Dear Athletes, Staff, Families and Community,

Welcome to Lexington! We are thrilled to have you join us in the best of Deaf athletic competition! The timing couldn’t be better as this is during the year we are celebrating our 160th anniversary serving the deaf and hard of hearing in the New York City Metro region. We are glad to have you here to be a part of this special milestone. It is a fitting time for Lexington to host the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association Basketball Tournament in Queens, New York!

We wish to extend a warm welcome to the athletes and coaches representing Fanwood, Ohio, Delaware, Marie Philip & Walden, Maryland, and Western Pennsylvania. We are certain you will enjoy spending a three-day weekend filled with competition, fellowship, sportsmanship, and fun.

The Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association (ESDAA), established in 1927, is the oldest Deaf High School Athletic Association in the United States. Lexington was one of the founding members along with American, Fanwood, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, St. Joseph’s, and Virginia. We are proud to have been a part of this nearly century old organization for interscholastic competition.

At Lexington, our core values are represented by the acronym SOAR - Safe, Open-minded, Accountable, and Respectful. To that end, Enjoy the weekend with us and best wishes to all!

Russell O. West, M. Ed.
CEO/Superintendent

Dear Members of the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association and the community, 

I am writing to express our immense pride and excitement as we eagerly prepare to host the 90th Annual Boys Basketball and 45th Annual Cheerleading Tournament at Lexington School for the Deaf. It is indeed an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of organizing and hosting such a prestigious event that holds a rich history within the deaf athletic community. 

As the Athletic Director of Lexington School for the Deaf, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association for choosing our institution as the venue for this significant milestone in the tournament's history. We understand the importance of this event, not only in terms of its legacy but also in the impact it has on fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating schools. 

I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation to the volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to ensure the smooth organization of this tournament. Your commitment and enthusiasm are invaluable, and without your support, events of this magnitude would not be possible. Your contributions are a testament to the spirit of collaboration that defines the deaf athletic community. 

Lexington School for the Deaf is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for all participants, officials, and spectators. We have worked diligently to ensure that the facilities are in top-notch condition, and our staff is well-prepared to assist in any way necessary. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels at home and can fully enjoy the exciting competitions while upholding the principles of good sportsmanship. 

I extend my best wishes to all the participating teams, coaches, and cheerleading squads. May this tournament be a showcase of talent, determination, and fair play. Let us celebrate not only the achievements on the court but also the friendships and connections that will be forged during these memorable days. 

Once again, thank you for choosing Lexington School for the Deaf as the host for this significant event. We look forward to welcoming everyone and making the 90th Annual Boys Basketball and 45th Annual Cheerleading Tournament a resounding success. 

Warm Regards,
Nicolas Tegni Athletic Director