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.

 

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce the continued success of its Physical Education Mentor Program, an initiative developed by the school’s physical education department to foster leadership, mentorship, and community among students.

Originally piloted last spring as an alternative to a second lunch period or study hall, the program allows high school students to “push in” to middle school physical education classes to assist and mentor younger students. After a highly successful trial, the program has been expanded for the 2025–26 school year.

This rare opportunity enables high school students to share their skills, experience, and enthusiasm for fitness while serving as positive role models. As mentors, they develop valuable leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, gain volunteer experience that strengthens college and job applications, and earn community service hours for their contributions.

Middle school students, in turn, benefit from the encouragement, guidance, and example of older peers by helping them build confidence, motivation, and a deeper appreciation for teamwork and sportsmanship. This year’s physical education helpers include Ava Reilly, Jameson Roeber, Lucas Sweeney, Mekenzie Rogers, Kevin Johnston, Bennet Furjanic, Madilyn Peterson, and Kieran Casey (Sport Event Management). Through this ongoing initiative, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School continues to empower students to lead, inspire, and give back—promoting a culture of support, responsibility, and shared success across grade levels.

 

Date Added: 12/10/2025

Port Jefferson Middle School proudly recognizes Shelby Olive, a compassionate and creative student who transformed her personal hobby into a meaningful fundraiser for local animal shelters.

Shelby began making bracelets simply for fun, but her passion quickly grew into a heartfelt mission to help animals in need. With support from family and friends, she sold her handmade bracelets at an event hosted at her mother’s friend’s workplace, raising approximately $200 for Last Chance Animal Rescue. Her dedication and generosity caught the attention of the organization, which has since invited her to participate in their weekly adoption events.

Shelby didn’t stop there. Motivated by the success of her first fundraiser and driven by her love for animals, she continued crafting bracelets and went on to raise an additional $200, which she proudly donated to the Kent Animal Shelter. Shelby’s efforts not only support local rescues but also highlight the impact that young people can make when they combine talent, compassion, and determination.

Port Jefferson Middle School celebrates Shelby’s achievements and applauds her for being a shining example of empathy, initiative, and community service.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s Drama Club successfully presented its theatrical production, Neil Simon’s beloved comedy Fools, delighting audiences with a whimsical tale filled with charm, wit, and unforgettable characters.

Set in the remote Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov, Fools follows the misadventures of Leon Tolchinsky, a young and enthusiastic schoolteacher who arrives determined to save the villagers from a comical yet catastrophic 200-year-old curse, one that has rendered every resident hopelessly foolish. With only 24 hours to break the spell, Leon must rely on quick thinking, optimism, and sheer determination.

During his short but chaotic time in Kulyenchikov, Leon encounters a cast of hilarious and heartwarming characters. He meets a shepherd who has lost all his sheep, buys flowers from a woman who is convinced she is selling fish, falls in love, gets adopted, nearly marries, gets unadopted, and ultimately does marry the prettiest and most endearing girl in town.

Under the direction of Tony Butera, the students brought Simon’s clever humor and rich storytelling to life, showcasing standout performances, expressive comedic timing, and a deep appreciation for the play’s timeless charm. “Our cast embraced the joyful absurdity of Fools with incredible energy and heart. Our students made the world of Kulyenchikov come alive for our audiences, and we couldn’t be prouder of their work,” said Mr. Butera.

The production featured the collaborative efforts of the school’s actors, stage crew, costume designers, set builders, and technical teams, all of whom contributed to a vibrant and memorable theatrical event. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School extends its appreciation to the families, staff, and community members whose enthusiastic support helped make the Drama Club’s performance of Fools a success.

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Drama Club Presents Neil Simon’s Comedy Fools slideshow.

Date Added: 12/3/2025