Over the past several months, students in Ms. Moran’s Career & Finance class at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School have had the opportunity to engage with a dynamic lineup of guest speakers representing a wide range of professions. The series provided students with invaluable, real-world perspectives from experts in the healthcare, finance, and legal fields, helping them connect classroom learning to future career paths.

Through this initiative, students heard from speech pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists who shared their experiences working in healthcare and helping others improve their qualities of life. The finance and business sector was represented by accountants who discussed the importance of financial literacy, budgeting, and the diverse roles within the industry.

A highlight of the series was a comprehensive panel from the Suffolk County Court System, featuring a New York State Supreme Court Justice, court officers, a court reporter, a LAN administrator, and public relations professionals. The panel offered students a firsthand look at the many careers that support the legal system, while also emphasizing civic engagement and ethical responsibility.

The guest speakers shared personal stories of perseverance, key decisions, and career milestones, helping students understand that success often comes from hard work, resilience, and lifelong learning. This ongoing program exemplifies Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s commitment to college and career readiness, empowering students to explore their interests, set goals, and envision meaningful futures.

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Students Gain Real-World Insights Through Career & Finance Guest Sp slideshow.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s varsity club brought Halloween spirit and community together by hosting its annual drive-thru trick-or-treat event at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School.

Club members, joined by enthusiastic elementary and middle school staff, decorated a series of colorful and creatively themed tables for elementary students to visit and collect sweet treats. The event has become a beloved fall tradition, offering younger students a safe and festive way to celebrate Halloween while fostering school-wide connections.

Senior student Gianna Viviano shared her excitement, “This is one of my favorite events of the year! I’ve done it since freshman year, and seeing everyone be super creative with how they're decorating and getting more and more involved every year is awesome. This year, my group did The Lorax! We each picked a different character and decorated our table with DIY truffula trees, Dr. Seuss books, and a ginormous mustache.”

Fellow senior Julia Lima De Oliveira Gomes echoed that sentiment, “I think that our drive-thru trick or treat event is a good experience and opportunity for the high school kids to get involved with our elementary school. The kids look forward to it, and it’s nice to see kids coming back every year. I've done it since freshman year, and I think it's something we all look forward to and a tradition that is a staple of Varsity Club!”

The drive-thru trick-or-treat event is one of many ways the varsity club promoDate Added: 11/10/2025 tes community spirit and leadership among students. Organizers expressed pride in seeing high school students work together to create a memorable experience for the district’s youngest learners.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page. Click here for the Port Jefferson Facebook page.

 

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Varsity Club Hosts Annual Drive-Thru Trick or Treat Event slideshow.

Date Added: 11/10/2025

 

 

 

Port Jefferson School District proudly welcomed back Sara Phoebe Miller, a 2009 graduate of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, who recently celebrated the publication of her debut graphic novel, You Belong Here, with First Second, an imprint of Mac Millan! She graciously took a brief detour from her life in Los Angeles and her cross-country book tour, Sara returned to her alma mater and hometown to host a series of informal Writers’ Workshops for middle and high school students.

Although she had prepared to share lessons on creative writing and storytelling, the workshops quickly transformed into lively Q&A sessions. Students eagerly asked Sara about her journey—from studying at Barnard College to her 13+ year career in the publishing industry in New York and Los Angeles, where she worked as an Editor, Talent Development Manager, and now Editorial Director at acclaimed publishing houses including DC Comics, Vertigo, and BOOM! Studios.

Sara spoke candidly about her winding path to becoming an author and the insight she gained from years of working behind the scenes as an editor. She reminded students that the creative process is often imperfect, emphasizing the importance of patience, collaboration, and continual learning.

“It was such a special, full-circle moment to return to PJHS to celebrate my debut graphic novel, You Belong Here, with the students and faculty. You Belong Here is a love letter to Long Island (especially Port Jeff) and an exploration of the ways your hometown shapes who you are and who you choose to become,” said Sara Phoebe Miller. “ PJHS certainly shaped who I am and I know now how much it helped nurture my creative ambitions. Getting to share all of that with the students meant the world to me. I'm so grateful to Eva Grasso (my former English teacher!) for coordinating the event and giving me the Royal treatment! It was great to be home.”

What made the visit especially memorable was the students’ genuine enthusiasm. Even after the bell rang, many lingered to ask follow-up questions, seeking advice and encouragement for their own writing and creative ambitions. The exchange felt less like a typical author visit and more like a Royal-to-Royal connection, a reminder of the powerful ties that unite Port Jefferson alumni and current students. Sara’s former teachers were equally delighted to welcome her back and celebrate the success of one of their own. Her visit served as an inspiring reminder that while Port Jefferson may be a small community, its impact and the accomplishments of its graduates extend far beyond its borders.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson Alumna and Published Author Sara Miller Inspires Students During Return Visit slideshow.

Date Added: 11/4/2025

 

Students from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Mrs. Nelson’s Sport Event Management class and Mrs. Moran’s Sports Marketing class had the exciting opportunity to attend the New York Jets Sports Business Day at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2025.

This special event gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the business side of professional sports, combining classroom learning with real-world experiences in one of the NFL’s most dynamic venues.

As part of Sports Business Day, students participated in:

* Stadium Tours: A rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes at MetLife Stadium, including visits to the locker room, corporate suites, press boxes, and even the field.

* Career Talks: Presentations from Jets staff members representing departments such as sales, partnerships, and marketing, who shared insights into their daily responsibilities and career paths.

* Networking and Career Advice: Students gained valuable advice on breaking into the professional sports industry, with an emphasis on the importance of internships, networking, and developing strong communication skills.

Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Moran emphasized how experiences like these help students connect their coursework to future career opportunities. “It’s one thing to learn about sports management and marketing in the classroom,” said Mrs. Moran. “But seeing it in action at a major stadium really brings those lessons to life.”

The trip to MetLife Stadium offered students a firsthand understanding of what it takes to succeed in the sports business world and inspired many to explore future careers in the field.

 

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Students Explore Careers in Sports at NY Jets Sports Business Day slideshow.

 

Date Added: 11/3/2025

Port Jefferson School District proudly announces that students Nick Hogan and Lia Donohue had the distinct honor of attending the Gift of Life’s Golden Jubilee Gala, celebrating the organization’s 50 years of life-saving humanitarian work around the world.

Held in honor of Gift of Life’s milestone anniversary, the gala was the largest gathering in the organization's history, bringing together global partners, Rotarians, and medical professionals from over a dozen countries—including Egypt, Jordan, Bolivia, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Lebanon. U.S. hospitals and Rotary Clubs were also well represented, highlighting the vast international network that supports the organization’s mission.

Founded in 1975, Gift of Life is a global nonprofit committed to providing life-saving heart surgeries to children in developing countries who would otherwise lack access to necessary medical care. With support from donors, volunteers, and healthcare institutions, the organization coordinates the treatment, travel, and post-operative care for children at no cost to their families.

Nick and Lia contributed meaningfully to the evening by assisting with event logistics. They played a key role in welcoming and registering guests, managing seating arrangements, and helping with the evening’s silent auction bidding process—ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees.

Port Jefferson School District is honored to support students who take initiative beyond the classroom and engage with humanitarian causes on a global scale. Nick and Lia’s involvement with Gift of Life exemplifies the district’s commitment to fostering the next generation of thoughtful, community-minded leaders.