Port Jefferson students at Stony Brook Hackathon

Port Jefferson students at Stony Brook Hackathon

Port Jefferson students at Stony Brook Hackathon

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in the Port Jefferson School District sent their students to the second annual Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) High School Hackathon Event at Stony Brook University along with 12 other participating school districts from across Long Island.

The students had approximately four hours to collaborate with their teams to tackle the challenges presented by Stony Brook professors, engage with real research data from Stony Brook Research Labs, and explore their own project ideas. Once their projects were developed, students presented to judges. Since its inaugural event, the Hackathon has doubled in size, providing students with the chance to work with software such as Java and Python, along with cutting-edge AI tools. Participants left the event with valuable experiences that will serve them well in their future endeavors, classes, and opportunities.

"The Hackathon offered a valuable opportunity for our students to unleash their creativity and work collaboratively as a team," said Principal John Ruggero. "These fundamental skills will play a key role in shaping our students into well-rounded individuals as they continue their learning and development."  

Port Jefferson students at the Women In STEM Conference

Port Jefferson students at the Women In STEM Conference

Narin Karakurum presenting at the Women In STEM Conference

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in the Port Jefferson School District took twelve female students to the Women in STEM Conference at Adelphi University in April. The event highlighted the achievements and resilience of women in STEM while inspiring those who may feel discouraged by the underrepresentation of women’s contributions in these fields.

The conference began with a keynote address from an Adelphi University alumna currently working at Brookhaven National Laboratory, each of whom shared their journeys in the field of computer science. Following the presentation, students were grouped at tables with peers from various schools. They were then tasked with collaborating on a proposal for a project that could be enhanced using AI. Afterward, teams presented their proposals to judges in separate breakout rooms, where they had five minutes to present and field questions. Each room’s panel of judges selected a winner to advance to the final round.

Two Port Jefferson students, Annalisa DeDontano and Narin Karakurum, advanced to the final round of the competition with their teams. In this round, one student from each of the top five teams presented their project in the ballroom to the entire conference and panel of judges. Annalisa’s team ultimately took home first place. The Port Jefferson students left the event feeling empowered, having gained valuable experience in networking with peers who share their passion for STEM, while also honing essential skills in teamwork, collaboration, and creativity.

“This was an amazing opportunity for our students,” said Vandermeulen High School math teacher Ms. Winifred Kuemmel. “They were engaged, professional, creative, and enthusiastic about networking with others while learning from other women in the field of STEM. They truly represented Port Jeff with pride!”

Ava Romonoyske and Sean Grossman flanked by members of the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Tri-M Music Honor Society

Ava Romonoyske (front) and Sean Grossman being inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in the Port Jefferson School District hosted its 18th annual Modern Music Masters (Tri-M) honors recital and induction in April. Sophomore Sean Grossman and junior Ava Romonoyske were presented with membership in the school’s library, in front of their music classmates.

Sean and Ava were chosen to be inducted into Chapter 2172 of the Tri-M Music Honor Society based on the society’s points of distinction. The music students maintained a high level of academic achievement, showcased leadership in their school, participated in service activities, and demonstrated high character.

“Sean and Ava have both showcased excellence as budding musicians,” said Port Jefferson Director of Music & Fine Arts, Dr. Michael Caravello. “They have undoubtedly deserved this honor, and I look forward to seeing what they will contribute to the Tri-M Music Honor Society.”

Port Jefferson cross country athlete Max Joyner recognized at the Town of Brookhaven’s Night of Champions.

Port Jefferson fencing athlete Magdalena Layne-Stasik recognized at the Town of Brookhaven’s Night of Champions.

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Pacino speaking at the Town of Brookhaven’s Night of Champions.

Seven teams from the Port Jefferson School District represented the District at the Town of Brookhaven’s inaugural Night of Champions athletic ceremony in April. The teams were honored at Brookhaven Town Hall for their successful, championship-winning winter seasons.

A total of 59 Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students, across seven teams, were recognized at the Night of Champions. The girls volleyball team was honored for winning league, county, and Long Island championships for the third consecutive season. The boys cross-country team won its eighth consecutive Suffolk County Championship and the NYSPHSAA Class D State Championship, while the girls cross-country team also captured the Suffolk County Championship. The competitive cheerleading team won the county championship, as did Magdalena Layne-Stasik, a member of the fencing team that the Port Jefferson School District shares with Ward Melville and Rocky Point.

Track athletes Evan Monaghan and Alexa Jacobs were also honored at the event. Evan was the Suffolk County Small School Champion in the 55-meter hurdles and broke the school record in the event with a 7.73 time. Alexa was the overall county champion in both the 55-meter and 300-meter events. She broke the school record in the 300-meter with a time of 39.35 and in the 55-meter with a 7.02, which also stands as a Section XI record.

“In the Port Jefferson School District, our students are offered every opportunity to excel in both academics and athletics,” said Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools Jessica Schmettan. “Every one of these students earned the right to be recognized in front of the entire Town of Brookhaven, and I hope this is a moment they appreciate moving forward.”