For the first time in over 30 years, Summit has acquired a new Activities Director for the 2025-2026 school year, following the retirement of former Activities Director Mitch Lefkowitz.

New Activities Director Dustin Hays said that he was happy to follow Lefkowitz as Activities Director, because Summit was left with a strong activities department, but Hays has his own way of doing things that isn’t exactly the same as his predecessor.

“There wasn’t a big need to come in and change a bunch of stuff, so that’s a really good thing. The hard thing is, it’s hard to follow in somebody’s footsteps that’s been here for a long time, that’s done a really good job. Sometimes coaches expect things to be done [Lefkowitz’s] way, so [I’ve been] just trying to do things a little bit more my way, and trying to make little changes here and there along the way,” Hays said.

One thing that Hays said he would like to improve in Summit athletics is the amount of larger events that athletes are able to participate in.

“[I’be been] trying for bigger events and trying to get us in some bigger tournaments and things like that. [Those] are things that I would like to do here in the near future,” Hays said. 

Hays also said that he emphasizes core values in athletics.

“My philosophy in our athletics department has been HEART. That stands for humility, energy, accountability, responsibility, and toughness, and making sure that all of our athletes are going by those values,” Hays said.

As the school emphasizes an increase in school spirit for this year, Hays agrees that involvement in school spirit improves student life.

“If we can get everybody involved in showing school spirit, I think it makes [Summit] a better place. I think it makes everybody happier and [makes people] want to be here,” Hays said.

After working as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in past years, Hays said he enjoys his job because of its unpredictability.

“Really, no one day is the same, which is fun, but there’s always lots to do,” Hays said.