Four Sachem Central School District seniors were recently recognized as Suffolk County Zone Award winners by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD) for their outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, character, and wellness.

Representing Sachem East are Hannah Barkin and Dominick Rienzi, while Sachem North’s honorees include Henry Sarro and Alyssa Tappin. The prestigious recognition celebrates students who demonstrate excellence in Physical Education and Health through strong academic performance, positive leadership, and a commitment to healthy living both in and out of the classroom.

Zone Award recipients are selected for maintaining high academic standards while contributing positively to their school communities. Honorees exemplify teamwork, responsibility, service, and sportsmanship, serving as role models for their peers through their dedication to personal growth and wellness.

“These students truly represent the best of Sachem,” said Gary Beutel, Sachem’s Director of Athletics, Health and Physical Education. “Their commitment to academics, leadership, character, and wellness reflects the values we strive to instill in all of our students. We are incredibly proud of the way they lead by example in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and throughout our school community.”

The NYSAHPERD Suffolk Zone Awards recognize students across Suffolk County who embody the organization’s mission of promoting healthy lifestyles, leadership, and lifelong wellness.

More about Sachem’s honorees
Hannah Barkin, a senior at Sachem East High School, has excelled both academically and athletically as a standout member of the volleyball program. A four-year varsity athlete and four-year Scholastic Athlete honoree, Hannah earned Academic All-County recognition while ranking 24th in her graduating class. Her academic achievements also include membership in the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, and Rho Kappa Honor Society. Hannah says Health and Physical Education taught her the importance of consistency, hard work, confidence, and staying active while having fun, lessons that have helped shape her growth as both a student and athlete.

Dominick Rienzi, a senior at Sachem East High School, has demonstrated a strong commitment to athletics, academics, and personal growth throughout his high school career. A dedicated member of the soccer program, Dominick served as a varsity and junior varsity captain while earning two years of Coaches Award recognition for his leadership and determination on the field. In the classroom, he has maintained Honor Roll status and is a member of the Business Honor Society. Dominick credits Health and Physical Education with teaching him the value of hard work, teamwork, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while continuously striving to improve each day.

Henry Sarro, a senior at Sachem North High School, has built an impressive legacy through his accomplishments in lacrosse and football while serving as a leader within the school community. In lacrosse, he earned All-County Honorable Mention honors and received school awards for Offensive MVP and Most Points. On the football field, Henry earned All-County, All-State Fourth Team, and All-Region First Team recognition during his senior season while also receiving the school’s Noble Chief Award as a captain and leader. Henry says Physical Education has taught him life lessons about teamwork, leadership, confidence, accountability, and perseverance, lessons he credits with shaping the person he is today and the man he hopes to become.

Alyssa Tappin, a senior at Sachem North High School, has distinguished herself as a leader in athletics, academics, and student media. A four-year varsity athlete in both volleyball and lacrosse, Alyssa earned All-Division honors in 2024 and 2025, All-County recognition in 2025, and Defensive MVP honors in consecutive seasons while serving as a two-year captain. Beyond athletics, she serves as Senior Class President, WSHR Student Manager and Sideline Reporter, and a member of the Section XI Student Media Team. Alyssa is also deeply involved academically and socially through the National Honor Society and multiple subject-area honor societies, as well as Interact Club and Mentor Club participation. She says Physical Education taught her resilience, teamwork, and the connection between physical and mental toughness, while encouraging healthy habits and an active lifestyle that supports success both on and off the field.