The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce that Physical Education teacher and coach, Andrew Cosci, has been named the recipient of the Jill Nees-Russell Power of One Award, presented by the Royal Educational Foundation during its annual Family Fun Run event.

This prestigious award honors individuals who make a profound and lasting impact within the school community, exemplifying the power one person can have to uplift and inspire others. Mr. Cosci was nominated for the award in recognition of his unwavering support and guidance to the district’s cross country and track student-athletes during one of the most difficult times in the program’s history—the sudden passing of longtime coach Rod Cawley in the middle of the boys cross country season last fall.

In the face of heartbreak and uncertainty, Mr. Cosci stepped forward not only as a coach, but as a mentor and source of stability. His leadership, compassion, and dedication helped students process their grief, remain united, and continue striving both on and off the course. Through his efforts, he preserved the spirit and legacy of Coach Cawley while empowering student-athletes to persevere.

The Royal Educational Foundation’s annual Fun Run and award ceremony celebrate individuals who embody kindness, leadership, and service within the educational community. The Jill Nees-Russell Power of One Award is named in honor of Jill Nees-Russell, a beloved figure remembered for her deep commitment to students and the belief that one person truly can make a difference.

The Port Jefferson School District congratulates Coach Cosci on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued service, heart, and dedication to students and families.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson School District’s Andrew Cosci Honored with the Jill Nees-Russell Power of One Award slideshow.

 

Date Added: 10/8/2025

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce an exciting lineup of new varsity head coaches for the 2025–26 school year. These talented educators and coaches bring a wealth of experience, a championship pedigree, and a deep commitment to student-athlete development. The district is thrilled to welcome them as leaders of our athletic programs.

Coach Jen Poma takes the reins of both the Varsity Girls and Boys Tennis teams. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School guidance counselor, Coach Poma brings an impressive background as a former Division I tennis player. Before joining Port Jefferson, she coached JV and Varsity Tennis at Smithtown East High School, where her teams captured league titles in two of her three seasons. Her expertise and passion for the sport are sure to elevate the Royals' tennis program.

Coach Hannah Keech will lead the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team. A former standout player at SUNY Cortland, Coach Keech boasts an impressive collegiate resume, including two SUNYAC championships, three All-Tournament team selections, and multiple All-Region and All-Conference honors. She has spent the last five years coaching lacrosse at various levels and will also lend her skills to the Middle School Girls Basketball and JV Boys Soccer teams. With 12 years of playing experience and prior coaching roles in soccer and basketball, Coach Keech brings a strong, multi-sport perspective to Port Jefferson athletics.

Coach Joe Petre, a physical education and health teacher at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School, will serve as the Varsity Girls Basketball head coach. He has over five years of experience as a varsity assistant coach in boys basketball at Hauppauge and Smithtown East, where his teams consistently reached the playoffs. In addition, Coach Petre will coach JV Girls Volleyball and assist with Varsity Boys Lacrosse. His coaching tenure includes contributing to three league titles and a county championship appearance, making him an asset across multiple programs.

Other Notable Coaching Additions:

* Ashley Drews – Middle School Cheerleading

* CJ Perrino – Varsity Assistant Football, Middle School Wrestling, Middle School Baseball

* Dennis Christofor – Volunteer Coach for Girls and Boys Tennis

* Keith Buehler – Middle School Football Assistant

* Michelle Landetta – Unified Bowling

* Pete Meehan – Officially named Full-Time Head Coach for Varsity Boys Basketball after serving as interim coach in 2024–25

* Joe Jacovino – Middle School Boys Lacrosse

We are incredibly fortunate to welcome such a talented and dedicated group of coaches to our district, said Adam Sherrard, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. Their experiences as both educators and athletes will have a tremendous impact on our student-athletes, both on and off the field.

 

Date Added: 10/6/2025

On Thursday, September 18, fifth grade students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School took a special field trip to Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, where they were welcomed by over 30 varsity student-athletes and 10 coaches for an exciting and interactive day focused on athletics and school community connection.

The event, designed to introduce fifth graders to the diverse athletic opportunities available in middle and high school, included demonstrations and hands-on participation in sports such as cross country, tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball, and football.

“Our goal is to spark interest and help students find a sport they’re passionate about before they enter middle school,” said Adam Sherrard, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nursing. “It’s about planting that seed early and showing them what’s possible.”

What made the day especially meaningful were the connections formed between the high school athletes and the younger students. The varsity athletes not only showcased their sports but also mentored the fifth graders, offering encouragement and sharing their own athletic journeys.

This annual tradition continues to foster a sense of unity and excitement across grade levels, as younger students begin to see themselves as future leaders and athletes within the Port Jefferson School District.

 

Neither wind nor rain could stop the community spirit and enthusiasm at the second annual Culper Spy 5K, organized by Earl L. Vandermeulen High School junior Sean Grossman and his grandmother, Janette Handley, to benefit the Three Village Historical Society (TVHS).

Held on September 7, the event saw an impressive turnout of 300 runners braving the downpour to celebrate local history and support educational programming. Their efforts raised $7,000, all of which will go directly toward expanding the TVHS's outreach and educational initiatives.

Sean, a dedicated student-athlete with a passion for both competitive running and Revolutionary War history, launched the inaugural race last year to combine his interests while giving back to the community. The race pays tribute to the Culper Spy Ring, a famed Revolutionary War-era intelligence network that operated in the Setauket area.

“This event represents the best of our community, resilience, teamwork, and pride in our local history,” Sean said. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make it a success—especially in the face of such challenging weather.”

This year’s race had even more momentum thanks to support from Port Jefferson High School coaches Cosci and Snow, as well as medalist Jameson Roeber. Organizing help came from Deidre Fillipi, Jesse Rosen and members of the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Varsity Club who volunteered on race day to ensure the event ran smoothly. TVHS Executive Director Mari Irizarry praised the grassroots nature of the fundraiser, saying, “Sean and Janette have created something truly special. It’s not only a race, it’s an educational celebration that gets people of all ages engaged with our region’s rich Revolutionary past.”

With two successful years under his belt, Sean Grossman hopes the Culper Spy 5K will continue to grow, bringing more runners, more awareness, and more support for historical education in the Three Village community.

 

Date Added: 9/26/2025

Students at Port Jefferson Middle School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School were recently treated to an inspiring presentation by Major League Baseball agent and national speaker Mark Leinweaver, who visited the district to deliver his signature assembly, “Why Character Matters.”

Presented to both middle and high school students, the 30-minute assembly provided real-world education on critical social issues, emphasizing the importance of character, leadership, and decision-making in students' daily lives. Mr. Leinweaver’s message was clear: Strong character is the foundation of success both on and off the field.

A seasoned sports agent with years of professional experience, Mark Leinweaver has become a respected voice on youth development and personal integrity. During the assembly, he engaged students in an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the dangers of social media, the value of volunteering and giving back, the courage it takes to be brave in the face of peer pressure, and the importance of standing against bullying.

Port Jefferson School District administrators praised the assembly as a meaningful and timely experience for students, helping to reinforce the district’s mission of developing responsible and ethical young leaders.Students walked away from the assembly inspired and more aware of the impact their actions have on themselves and others.

 

Date Added: 9/18/2025