A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.

Kramer Lane Rallies Behind Hometown Olympian Charlie McAvoy

Bethpage Schools

February 9, 2026

Milan wasn't the only place alive with Olympic spirit on Friday – Kramer Lane Elementary School hosted a spirited pep rally to celebrate second-grade teacher Jennifer McAvoy's son, Charlie, who is representing the United States on the men's hockey team and is the only U.S. athlete from Long Island competing in the Winter Olympics.

The student body gathered in the multipurpose room dressed in red, white and blue, carrying an array of pom-poms, American flags and signs wishing Charlie luck. The event kicked off with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, performed by four Kramer Lane students who represented the school at the NYSSMA All-County performance a few weeks ago.

Students then learned about the Winter Olympics – from its history to the many winter sports it hosts. Members of the student government helped tell Charlie's story through a timeline of his life, sharing his various hockey milestones from when he started playing as a young boy in Long Beach all the way to his professional career with the Boston Bruins. The room filled with cheers as students watched a video compilation of Charlie in action on the ice.

The Bethpage High School cheer team made a special appearance, leading Kramer Lane students in enthusiastic chants of Char-lie! Char-lie!

Ms. McAvoy then participated in a Q&A with students, answering questions about Charlie and offering insight into what it was like raising an Olympian.

The event concluded with a special video message from Charlie himself to the Kramer Lane students, encouraging them to follow their dreams and thanking them for their support.

It was a proud and patriotic afternoon, and everyone in Bethpage is cheering Charlie and Team USA on. Let's go USA!

You can view News 12’s footage of the pep rally by clicking here

A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.A diverse group of children sit closely together, some waving small American flags. A boy in a red shirt is smiling brightly, creating a joyful, patriotic atmosphere.