Walt Whitman High School has been named a 2022-2023 School of Distinction by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). The designation recognizes schools where student-athletes excel in both athletics and academics. Walt Whitman was one of just 20 Suffolk high schools bestowed with the Distinction award out of only 84 schools granted that honor in all of New York State.
The goal of the award, according to NYSPHSAA, is to show that success comes not only on the field but in the classroom as well, and to support teams’ academic accomplishments to achieve statewide honor. That statewide honor is the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team award. To qualify for Distinction status, 100-percent of a school’s Varsity teams have to receive the Scholar-Athlete Team award. It’s not an easy achievement. To qualify for the team award, 75-percent of the team’s roster must have a total grade point average of 90 or above. For Walt Whitman High School, that meant more than 30 teams met the standard.
As a school with a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence, Walt Whitman High School believes it is important to balance the athletic skill of student athletes with their overall academic growth. “It is an honor to be able to be distinguished for the efforts and accolades of so many students, athletes and coaches by the NYSPHAA,” said Principal Dr. John Murphy. “As a School of Distinction, it identifies what our district has tried to personify in relation to the continued work to create ‘student athletes.' Students of Walt Whitman High School continue to go above and beyond, showcasing not only their athletic but intellectual abilities in and out of the classroom. Our school and community could not be prouder of these fine young men and women.”
Congratulations to the athletes of these Walt Whitman teams for their success in contributing to our School of Distinction status.
Fall Sports: Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball, Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Girls Tennis, Gymnastics, Girls Swimming & Diving, Golf
Winter Sports: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Fencing, Girls Fencing, Wrestling, Girls Wrestling, Boys Swimming & Diving, Bowling, Cheerleading, Boys Winter Track, Girls Winter Track
Spring Sports: Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Badminton, Girls Badminton, Baseball, Softball, Boys Tennis, Boys Track & Field, Girls Track & Field, Girls Flag Football
For more information on the NYSPHSAA announcement click:
https://nysphsaa.org/news/2023/7/27/general-nysphsaa-announces-2022-2023-schools-of-distinction-and-excellence.aspx