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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

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School Observes P.S. I Love You Day

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PORT JEFFERSON, NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 2024)—Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School recently came together to participate in a meaningful event to promote mental health awareness. The schools joined forces to observe P.S. I Love You Day created by a non-profit organization in New York State dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health.

P.S. I Love You Day’s mission is to instill hope in those affected by mental illness and foster a supportive environment. This year’s theme, Love is Meant to be Given resonated with students in the Port Jefferson School District who wholeheartedly embraced the cause.

Students arrived at school clad in vibrant purple clothing, symbolizing unity and support for mental health. Throughout the day, various classroom lessons and activities were organized. One of the highlights of the day was the activity where students wrote inspirational messages on purple hearts. This exercise not only allowed students to express themselves but also served as a reminder of the power of love and unity.

The Port Jefferson School District is committed to supporting its students’ mental well-being and providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. By actively participating in initiatives like P.S. I Love You Day, the district aims to create a community that promotes mental health, social-emotional well-being and encourages open conversations, and offers support to those in need.

 

Date Added: 2/20/2024