The Port Jefferson School District is excited to announce the appointment of Jason Venezia as the new Head Coach of the Port Jefferson Varsity Boys Lacrosse Team.

Coach Venezia brings a wealth of experience in creating a solid foundation in education, coaching, and leadership. He is a certified Health and Physical Education teacher in both New York and Vermont and has demonstrated a deep commitment to student-athlete development—both on and off the field.

Over the past two years, Coach Venezia has gained valuable coaching experience at the high school level, serving as a Junior Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Rutland High School (VT) and Bellport High School (NY). In addition to lacrosse, he has contributed to athletic programs as a football and basketball coach, further showcasing his versatility and ability to connect with student-athletes across sports.

A graduate of Sayville High School, Coach Venezia went on to enjoy a successful four-year collegiate lacrosse career as a defenseman at Castleton University/Vermont State University. His dedication to excellence extended into the classroom, earning him recognition on the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-Academic Team in 2022 and the Little East Conference All-Academic Team from 2020–2022.

Known for his energy, knowledge of the game, and passion for mentoring young athletes, Coach Venezia is poised to make a positive and lasting impact on the Port Jefferson lacrosse program. The Port Jefferson School District is thrilled to welcome Coach Venezia and looks forward to an exciting future for Varsity Boys Lacrosse under his leadership.

 

Date Added: 1/15/2026

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School seniors Mari Fukuto and Isabela Thomsen were recently selected to participate in the prestigious New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Winter Conference, held in Rochester, NY.

Mari Fukuto performed violin with the NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Orchestra, while Isabela Thomsen was selected as an alto vocalist in the All-State Mixed Choir. Selection for the All-State Conference is a significant achievement, as students are chosen through a rigorous audition process that recognizes the highest levels of musical excellence across New York State.

Mari and Isabela had the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside some of the finest student musicians in the state, working under the direction of renowned conductors and music educators. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School congratulates Mari Fukuto and Isabela Thomsen on this outstanding accomplishment and for representing their school music program with pride.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s 10th-grade students participated in an immersive educational field trip aimed at promoting safe and responsible driving practices. The students traveled to Safety Town in Holtsville, NY, where they took part in the Teen Driver Safety Program, a hands-on experience designed to teach critical driving safety strategies while highlighting the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

Throughout the day, students met with Highway Patrol Officers who led informative discussions on essential road safety topics. Officers shared real-life examples of accidents caused by unsafe behaviors such as texting while driving or driving under the influence, offering powerful reminders of how these tragedies could have been prevented through basic safety precautions.

The program also provided students with a unique opportunity to apply what they learned. Using go-karts on the Safety Town course, students practiced navigating traffic signs, adhering to speed limits, and following other fundamental driving rules. This realistic, controlled setting allowed them to experience firsthand the importance of staying alert and making responsible choices behind the wheel.

The field trip served as a meaningful and memorable learning experience, equipping students with the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to become safer drivers as they prepare for the road ahead.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School proudly announces that seven of its talented student-musicians have been selected to participate in the prestigious New York State Council of Administrators for Music Education (NYSCAME) All-County Music Festival. The festival was held at Connetquot High School and Hauppauge High School, bringing together top-performing students from across Suffolk County.

The selected students are Avery Eisaman (grade 11), Mari Fukuto (grade 12), Kevin Hong (grade 12), Joshua Kwon (grade 11), Ava Sexton (grade 11), Victoria Snaden (grade 12), and Isabela Thomsen (grade 12). These exceptional musicians earned their spots through a highly competitive process, with NYSSMA scores serving as the primary criterion, supported by strong teacher recommendations.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication to musical excellence,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts. “Their hard work, talent, and commitment to their craft are truly inspiring, and it is an honor to see them recognized at the county level.”

The Earl L. Vandermeulen High School community congratulates these students on their outstanding achievements and celebrates their continued contributions to the school’s vibrant music program.

Photo 1 (L-R): Joshua Kwon, Kevin Hong, Avery Eisaman, Mari Fukuto, Ava Sexton, and Dr. Michael Caravello (Director of Music & Fine Arts).
Photo 2 (L-R): Dr. Michael Caravello, Victoria Snaden, and Isabela Thomsen.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School students participated in the Special Olympics Suffolk County Youth Summit. This trip was organized by Port Jefferson’s Unified Sport coaches, Michelle Landetta, Gina Fedler, and Kristen Wendel.

This event included a series of student-led conferences designed to unite high school students from across Long Island. The summit aims to bring together students with and without disabilities to learn, connect, and collaborate on building more inclusive and supportive school communities.

During the event, student attendees joined peers from across the region to hear from youth leaders who are actively creating more inclusive school environments. These inspiring speakers shared their experiences, strategies, and personal stories, offering participants meaningful insights into how they can help strengthen acceptance and belonging within their own schools.

In addition to keynote sessions, students took part in a variety of interactive leadership activities. These hands-on experiences encouraged teamwork, creative problem-solving, and open dialogue, while reinforcing the importance of empathy, advocacy, and collaboration. The activities were designed to empower students to understand their own leadership potential and to inspire them to make positive changes in their communities.

By participating in the Special Olympics Suffolk County Youth Summit, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School continue their commitment to fostering an environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead.

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School Students Attend Special Olympics Summit slideshow.