The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announces its 2021-22 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners.
The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 86 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 148 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.
“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards highlight the best student-athletes in New York State”, said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “For 234 member schools to be honored for their commitment to academics as well as athletics is a testament to the outstanding leadership and student-athletes we have in this state.”
Schools can apply for School of Distinction status by having 100% of its varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.
The School of Distinction winners will be presented a certificate and a commemorative award at their local athletic director workshop this fall. The School of Excellence winners will be awarded a plaque at their local athletic director workshop.
For schools to be eligible to receive these prestigious awards, schools must submit an application following the Spring Scholar-Athlete submission each school year.
The full list of School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners is below.
School of Distinction:
https://nysphsaa.org/documents/2022/8/3//School_of_Distinction_2021_22.pdf
School of Excellence:
https://nysphsaa.org/documents/2022/8/3//School_of_Excellence_2021_22.pdf
NYSPHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete team award was initiated in 1991-92 school year. The School of Distinction Award was established in 2002-03 while the School of Excellence Award began in 2016-17. All awards are sponsored by Pupil Benefits Plan.