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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Student Selected to Become Delegates of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders

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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce that Lia Donohue has been selected to be a part of the prestigious Congress of Future Medical Leaders, a verified honors-only program for high school students dedicated to serving humanity through medicine. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders provides a unique opportunity for students, such as Lia to be guided by some of the greatest minds in medicine. Congress mentor speakers include Nobel Prize winners, award-winning young inventors and scientists, leaders in medicine, medical futurists, and prominent medical school deans.

During the congress, Lia will have the incredible opportunity to watch a live surgery broadcast and engage in real-time discussions with the surgeon and moderator. This hands-on experience will undoubtedly inspire and motivate Lia as she pursues her passion for medicine. Delegates of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders are carefully selected by teachers and other educational avenues. The application process includes GPA verification, ensuring that academically superior high school students are recognized for their dedication, talent, and leadership potential in the field of medicine.

In addition to the invaluable experience gained at the congress, Lia will also have the opportunity to earn three college credits upon the completion of additional coursework. This recognition highlights Lia's commitment to academic excellence and her promising future in the medical field. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School congratulates Lia Donohue on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to witnessing her continued success in the world of medicine.

Date Added: 3/25/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School Host St. Baldrick’s Assembly, Raise Over $6,500 to Combat Childhood Cancer

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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School came together for a memorable St. Baldrick’s assembly, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the fight against childhood cancer. With the collective efforts of students, teachers, and community members, the event raised over $6,500 in donations.

The assembly was a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, made particularly poignant with the presence of one Port Jefferson’s student who is a courageous cancer survivor. Their inspiring story served as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the importance of supporting research and initiatives to conquer pediatric cancer.

In a show of unity and support, Long Island Beauty School students volunteered their skills to adorn participants with vibrant green hair extensions, adding a colorful flair to the event. Additionally, selected students and staff members demonstrated their solidarity by shaving their heads, symbolizing their dedication to the cause. The funds raised during the assembly will be directed toward the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.

Among the “shavees was Jonathan Maletta, AP science teacher and STEM advisor, who played a pivotal role in raising funds to support research efforts aimed at combating children’s cancer. Mr. Maletta’s dedication extended beyond fundraising, as he also managed a series of advanced education programs, enabling students to participate in STEM/STEAM enrichment programs at Stony Brook University.

One such program, titled Cancer Biology-Exploring if Phytochemicals Can Inhibit Cancer Cell Viability and Growth, provided Port Jefferson school students with a unique opportunity to work with isolated lung cancer tissue under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Moloney, Ph.D. This hands-on experience allowed students to delve into the complexities of cancer research and contribute to ongoing efforts to find effective treatments.

Date Added: 3/25/2024

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Come Together to Celebrate Read Across America

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Edna Louise Spear Elementary School and Earl L. Vandermeulen High School joined forces to commemorate Read Across America, a nationwide celebration of reading and literacy.

At Edna Louise Spear Elementary School, students participated in the week-long Read Across America event, which focused on celebrating diversity and inclusion. The theme for this year’s event aimed to highlight the importance of embracing differences and fostering a sense of unity through literature. Students participated in a variety of activities, including reading books that promote inclusivity, and joining a virtual read-aloud session led by Edna Louise Spear Elementary School Principal Amy Laverty and Assistant Principal Brianne Antenucci. The students were also able to come to school in their pajamas for a cozy Drop Everything and Read day.

As the week ended, the high school students from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School embarked on a short special trip to Edna Louise Spear Elementary School to spread the joy of reading. The high school students had the opportunity to read to prekindergarten through fifth-grade classes, sharing their love for literature and inspiring younger students to engage in the world of books.

The collaboration between the elementary and high school exemplifies the importance of fostering a culture of reading and unity within the school community. By engaging students of all ages in literacy activities, the schools are nurturing a love for reading and promoting understanding and acceptance among students.

Date Added: 3/19/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Students Recognized with Prestigious Suffolk Zone Leadership Award

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Preston Biedenkapp and Michelle Wu, high school seniors from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, have been honored with the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Suffolk Zone Leadership Award. The ceremony for this prestigious award took place at Villa Lombardis, at which two outstanding students from each high school in Suffolk County were recognized for their exceptional achievements.

To qualify for this award, students must maintain an outstanding academic record, an A average in health and physical education classes, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale by the end of their junior year. Additionally, recipients must demonstrate exemplary personal and social skills, such as responsibility, empathy, cultural awareness, confidence, character, civility, and collaboration.

Recipients of the Suffolk Zone Leadership Award also exhibit leadership qualities within health and physical education classes, take on responsibilities for class tasks, maintain a positive attitude toward instructional activities, and actively engage in leadership roles within and outside of the school community. This includes serving as officers in healthy and physical educational clubs, organizing events, participating in school community groups, volunteering in support groups, and other such pursuits.

Preston and Michelle exemplify these qualities and have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders in their schools and communities. Their dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community service makes them deserving of the Suffolk Zone Leadership Award.

Matthew Sefick from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School to Receive 2024 Distinguished Teacher Award from Harvard Club of Long Island

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Matthew Sefick, an English teacher at Port Jefferson’s Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, was recently honored by the Harvard Club of Long Island with the prestigious Distinguished Teacher Award. The award will be presented at the Harvard Club LI University Relations Brunch on March 9, where Mr. Sefick will be one of only ten teachers from across Long Island who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to education.

“The Harvard Club of Long Island’s recognition of Matthew Sefick’s exemplary teaching career is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his positive impact on students' lives,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Port Jefferson School District. “His passion for education and unwavering dedication make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Mr. Sefick has 20 years of teaching under his belt and spent 18 of those years teaching in the Port Jefferson School District. In addition, he also serves as the coach of the Port Jefferson Academic Team, guiding students to success in academic competitions.
A graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Mr. Sefick furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts from Framingham State University. His dedication to his students and passion for teaching has made him a highly respected educator in his school community.