Earl L. Vandermeulen High School has been recognized as a School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) for the 2024-2025 school year—an honor that highlights the school's outstanding commitment to academic achievement among its student-athletes.

“The School of Excellence Award is a testament to our students’ ability to succeed in the classroom and on the field,” said Principal John Ruggero. “We are incredibly proud of their commitment to upholding the high standards of our school and the values of sportsmanship and scholarship.”

The School of Excellence designation is awarded to schools where at least 75% of varsity teams earn the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team Award, recognizing teams that achieve a cumulative GPA of 90 or above. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School's accomplishment reflects the hard work, dedication, and discipline of its student-athletes, coaches, and academic staff in fostering a culture that values both athletic and academic success.

“The balance our students strike between academics and athletics is remarkable,” said Athletic Director Adam Sherrard. “This award recognizes not only their achievements but also the supportive environment created by our coaches, teachers, and families.”

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s recognition as a 2024-2025 NYSPHSAA School of Excellence underscores the school’s continued commitment to nurturing student leaders who thrive in all aspects of their high school experience.

Date Added: 7/22/2025

Summer in the Port Jefferson School District is in full swing with a dynamic lineup of summer athletic camps designed to engage and inspire students in kindergarten to eighth grade. Hosted by the District’s dedicated varsity coaches and supported by varsity student-athlete volunteers, the camps provide young athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills, stay active, and learn from some of the District’s top athletic role models.

So far, the District has proudly hosted the following camps:

* Soccer camp: 31 enthusiastic campers worked on footwork, strategy, and team play.

* Baseball camp: 29 young athletes practiced fielding, hitting, and game fundamentals.

*Lacrosse camp: 16 participants learned essential stick skills, advanced passing drills, and effective game tactics.

Each camp was led by Port Jefferson’s experienced varsity coaching staff, with support from high school athletes who volunteered their time as camp counselors, fostering a strong sense of mentorship and community. The District also hosted a tennis camp, where seven campers enjoyed personalized instruction and rally play, and a multi-sport camp, where students participated in a variety of sports and games designed to promote physical literacy and teamwork.

The summer athletics program continues with track camp, held on Wednesday nights through August 13, giving students ongoing opportunities to develop running technique, speed, and endurance.

Upcoming camps include:

* Girls volleyball camp: July 21-24

* Basketball camp: August 4-7

* Multi-sport camp 2: August 4-7

* Football camp: August 11-14

* Cheerleading camp: August 18-21

“These camps are a highlight of our summer programming,” Athletics Director Adam Sherrard said. “They give our younger students a chance to learn new skills in a fun and supportive environment, while our varsity athletes get to give back to the community in a meaningful way.”

The District encourages families to explore additional opportunities by visiting the Athletics page on the Port Jefferson School District website, where camp fliers and registration information are available. Port Jefferson’s summer athletic camps continue to foster a culture of growth, leadership, and school pride—on and off the field.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson School District Kicks Off Summer Athletic Camp slideshow.

Date Added: 7/22/2025