a teacher-led band, which was compromised of math chair David Prince, math teacher James Alford, English teachers Steve Mastromarino and Liz DeFranco.  

Attendees gathered to enjoy live performances across two stages, professionally run by an audio engineer, creating an energetic and inspiring atmosphere.  

The concert was made even more impactful through the generosity of local businesses, which contributed donations, food, and raffle prizes, as well as the parent-led Calhoun Music Boosters for volunteering their time. 

Emceed by Calhoun senior Thomas Rooney and Kennedy senior Max Blum and organized by Kennedy seniors Ben Roth and Jordan Siegel, alongside Prince, the event raised more than $6,000 to benefit South Oaks Hospital, a teen mental health facility partnered with Northwell Health. 

“From a-cappella and other choruses to pop, rock, and metal, the night was nothing short of amazing,” noted Prince. “This event transformed a dream into a reality thanks to collaboration, creativity, and community.” 

 

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.   The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.   A band performs on a stage in a gymnasium, playing instruments.   The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.   The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.  The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.   The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.   The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.   A young person plays an electric guitar on a stage.   A person with red hair plays an electric guitar on a stage.   The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its second annual Rock for Mental Health benefit concert on May 1 at John F. Kennedy High School, bringing together student musicians, educators, and the community for an evening of music and purpose.    A band performs on a stage, with a singer, guitarist, and drummer.   A band performs on a stage in a gymnasium, playing instruments.   A choir of young people sing into microphones on a stage.