Southampton High School earns National Banner status from Special Olympics

Southampton High School’s impressive National Banner status from Special Olympics New York has been renewed.

Southampton is one of only 36 schools in New York state to have received the designation, an honor that they were previously awarded in 2019.

                According to Special Olympics, the distinction “marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the nation, recognizing their leadership in creating inclusive school communities where all students are accepted and celebrated.”

                To obtain the status, Southampton was required to show standards of excellence in Special Olympics Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement, and demonstrate that these programs will continue in the future.

                “We have been leading the way in Section XI and New York state when it comes to unified programs and Special Olympics,” said Athletic Director Darren Phillips. “We are fortunate to have a teacher, coach and adviser like Brian Tenety, whose passion for working with all students has helped us continue to be recognized as a National Unified Champion School.”

                The Southampton School District has participated in Special Olympics for the past 20 years and has raised the bar on many of its inclusive sports programs. The district currently supports a fall unified soccer team, winter unified golf and floor ball teams, late winter unified bowling team and spring unified basketball team. Additionally, the high school features a Best Buddies program that connects students through day-to-day activities.