SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The Southampton School District's director of athletics was recently honored with a prestigious award.
Darren Phillips was recognized as the New York State Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Association's “Principal of the Year.”
He will be presented with the award at the organization's annual conference on Friday, the district said.
“This is definitely an honor, to be named Director of the Year, knowing how many great directors there are on Long Island as well as throughout New York State,” Phillips said. “As I accept the award, it is also a credit to Southampton's PE and health teachers, both past and present, who share the same philosophy and vision of delivering the best PE and health programs to our students. 12.”
Phillips, of Southampton, served as Southampton's director of athletics for the past 23 years, during which he “worked tirelessly to strengthen the district's athletic program,” the district said.
Over the years, it has garnered support for an after-school boxing program led by Chris DeRosa, a social worker, for at-risk students, the district said. It also incorporated mindfulness and wellness into the elementary school's physical education curriculum and a swim program for second- and third-graders, the district said.
And he secured funding to install Gaga courts at the elementary and middle schools. At the high school, he added new physical education programs such as yoga, Zumba, strength and conditioning, self-defense, a single PE class and more. The students also all receive hands-on CPR training, the district added.
Looking ahead, Phillips is working to offer a unified physical education class at the high school and will pilot a unified golf program this winter at Top Golf in conjunction with the Special Olympics, district officials said.
Phillips volunteers for the Dolphin Foundation Leadership and Life Skills Mentorship program, where he recruits students to participate in leadership programs and connect with mentors. He is also the Suffolk Zone Chair for the Board of Trustees, the District Co-Chair of the Wellness Committee and has spoken at the NYS AHPERD conference numerous times. He previously won the Suffolk Zone Principal of the Year award, district officials said.
Phillips holds a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University and a master's degree from the University of Richmond.
