Earl L. Vandermeulen High School senior Aoife Hogan has been named a 2025 National Merit Finalist. This prestigious recognition is bestowed on only around 15,000 students nationwide among 1.6 million applicants.

Ms. Hogan’s recognition as a finalist means she is in the running to be one of around 6,870 students to receive a National Merit Scholarship of $2,500 for 2025.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation seeks to identify academically talented students throughout the United States. Factors in the selection process include students’ academic records, PSAT/NMSQT scores, an essay submission, demonstrated leadership and contributions to school and community activities, and a school official’s written recommendation.

“Aoife has always exhibited incredible dedication to her academics and to the Port Jefferson community,” said Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Principal John Ruggero. “I am thrilled to see her named a finalist—she is truly deserving of the National Merit Scholarship.”

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in the Port Jefferson School District held a program with Stony Brook Children’s Hospital recently that taught kindergarteners what to do if their teddy bear “gets hurt.” A fun and creative workshop, the lesson helped young children learn about safety and health care with several visitors from the trauma center at Stony Brook.

In this lesson, several Stony Brook nursing students, along with supervisors, held special clinics for the kindergarteners. The children participated in a hands-on activity that taught them how to handle and care for their own stuffed animals. After learning the importance of wearing masks, gloves, and caps, they dressed up as medical professionals and were shown how to conduct an exam as well as how to bandage minor injuries. The nursing students also shared how to stay safe while riding in a car, on a bicycle or a scooter, including the importance of seatbelts and helmets.

“This was a great learning opportunity and a really creative event. Children felt very comfortable with both health care procedures and the medical staff who are there to help them,” said Spear Elementary kindergarten teacher Marissa Shannon.

Port Jefferson School District recently celebrated its varsity winter sports teams, all of which received Scholar-Athlete team recognition by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). Teams earned this distinction by having 75 percent of their roster hold a grade point average (GPA) of 90.00 or higher.

The seven varsity teams at Port Jefferson receiving NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete team recognition were boys basketball, girls basketball, cheerleading, boys swimming, boys track, girls track, and wrestling teams. All roster members who upheld the sufficient GPA are awarded with a pin and a certificate for their achievement.

“Port Jefferson student-athletes are well-rounded individuals,” said Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan. “They have shown yet again that they are able to excel both in and out of the classroom.”

Coach Rod Cawley, the heart and soul of Port Jefferson Track and field, led the team to countless league and county titles, mentored state champions, and earned more than 60 combined Coach of the Year honors. More importantly, he built a family of athletes who were willing to compete with their heart and soul.

The Rod Cawley scholarship honors the legacy of a coach who shaped lives on and off the track. The scholarship is awarded to one male and one female senior track athlete from Port Jefferson who best exemplify Coach Cawley’s dedication, leadership, and love for the sport. You can donate to the fund here: https://raise.snap.app/donate/rod-cawley-scholarship-fundraiser