Northport High School Wins Scholar-Athlete Distinction Award

NORTHPORT, NY — Northport High School has been recognized for its high academic achievement within its sports program.

The school on Laurel Hill Road received the 2018-19 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction Award, given out by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

It is the second year in a row that Northport High School has been won the award, and it was one of only 35 schools in the state to earn the distinction for the latest school year. Schools can earn recognition by having 100 percent of varsity teams qualify for — and receive — the Scholar-Athlete team award during the respective sports seasons, according to the organization

"I couldn't be more proud," Mark Dantuono, athletic director at the school, told Patch on Tuesday. "It's what Northport is all about. Our teachers, our parents, our coaches all coming together to make this happen."

The school also has an impressive 30 varsity teams, which all needed 100 percent of each squad to qualify for the scholar-athlete team award during their personal sports seasons. Out of the 35 schools who received the distinction award, only three had more varsity teams that needed to qualify academically than Northport High School.

While Dantuono was quick to mention that the athletic department was lucky to have many extremely motivated scholar-athlete students, he also referenced the importance of stepping in quickly and offering a helping-hand when need be.

"If kids are struggling academically we always want to help," he said. "We collaborate with administrators to make sure we do all we can."