Achievement comes in a variety of forms. Winning championships may be a goal for teams, but how the coaches and athletes perform — both in terms of game play and in their actions — can go a long way toward success not only in the win column but also in the always important category of sportsmanship.

Throughout the fall, winter, and spring each year, the various Nighthawk squads not only put their best competitive foot forward with title celebrations and deep tournament runs, but they also have left a positive impression on others in Connecticut’s sports community.

In October, the Newtown High School Athletic Department was named a Michaels Jewelers Achievement Cup Exemplary Program recipient. This award was given to a select number of high school athletic departments for outstanding work in providing the best possible experience for its student athletes and upholding the values of sportsmanship throughout its programs.

“I could not be more proud to be the leader of such a standout athletic department with truly the best coaches. Our programs not only teach kids how to play the Xs and Os of their respective sport but we are always working to go above and beyond and teach about life through sport. We want great teammates, mentally tough, unselfish players, and players who look in the mirror and are always finding ways to get better. I take great pride in knowing our coaches preach these things on a daily basis with their teams,” NHS Athletic Director Matt Memoli said.

The Nighthawks seek to perform at a high level on and off the playing fields, from helping a fallen opponent during a game to community service events between competitions.

“For Newtown to be receiving this award is an honor, but certainly not a surprise. Sportsmanship is a core value here at NHS and something that our coaches, Mr Memoli, and my fellow athletes and I perpetuate on a daily basis,” said Hayden Bobowick, who plays soccer, swims, and competes during outdoor track and field. “Playing for three teams and four years, it has become more and more apparent that Newtown has found the balance of being dominant across all sports, while maintaining standards of honor, integrity, and discipline. It has been an absolute honor to wear ‘Newtown’ across my chest for ten seasons at NHS, and I look forward to my last two.”

Some athletes and coaches participate in camps and clinics, as well as in youth programs in town. There are fundraising events spearheaded by parents, for causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness and 15 For Life, a foundation created to open dialogue about depression and mental health. Actions on the courts and fields have led to Nighthawk squads being recognized, including with South-West Conference Sportsmanship Awards. Newtown’s girls’ volleyball team not only went all the way to the South-West Conference Championship and pushed top-seed Joel Barlow of Redding to five games, but the Nighthawks also took home the SWC Sportsmanship Award.

“The volleyball team really focused on being kind and respectful to one another, on and off the court. I think my team along with the other NHS athletes do a great job of focusing on this kindness when interacting with everyone including opposing teams,” team captain Gabby Soltis said.

“Our entire team is filled with girls that show exemplary acts of kindness in and out of the water and I’m happy to say the same for the rest of Newtown sports,” swim captain Grace Fischer added.

Many of the Nighthawk athletes also display great sportsmanship with their peers and competing schools during the Unified Sports campaigns — soccer, basketball, and track and field — where special needs athletes are paired with partners to experience the thrill of sports. It is not uncommon to see Newtown athletes, partners, and coaches alike lending a helping hand to the friendly competition, even giving them passes and chances to score.

This is not to say sports does not get heated from time to time. Postgame handshakes with opposing squads take place after each game and it is commonplace, especially after physical contests, for Nighthawk coaches to remind players to keep their cool, acknowledge their counterparts, and move on.

“We try to pride ourselves with positive sportsmanship — especially with the culture of today’s society,” said Jeremy O’Connell, coach of the girls’ basketball team.

The high level of sportsmanship extends up into the press box where public address announcer Jason “J” Edwards calls out not only Newtown athletes but also competing players for nice efforts on the courts and playing fields.

As the fall season gives way to winter, the sports of many of the athletes and coaches change — yet the common thread of good sportsmanship carries on. Newtown’s athletics community is hopeful this sets a tone not only for the fall, winter, and spring campaigns, but also for life after school sports.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.