Six Hampton Bays students, two from each school in the district, earned Suffolk Zone Awards this year from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Students who qualify for the award are recognized by NYSAHPERD for their achievements in physical education as well as for leadership, character and academics.

This year’s Suffolk Zone Award winners were seniors Harry Fotopoulos and Samantha Aube from the high school, eighth-graders Andrew Hafemeister and Jenna Haines from the middle school, and fourth-graders David Catena and Katerina Reich from the elementary school. The winners were recognized at the April 9 Board of Education meeting at Hampton Bays High School.

During the board meeting, teachers and administrators talked about the standout qualities that the students possessed; leadership, character, ability, compassion and helpfulness were just some of the traits for which they were recognized.

Only one male and one female student from each Suffolk County school may win the Suffolk Zone Award each year. Eligible students must have earned at least a 90 average in physical education class and a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.

The senior Suffolk Zone winners were recognized at a dinner in December. The middle school and elementary school winners will be honored at a dinner at Longwood school district on May 4.