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Region 15 is proud to announce that several outstanding student-athletes and a dedicated coach from PHS were officially recognized for their exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and sportsmanship at the South-West Conference (SWC) Annual Leadership Event held earlier this month and at the May 26th Board of Education meeting.
The SWC honors member school students and staff who embody the highest ideals of school spirit, community service, and athletic dedication.
🏆 2026 SWC Scholar-Leader Awards
Sara Gilchrist (PHS Field Hockey) & Rylen Brennan (PHS Boys Volleyball)
The prestigious Scholar-Leader award recognizes students who seamlessly balance the demands of rigorous academics and competitive athletics, all while exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities within their school and the broader Middlebury/Southbury community.
🤝 SWC Unified Sports One Athlete-One Partner Leadership Award
Abigail Lutz & Beckett Neuhausel
This meaningful award is presented to one athlete and one partner who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment, dedication, and service to the Unified Sports program. Abigail and Beckett have been instrumental in fostering inclusion, teamwork, and joy within the Unified Sports activities at PHS, local communities, and across the South-West Conference.
⛳ SWC Outstanding Coach Award
Rich Szymanski (PHS Boys and Girls Golf Team)
A staple of the PHS athletic department, Coach Rich Szymanski was honored with the SWC Outstanding Coach Award. This accolade recognizes coaches with a minimum of ten years of service in the SWC who consistently display the highest ideals of sportsmanship, integrity, and leadership. Coach Szymanski’s long-standing dedication continues to shape the character and skills of Region 15 student-athletes.
Photo Caption (L-R): Rich Szymanski (SWC Outstanding Coach Award Recipient), Danielle McCauley (PHS Acting Athletic Director), Rylen Brennan and Sara Gilchrist (SWC Scholar-Leader Award Recipients), Abigail Lutz and Beckett Neuhausel (SWC One Athlete-One Partner Leadership Award Recipients), and Dr. Paul Jones (Principal of Pomperaug High School).