Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce Eric Chen as the valedictorian and Michelle Wu as the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2024. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to their school community.

Valedictorian Eric Chenhas exemplified excellence in academics and extracurricular activities throughout his high school career. Eric will graduate having completed an impressive 15 Advanced Placement (AP) classes, achieving mostly fives and fours on the 9 exams. His commitment to academic rigor is further evidenced by his recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and his designation as a Presidential Scholar by the United States Department of Education. Additionally, Eric's involvement in various clubs and organizations such as Science Olympiad, Mathletes, and Chess Club, showcases his multifaceted talents and interests. Notably, he has won multiple awards at both regional and state levels, including 2nd place in Disease Detectives and 4th place in Chemistry Lab at the recent Science Olympiad competition. Eric’s passion for academics and extracurriculars extends beyond the school walls, as he also works at his family’s restaurant. In the fall, Eric will continue his academic journey at Rice University, where he will pursue studies in Bioengineering.

Salutatorian Michelle Wu distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar and leader within the school community. Michelle will graduate having completed 14 AP courses, with all fours and fives on the 10 exams taken thus far, earning her the title of AP Scholar with Distinction. Her involvement in a wide array of clubs and organizations—including Student Organization, Interact, and Latin Club—demonstrates her commitment to service and leadership. Michelle's achievements extend beyond academics, as she has excelled in athletics, participating in varsity swim and tennis teams. Her dedication to community service is evident through her volunteer work teaching children to swim at the Three Village Swim Club. Michelle’s academic prowess has garnered her recognition as a National Merit Finalist and recipient of the Suffolk County Zone Physical Education/Health Leadership Award and the NYS Academic Excellence Award. In the fall, Michelle will attend Harvard University to pursue studies in economics and law.

Both Eric Chen and Michelle Wu embody the spirit of academic excellence, leadership, and service that Earl L. Vandermeulen High School strives to instill in all its students. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the exceptional quality of education provided by the school.

Date Added: 5/2/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School's Guidance Office recently organized and hosted a highly successful college fair, providing students in grades 9 through 11 with invaluable opportunities to explore their higher education options.

The event, held in the school gymnasium, welcomed admissions representatives from over 80 esteemed colleges and universities. The college fair, a staple event in the school's academic calendar, serves as a crucial platform for students to engage with representatives from a diverse array of institutions. By facilitating face-to-face interactions with admissions professionals, students gain firsthand insights into various college programs, campus cultures, and application processes.

We are thrilled to have organized yet another successful college fair for our students, remarked Ms. Kathi Galvin, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s guidance counselor. This event is instrumental in empowering our students to make informed decisions about their future academic pursuits. By connecting them with representatives from such a wide range of colleges, we aim to inspire and guide them towards fulfilling their educational goals.

Throughout the fair, students had the opportunity to explore booths set up by participating colleges, where they could gather information about academic programs, extracurricular activities, financial aid options, and more. Additionally, many students took advantage of the chance to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations with the visiting representatives.

The success of the college fair underscores Earl L. Vandermeulen High School's commitment to providing its students with comprehensive support and resources as they navigate the college admissions process. By fostering opportunities for exploration and discovery, the school aims to empower students to pursue their academic aspirations with confidence and enthusiasm.

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Date Added: 4/17/2024

The Port Jefferson School District is proud to announce the outstanding accomplishments of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Port Jefferson Middle School on this year’s National Latin Exam. With over 100,000 participants from all 50 states and 26 counties, the National Latin Exam is one of the nation’s premier Latin assessments, and we are so happy to see our Port Jefferson School District’s students excelling on it.

Proficiency in Latin as demonstrated on the exam merits one of 4 designations, Summa Cum Laude, which is awarded to students who scored the highest on the exam; Maxima Cum Laude, which is an award to students with the second-highest score; Magna Cum Laude, which is awarded to a student who surpasses the international core average by a significant margin; and Cum Laude, which is awarded to students who score above the national average.

“We are immensely proud of the exceptional achievements our students have attained in this year’s National Latin Exam,” said Jessica Schmettan, Superintendent of Schools. “Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for showing us that hard work and determination truly pay off. We look forward to celebrating many more accomplishments in the future as our students continue to excel academically and beyond.”

To commemorate their success, winners of the Summa Cum Laude designation received a gold medal, winners of the Maxima Cum Laude designation received a silver medal, and the winners of the Magna Laude and the Cum Laude designations received certificates.

Port Jefferson Middle School:
Clara Pearce - Summa Cum Laude
Sam Perez-Flesler - Summa Cum Laude
Ollie Rhame - Cum Laude

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School:
Narin Karakurum - Maxima Cum Laude
Kevin Hong - Magna Cum Laude
Kristina Shterengas - Cum Laude
Madison Testa - Cum Laude
Alice Snyder - Summa Cum Laude
Emily Snyder - Magna Cum Laude
Andi Kelly - Cum Laude
Eric Chen - Cum Laude

The success of our students in the National Latin Exam is a testament also to the dedication of our educators and the supportive community within the Port Jefferson School District. We extend our gratitude to the teachers, parents, and community members who have played a vital role in nurturing a love for learning and fostering an environment where students can thrive. Together, we celebrate this momentous achievement and look forward to continued success in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

Date Added: 4/15/2024

Student-athletes in Earl L. Vandermeulen High School's junior varsity and varsity teams showcased their commitment to academics and sportsmanship by participating in a special event at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School.

Bringing together athletes from various spring sports—including baseball, softball, lacrosse, track, tennis, and golf—this unique event connected students from both schools for a day of reading and sports. The high school student-athletes began the day by reading books to the enraptured prekindergarten students to fifth graders, sharing stories and inspiring a love for reading and learning. This interactive reading session not only promoted literacy but also allowed the student-athletes to serve as positive role models for the younger students. Following the reading, the older students shared their passion for sports with the fifth graders, with each team representative providing a hands-on demonstration of their respective sport. The engaging and educational experience allowed the younger students to learn from the experienced athletes and gain a deeper appreciation for the sports displayed.

“The event was a testament to the strong community ties between Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and Edna Louise Spear Elementary School, fostering a sense of mentorship and camaraderie among students of all ages,” said Adam Sherrard, Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics. “The student-athletes demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day, leaving a lasting impact on the elementary school students.”

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Date Added: 4/11/2024

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is thrilled to announce that Michelle Wu has been named a “finalist” in the prestigious 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. This distinction places her among an elite group of just 15,000 students nationwide, representing less than 1 percent of high school graduating seniors in the United States.

Michelle's accomplishment is a significant milestone in her academic journey and positions her as a top contender for prestigious scholarships. Principal John Ruggero expressed his pride in Michelle's achievement. Michelle's dedication to her studies and her exceptional academic abilities have truly shone through in this highly competitive process,” said Principal Ruggero. “We are immensely proud of her accomplishment and confident that she will continue to excel in her future endeavors.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a renowned academic competition privately financed through approximately 320 independent sponsor organizations and institutions. This program aims to recognize and reward exceptional students for their outstanding academic achievements.

Michelle has long set a remarkable example for her peers, and her success reflects positively on Earl L. Vandermeulen High School and its status as a center of academic excellence. Despite the program's large scale, scholarship funds are limited, with only about 7,140 of the finalists receiving a Merit Scholarship Award.

Date Added: 4/8/2024