Coach Chiapparelli
Mamaroneck is often praised for its athletics, school spirit and teachers. Amongst these three aspects of the MHS community, there exists one man: Coach Michael Chiapparelli. Chiapparelli, affectionately known as Chap, has led Mamaroneck to four state championships across boys’ hockey and baseball, coached modified girls’ hockey, and has served as a Physical Education teacher in the district for 45 years.
Currently, Coach Chap is the longest-serving MUFSD staff member. He serves as a mentor to all of the physical education department and also to the rest of the teachers at the high school. The years of experience under his belt make him a considerable resource to the faculty. While he intends to coach modified field hockey, varsity hockey, and varsity baseball next year, his presence will be missed within the building and physical education department.
When asked about the motive for his upcoming retirement he expressed that he “still has a lot of fire in the tank, but retiring was a business decision.” I have to “secure my pension so my wife is well taken care of if something happens to me,” he remarks. The fire left in Coach Chap is evident when observing Chap’s punctuality and attendance. Chap did not miss a single school day in the 2023-2024 school year. He carries 743 untaken sick days from throughout his career, arriving at school every morning eager to teach and coach his students, team members, and engage with anyone else who is around to talk.
This enthusiasm to connect with the community is carried outside of MHS. Chap can be spotted bartending at Larchmont Tavern on a busy Friday night, umpiring softball games at the harbor the next morning, and working as the assistant director of a day camp over the summer.
With the free time that accompanies retirement, Chap intends to take on another day job.
It’s no secret that Coach Chiapparelli is a Mamaroneck legend. Throughout the past 45 years, Coach Chap has been a vital part of the MHS community and his legacy will persist within Mamaroneck athletics and education. All students and teachers and students who have known and learned from him have truly been touched by greatness.
Christine Coppola
Any MHS student who has ever gotten a bus pass, obtained working papers, or ordered supplies for a school-related event has likely met Christine Coppola.
Her career at Mamaroneck High School began almost 30 years ago, back in 1995, when she worked part-time as the assistant principal’s account clerk typist. Shortly after, she accepted a full time position at the principal’s office, where she managed finances for school clubs and worked closely with the student body on various projects and events. In 2016, she started a new job as manager of the principal’s budget. She now also prepares orders for many of the school’s departments and helps students secure bus passes, working papers and other indispensable resources.
Throughout her decades at Mamaroneck High School, one quality about Coppola has stood out: she finds joy in building connections with the students. “I love people, and I love to talk” she says, explaining that the best part of her job is putting a smile on the faces of all the students who come into her office.
It is clear that Coppola has thoroughly enjoyed every moment she spent working at the school: “I don’t consider this a job, I consider it more like fun.” She has left a lasting impression on each and every person she has encountered, and cherishes the school deeply, stating that it “will always have a piece of [her] heart.”
In retirement, Coppola is looking forward to taking long walks with her dog, and is excited about an upcoming cruise to Alaska which she will be going on with her two daughters. She also explained that in the future she wants to volunteer at the Rye YMCA, as she visits the gym there frequently. Coppola will be sorely missed by the MHS community who she considers to be more like family.
