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.”

100-meter and 200-meter dash New York State Champion, Alexa Jacobs

Second place winner in the 110-meter hurdles, Evan Monaghan

Fourth place finisher in the 3200-meter, Sviatoslov Zalizniak

Port Jefferson 4x800-meter relay team, Colin Veit, Chase Davis, Chris Nam, and Sviatoslov Zalizniak

Recently, six Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students finished in the top five of their respective events at the NYSPHSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Over the course of the two-day meet, top high school athletes had the opportunity to compete in their specialized events.

Port Jefferson students had high finishes in three individual events and one relay team event. Junior Alexa Jacobs won the Class C Championship in the 100-meter dash for the third year in a row. She also won the championship in this year’s 200-meter dash. Evan Monaghan finished second overall in the 110-meter hurdles, and Sviatoslov Zalizniak captured fourth place in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Sviatoslov was also on the second-place 4x800-meter relay team alongside Colin Veit, Chase Davis, and Chris Nam.

“I am so proud of the dedication and hard work of these student-athletes,” said Adam Sherrard, Port Jefferson School District’s director of health, physical education, athletics and nursing. “Their devotion, tenacity, and drive are nothing short of admirable.”

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s NYSPHSAA Championship Qualifiers.

The Port Jefferson School District will be sending 20 Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students to the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championships this weekend. Qualifiers include athletes from both the boys and girls varsity track and field teams.

From the girls’ team, Alexa Jacobs will compete in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. She is the 2025 Suffolk County champion in both events. Emily Snyder will run the 400-meter dash and the 4x400 relay alongside Mari Fukuto, Nina Gnatenko, and Veronica Shterengas. Mari will also compete in the triple jump. The 4x800 relay team includes Gwen Connelly, Myla Kelly, Bianca Mercante, and Leilani Von Oiste. Gwen will also compete in the 2000-meter steeplechase, Myla in the 3000-meter run, and Leilani in the 800-meter. Mehana Levy will represent Port Jefferson in the shot put, and Isabela Thomsen will compete in the high jump.

On the boys’ side, Evan Monaghan will represent Port Jefferson in the 400-meter and the 110-meter hurdles—events in which he is the 2025 Suffolk County champion. The 4x400 relay will be run by Chase Davis, Neko Davis, Lucas Sweeney, and Colin Veit. Lucas will also participate in the 800-meter, while Chase and Colin will run the 4x800 relay with Christopher Nam and Sviatoslav Zalizniak. Christopher will also compete in the 3200-meter, and Sviatoslav in his county-championship-winning event, the 3000-meter steeplechase. Sean Grossman will represent Port Jefferson in the 1600-meter. Kendry Rodriguez will compete in the high jump and the pole vault, in which he is the Suffolk County champion.

“I am extremely excited for our athletes to compete in this weekend’s NYSPHSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships,” said Adam Sherrard, Port Jefferson School District’s Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics, and Nursing. “Our track program continues to make me proud in different ways, and sending 20 athletes to the state championships is yet another feat for them.”

The NYSPHSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships will take place June 13–14 at Middletown High School in Middletown, New York.