The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announces its 2020-21 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, 64 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 124 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.
“To see a total of 188 schools receive either the School of Distinction or School or Excellence Award is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “This program highlights and celebrates schools that value the importance of academics, as well as athletics. It is always exciting to see how many of our member schools take advantage of this opportunity and show the value of education.”
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.
In order 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:
http://nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Scholar%20Athlete/School%20of%20Distinction/Excellence/2020-2021%20School%20of%20Distinction.pdf
School of Excellence: http://nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Scholar%20Athlete/School%20of%20Distinction/Excellence/2020-2021%20School%20of%20Excellence.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.