East Islip Student Receives Newsday's Hansen Award

EAST ISLIP, NY — An East Islip High School student is making history after being recognized for his athletic achievements.

The East Islip School District announced Friday that senior Derek Burrell was named the 62nd recipient of Newsday’s Hansen Award, recognizing him as the outstanding high school football player in Suffolk County for 2021.

Burrell was presented with this prestigious award — the first ever for an East Islip player — at the Suffolk County Football Coaches Association banquet, held on Monday at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge.

After being moved to the quarterback position in August by East Islip coach Sal Ciampi, Burrell began a spectacular season to remember, the district said, finishing with 33 total touchdowns and 2,952 all-purpose yards. On defense, Burrell was equally strong, tallying 45 tackles and returning two of his four interceptions for touchdowns. In the playoffs, he led his team to East Islip’s first county championship title since 2016.

The Hansen Award is presented annually in memory of Westhampton coach Carl A. Hansen, organizer of the Nassau-Suffolk Advisory Board and president of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.