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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson has been awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School, it was announced this week.
The school joins 341 other Blue Ribbon schools nationwide to be selected for the elite honor in 2017.
“This distinction is a result of the value our community places on education and our schools,” said Port Jefferson Superintendent Paul Casciano. “Our tradition of excellence is sustained through the tireless efforts of our staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and the entire school-community of the Port Jefferson School District.”
The national designation is given to educational intuitions that display “overall academic excellence” or have shown “progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups,” according to the U.S. Department of Education.
“National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a written statement.
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School principal Christine Austen said the award is a testament of the tight-knit Port Jefferson community.
“Our students, staff, parents and community members are to be commended for their collective efforts in achieving this honor,” she said.
This isn’t the first time a Port Jeff school was chosen for the honor. In 1987, Port Jefferson Middle School earned the Blue Ribbon recognition.
On Nov. 6 and Nov. 7, there will be an official award ceremony in Washington D.C. to honor the winners.
Earl L. Vandermuelen High School was among five Long Island schools to be selected; Bayport-Blue Point High School was the only other Suffolk County school chosen.
The other Blue Ribbon schools on Long Island included Herricks High School of New Hyde Park, Massapequa High School, and Garden City High School.
Top: The main entrance of Earl L. Vandermuelen High School. (courtesy)
