The Port Jefferson Middle School Science Olympiad Team earned an impressive 5th-place finish at the Suffolk County Regional Division B Science Olympiad Competition, held at Murphy Junior High School earlier this month.

Students in grades 6 through 9 competed against 37 teams from across Suffolk County, showcasing their knowledge and skills in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Events challenged students in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Scientific Problem Solving, requiring both academic preparation and hands-on collaboration.

The Port Jefferson team delivered a strong performance, earning a total of 17 medals across the A, B, and C teams, reflecting the students’ dedication, teamwork, and commitment to scientific excellence. With their strong regional showing, the team has advanced to the New York State Science Olympiad Competition, which will take place April 24 and 25 at East Syracuse Minoa High School in Syracuse, New York. There, the students will compete against top teams from across the state.

The team is coached by Adam Bouchard, Port Jefferson Middle School Earth Science and Science 8 teacher. Also assisting the team at the competition were fellow science teachers Mr. Gorniok, Mr. J. Maletta, and Mrs. Perovich, who helped support and guide the students throughout the event.

The Port Jefferson school community congratulates the Science Olympiad team on their outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success as they prepare for the upcoming state competition.

Medal Winners, Grade level in parentheses:

1st Place Disease Detectives - Kieran Browne (9), Rahym Khan (9)

2nd Place Dynamic Planet - Austin Nam (9), Alice Turner (8)

2nd Place Entomology - Saya Sugimoto (6)

3rd Place Solar System - Violet Perez-Flesler (8), Alice Turner (8)

3rd Place Water Quality - Kaho Sugimoto (9), Alice Turner (8)

4th Place Code Busters - Kieran Brown (9), Max Quartararo (9), Rahym Khan (9)

4th Place Potions and Poisons - Klea Mehmeti (9), Kaho Sugimoto (9)

4th Place Scrambler - Violet Perez-Flesler (8), Kaho Sugimoto (9)

5th Place Dynamic Planet - Kieran Browne (9), Max Quartararo (9)

5th Place Entomology - Madison Menninger (9), Ruairi Hogan (9)

5th Place Meteorology - Violet Perez-Flesler (8), Kaho Sugimoto (9)

5th Place Write It Do It - Liliana DiSanza (6), Maya Salman (6)

6th Place Machines - Austin Nam (9), Dean Zaltsman (9)

6th Place Metric Mastery - Kieran Browne (9), Max Quartararo (9)

6th Place Remote Sensing - Austin Nam (9), Alex Pittinsky (7)

6th Place Rocks and Minerals - Violet Perez-Flesler (8), Dean Zaltsman (9)

8th Place Potions and Poisons - Liliana DiSanza (6), Saya Sugimoto (6)

Also on the competing team:

Timothy Amadio (8), Oliver Chesler (6), Ari Gearns (8), Ekin Karakurum (6), Chloe Kelly (7), Myla Kelly (9), Aiza Khan (7), Jonathan Kogan (7), Edmund Nida (6), Nathaniel Rubenstein (9), William Wardhana (7)

Click here to view the Science Olympiad Team slideshow.

Students and staff at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School came together to celebrate P.S. I Love You Day with a full week dedicated to spreading kindness, promoting positivity, and strengthening their school community.

Throughout the week, both schools embraced a variety of activities designed to uplift and inspire. Students decorated coffee sleeves with encouraging messages and positive affirmations. The sleeves were delivered to local coffee shops to be distributed on P.S. I Love You Day, extending messages of hope and kindness beyond the school walls and into the greater Port Jefferson community.

The school’s lighthouse near the cafeteria became a beacon of positivity as students and staff wrote uplifting messages for all to see, creating a visual reminder of the power of supportive words.
During a special “Coloring Pages of Kindness” day, students expressed their creativity while reflecting on themes of compassion and empathy. The finished artwork was proudly displayed in the hallways, brightening the school environment and reinforcing the importance of kindness. Students and staff also had the opportunity to share positive messages and capture moments of connection using festive photo frames, celebrating unity and school pride.

The week was filled with meaningful moments and a shared commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. The schools extend their sincere appreciation to all students and staff members who participated and helped make the celebration a success. Through these collective efforts, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School demonstrated that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact in school and throughout the community.

Click here to view the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School Celebrate P.S. I Love You Day with a Week of Kindness and Positivity slideshow.

Date Added: 3/4/2026

The Port Jefferson Middle School Drama Club dazzled audiences with its spirited production of Aladdin Jr. earlier this month. Featuring a vibrant ensemble of both new and seasoned performers, the show brought to life the beloved tale of Aladdin, an orphan whose kindness and bravery ultimately transformed the kingdom of Agrabah.

Under the direction of Laurel Ormiston and with outstanding music direction by Laurel Zimlinghaus, the production showcased the extraordinary talents of the school’s young performers. Angelina Marsala shone in the title role of Aladdin, capturing the character’s heart and humor. Reese Fallon portrayed Princess Jasmine with poise and strength, while Isla Clements delivered a show-stopping performance as the Genie. Lexi Amtmann brought a commanding stage presence to the role of Jafar, with Ari Gearns providing comedic flair as Iago.

Adding a fresh dimension to the story were characters unfamiliar to fans of the Disney film: June Rhame as Babkak, Leah Thone as Omad, and Scarlett Russo as Kassim. The trio delighted audiences in the vaudeville-style number “Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim,” blending humor, harmony, and high-energy choreography.

The full ensemble cast sustained a dynamic presence throughout the production, with voices and choreography that sparkled in every musical number. A highlight of the show was the immersive performance of “High Adventure,” which extended beyond the stage and into the audience, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience.

The production team and stage crew, comprised of dedicated high school students Josh Kwon, Kay Moran, Victoria Snaden, Ollie Rhame, Patrick Hutchinson, Ava Romonoyske, Ruairi Hogan, Tori Joseph, Nick Hogan, Evan Keesler-Whitehouse, Brian Hyrycz, and Charlotte Panker, merit special recognition. Their mentorship and technical expertise not only supported the middle school performers but also fostered their own growth and leadership in technical theatre.

Notable production elements infused the show with magic and mystery. Through inventive physical theatre devising, puppetry, and the creative use of finger lights placed both onstage and on the fingers of audience members, the world of Agrabah came alive in imaginative ways. Families of the cast generously contributed their time and talents to constructing and outfitting the vibrant Arabian setting, with special thanks to the Marsala, Russo, Von Oiste, Fraccia, Clements, and Lago families. Technology teacher Brian Chalmers crafted the spectacular genie lamp, adding a memorable centerpiece to the production’s design.

“This production really spoke to how supportive our district’s families and staff are about giving young performers an equitable opportunity to develop a unique skillset and have fun with their peers,” said director Laurel Ormiston. “Thanks to that mindset, the cast was able to do unique, beautiful things that let us celebrate putting our stamp on a Disney classic.”

With its imaginative staging, committed performances, and strong sense of community collaboration, Aladdin Jr. proved to be a shining example of the creativity and dedication thriving within the Port Jefferson school district.

Click here to view the Port Jefferson Middle School Drama Club Presents a Magical Production of Aladdin Jr. slideshow.