From left to right: Port Jefferson Board of Education Vice President Tracy Zamek and President Ellen Boehm.

Two members of the Port Jefferson Union Free School District’s Board of Education recently received prestigious awards honoring their commitment to community, leadership, and student wellbeing. Board president Ellen Boehm was nominated for Assembly District Four’s Woman of Distinction Award and vice president Tracy Zamek was named an honoree at the Long Island School Hero Awards.

Board of Education president Ellen Boehm was recognized for leadership and service to the community. Ms, Boehm is deeply respected throughout the Port Jefferson community, inspiring others through both her actions and her integrity. She joined a distinguished group of nominees that were celebrated at an afternoon tea in May. Board’s vice president Tracy Zamek’s award was presented by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (LICAB) and celebrates educators and school staff who champion safe, inclusive environments. Ms. Zamek’s commitment to fostering a culture of respect and student advocacy has made her a trusted leader whose influence resonates well beyond school walls. She will be honored alongside other recipients in a ceremony this October. 

“The members of the Port Jefferson Board of Education work tirelessly to create a strong, student-focused community in our schools,” said Port Jefferson superintendent of schools Jessica Schmettan. “Both Ms. Boehm and Ms. Zamek are incredibly deserving of these recognitions and I am so appreciative of the opportunity to work with them to make our District run.” 

Port Jefferson Middle School’s Moving Up Ceremony

Port Jefferson Middle School’s Moving Up Ceremony

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School’s Moving Up Ceremony

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School’s Moving Up Ceremony

The Port Jefferson Union Free School District recently celebrated two moving up ceremonies to celebrate fifth- and- eighth-grade students moving on to higher levels. Edna Louise Spear Elementary School and Port Jefferson Middle School honored students for taking the next steps in their educational journeys.

The ceremonies highlighted academic achievement; students were honored with certificates marking the end of their journeys in elementary and middle school. Students gave speeches; performed musical numbers; and were presented with awards in front of their family, friends, classmates, teachers, and District administration. Both celebrations were held in the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Auditorium.

“The entire Port Jefferson community feels pride watching our students move up in their academic journeys,” said Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan. “I am so excited to see what they might accomplish during the rest of their time in Port Jefferson schools and beyond.”

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Principal John Ruggero

Dr. Katherine Ann Cahill, parent speaker.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, in the Port Jefferson School District, recently held its Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the school’s Class of 2025 in front of their family, friends, community members, teachers, building and District administration, and the Board of Education. The ceremony took place in the school’s outdoor bowl on June 27.

Port Jefferson’s graduates were honored during the ceremony for their hard work, dedication, commitment, and personal growth throughout their time at the high school and in the District. Speeches imparting words of wisdom were delivered by valedictorian Sara Freitas, Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan, and Principal John Ruggero.

This year’s parent speaker was Dr. Katherine Ann Cahill, who holds numerous degrees in Industrial Sociology, Child Psychology Law and Litigation and was appointed by the Obama Administration to work with the Government Office of Accountability, to implement the rule making for the Food Safety Moderation Act. She is a staunch advocate for children with autism spectrum disorder and woman of color, and has dedicated her life to helping them in their personal and professional development.

“This year’s graduating class is one full of hardworking and dedicated individuals,” said Jessica Schmettan. “I am full of pride and joy having watched these students cross the stage in their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas. I am thrilled to see what they can accomplish next.”

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s prom

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s prom

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s prom

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s prom

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s prom

Port Jefferson community members looking on as students arrive to prom

Port Jefferson community members looking on as students arrive to prom

Port Jefferson community members looking on as students arrive to prom

On June 30, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, in the Port Jefferson Union Free School District, hosted a prom unlike any other on Long Island. A yearly tradition since the 1950s, the prom brings together the Port Jefferson community to create a magical night and celebrate the Class of 2025’s accomplishments.

Port Jefferson’s prom is a true communitywide affair, with close to 100 residents taking the weekend to build the event’s setting—completely transforming the school and its gymnasium. The prom is the latest on Long Island, taking place after graduation so that the town’s prom-builders have the opportunity to build out the year’s theme in complete secrecy. The community spirit throughout the prom’s process is so strong that most of the Port Jefferson residents who help no longer have children attending school in the District.

The theme, kept secret from the students, was inspired by the novel The Great Gatsby. The school’s gymnasium was decorated with Roaring Twenties-themed decorations and activities, taking students completely by surprise as they arrived. When the Class of 2025 pulled up to the school, they did so in luxury cars, limousines, and even a firetruck—greeted by a crowd of cheering community members serving as paparazzi.

“This long standing tradition is something that the community looks forward to every year,” said John Ruggero, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Principal. “I am so thankful to everyone who aided in making this event possible for the Class of 2025. I am proud to be a part of a community that values showing up for one another and for the next generation.”

The Port Jefferson robotics team exploring robotic surgery at Mather Hospital.

The Port Jefferson robotics team exploring robotic surgery at Mather Hospital.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s robotics team was recently invited to Mather Hospital for a hands-on experience with the future of robotic surgery. Port Jefferson students competed against other local robotics teams using the hospital’s $3 million da Vinci Surgical System.

Located in Port Jefferson, Mather Hospital is a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence—the first of its kind in New York State and a leader in robotic bariatric surgery. Upon arriving at the hospital, students attended a presentation on the history and advancement of robotic surgery led by Dr. Arif Ahmad, director of Mather’s Surgery Center of Excellence. Students then tested their skills by operating the da Vinci’s robotic surgical arms, practiced suturing, and simulated a traditional laparoscopic procedure using a handheld camera.

“As a robotics team coach, I think it’s incredibly important for my students to see all the possible careers in science and engineering,” said robotics team coach Brian Chalmers. “The fact that robotics plays a role in medicine helps expand students’ understanding of what’s possible in this field.”