Earl L. Vandermeulen High School seniors Connor Kaminska and Luigia Than were each named 2017 Suffolk Zone award winners by the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. This award is presented annually to the top female and male senior physical education leaders in each Suffolk County high school.

According to Dr. Danielle Turner, the district’s director of health, physical education and athletics, the pair were chosen by their physical education teachers for their outstanding character, leadership skills in schoolwide as well as physical education and health class activities, positive attitude toward instructional activities, scholastic achievements and being role models for their peers.

“These students were chosen by the physical education staff not only because of their performance and leadership in class, but also because of their academic accomplishments and their contributions to their community,” said Turner. “Connor and Luigia represent the best of the best, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.”