SICS Recognized for Athletic Achievement
The SABIS® International Charter School (SICS) in Springfield, Massachusetts, was recently acknowledged for its athletic accomplishments. Known for its rich sports program and impressive student athletes, SICS was awarded a Republican Trophy for the 2010-11 academic year.
The Republican, a Springfield-based newspaper, assessed public and parochial schools from among three counties based on a points ranking system that primarily looked at postseason tournament competitions. In the ‘small schools’ division, SICS earned the overall title and also 1st place for both boys and girls sports programs.
SICS, whose sports teams are known as the Bulldogs, offers 14 varsity sports—including volleyball, softball, tennis, and basketball, among others—to its students in grades 9 to 12. “It is rare for a school to earn an overall Republican Trophy title as well as be recognized for having the top girls and boys programs!” commented SICS Guidance Counselor and Athletic Director, Mr. Tom Campagna. “It is great to gain the recognition associated with this prestigious award. It is certainly a testament to our dedicated student athletes, the coaching staff and the students’ parents,” Mr. Campagna added.
The Bulldogs began competing at the varsity level in 1999 and have seen many successes during the ensuing 12 years. Most recently, in the 2010-11 academic year, the Bulldogs secured the boys basketball title at the Western Massachusetts tournament and came in second in girls basketball and girls tennis. “I’m so proud to be a part of such a big accomplishment for our school. We have so many great student athletes and we will be a force for years to come,” commented SICS junior, Shyanne Wellington.
Student participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports, is encouraged in schools throughout the SABIS® School Network. By fostering the exploration of a wide range of interests and promoting the development of students’ individual talents, SABIS® ensures that students acquire a broad range of skills and experiences so they can become effective and valuable team players, and strong candidates at top universities around the world.
In addition to being recognized for its sports achievements, SICS has distinguished itself as a leader in education through its successful efforts to raise the bar academically and close the achievement gap. The school’s academic accomplishments include a 100% college acceptance rate of its 12th graders for the past 11 years. And topping that feat, the school’s 126-student class of 2011 was awarded a total of $9 million in scholarships.
The first of SABIS®'s U.S. charter schools, SICS opened in September 1995 with 450 students. Sixteen successful years later, SICS serves 1,500+ students in grades K-12—with close to 3,000 more on the waiting list—and strives to prepare them for success in college and beyond.
For more information about SABIS® International Charter School, please visit www.sics-sabis.net.