Amity High Athletic Director Scores National Honors

When Amity High School Principal Charles Britton stood at the podium to make his monthly report to the board of education last week, he was intent on drawing some attention to a comrade: Athletics Director Paul Mengold.

"He is a very humble guy who shirks from the limelight," Britton said. But Britton wasn't going to let it go unnoticed that Mengold is being recognized with a National Federation of High Schools citation for his career in athletics.

Britton learned of the accolade while reading through the current issue of the Connecticut Association of Schools Bulletin, which cites Mengold's outstanding contributions to interscholastic athletics. Mengold has been the athletic director at Amity for the past 26 years.

Mengold credits the staff he works with.

"I am fortunate to be part of the Amity Regional school district and have enjoyed my many years as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator," he told Patch. "This award is a tremendous honor, but without the assistance of the Athletic Department staff, Booster Club, and the athletes it would not have been possible."

The CAS Bulletin article said this about Mengold:

Under his direction, Amity Regional High School has become a perennial leader in the state competitively as well has in the area of sportsmanship. He has served the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors as its president from 2002-04 and received its highest Distinguished Service Award in 1998. Paul has also served the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association on several standing committees and was recognized by the NIAAA in 2007. Paul has had an illustrious and rewarding career and is a leader in his league as well as in our state. Congratulations Paul on a well-deserved award!

Associate Regional Editor Anthony Karge contributed to this report.