Hampton Bays Public Schools

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has once again named Hampton Bays High School a Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence for the 2025-26 school year.
To earn this recognition, 75% of the school’s varsity athletic teams were required to hold a GPA above 90%. Hampton Bays is among 237 schools to receive this noteworthy designation.
The Hampton Bays School District congratulates its varsity teams on an outstanding job.

The creativity of Hampton Bays School District art students is now on display throughout the hamlet as part of the Hampton Bays Shellebration public art initiative, sponsored by the Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce with support from PSEG Long Island and the Town of Southampton.

As part of the community-wide project, Hampton Bays students painted four of 17 three-foot-tall scallop shell sculptures that now adorn prominent locations throughout Hampton Bays. The remaining sculptures, featuring scenes that celebrate the hamlet's history, culture and waterfront, were designed and painted by local Hampton Bays artists.

The student-created shells are displayed at Hampton Bays Elementary School, Hampton Bays Middle School, the district office and Ponquogue Beach.
The sculptures were officially unveiled during a public celebration on July 6 at the Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce office. The event featured a guided tour of the shell sculptures and a meet-and-greet with the artists who helped bring the project to life.

Two years in the making, the Shellebration initiative was created to celebrate the unique character of Hampton Bays through public art. Organizers selected the scallop shell as the project's symbol in recognition of the hamlet's longstanding connection to its waterfront and maritime heritage.

It is with great sadness that the Hampton Bays Public Schools shares the loss of alumnus, former Booster Club President, longtime coach and forever Baymen Rick Martel.

Flags on all three school campuses will fly at half-mast in Rick’s honor through sunrise on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Rick was deeply committed to his community. As he often said about the power of being a Baymen when he spoke as a Southampton Town Councilman at our school events, “you can get there from here.”

Having come to Hampton Bays from Brooklyn as a child, Rick made his forever home here, marrying his wife, Debbie and raising his boys, Ricky and Danny here. He led the Booster Club for many years and was president of the Hampton Bays Little League and Youth Basketball programs. Generations of student athletes owe thanks for their start in one of the programs that Rick ran for our community.

In addition, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Southampton, heading the club’s food pantry donations, and previously serving on the scholarship committee and as advisor to the Key Club and K-Kids. He was also a board member for the Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce and President of the San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons. His Main Street sporting goods store, Skidmore’s Sports & Styles, is a fixture among local merchants and the regional go-to outfitter for all manner of athletics.

Rightfully acclaiming him as “Truly a Team Player,” the Southampton Press named Rick the Person of the Year in 2022. In 2023, he was unanimously chosen by the Michael Collins Division 11 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to lead their 17th annual Saint Patrick’s parade as its Grand Marshal.

Call hours will be held at the American Legion Hand-Aldrich Post #924 on Wednesday, July 1, from 7:00-9:00 PM and Thursday, July 2, from 3:00-9:00 PM.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Rosalie’s Church on Friday July 3, at 10:30 AM.

The Hampton Bays Public Schools extends its sympathy and love to Rick’s family during this difficult season.

Congratulations, Hampton Bays Class of 2026!!!!
The members of the Hampton Bays Class of 2026 received their diplomas at a traditional commencement ceremony on the evening of June 25 under a tent on the high school’s athletic field.

Several speakers took the podium during the ceremony to congratulate the class and offer advice for the future, including Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen and high school Principal Christopher Richardt. Also addressing the graduates were Class of 2026 President Eman Khalid, valedictorian Taylor Meyers and salutatorian Dennis Williams.

Each of the student speakers reflected on their years in the school district and offered advice. Khalid spoke about the meaning of purpose, noting, “It’s about what you learn on the journey about yourself.”

Williams emphasized the importance of joy. “Allow yourself to seek and find joy,” he said. “Do not sit idle when it comes to finding joy.”

Meyers rounded out the student speakers, offering, “Choose what is right for you. Take time for yourself and never forget where you came from.”

Superintendent Clemensen reflected on the challenges Hampton Bays baymen faced while fishing the local waters and the resilience, determination and ingenuity they demonstrated in overcoming those obstacles. He encouraged graduates to embody those same qualities as they enter the next chapter of their lives by embracing challenges, taking risks and striving to leave every place better than they found it.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of diplomas and a performance of “Touch the Sky” by graduating members of the high school chorus.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Tonight’s Commencement Ceremony will be viewable beginning at 6pm on YouTube.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Commencement 2026 - Hampton Bays High School Hampton Bays High SchoolCommencement 2026Hampton Bays High School...

Members of Hampton Bays High School’s Class of 2026 visited Hampton Bays Middle and Elementary schools for a final farewell in the form of a traditional graduation walkthrough on June 22. Adorning graduation gowns, the seniors walked the halls one last time as the schools’ students and staff cheered, clapped and shouted words of congratulations.