Walt Whitman HS Recognized As School Of Distinction

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Walt Whitman High School was named a 2022-2023 School of Distinction by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), the South Huntington School District announced.

The designation recognizes schools where student-athletes excel in both athletics and academics. Walt Whitman was one of 20 Suffolk high schools to receive the distinction and one of 84 schools granted the 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," the district wrote.

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.

"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," Principal Dr. John Murphy said in a news release. "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."

The district congratulated each of its high school teams for their success.

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.