This month, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD was recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) as a School of Distinction. To be recognized as a School of Distinction, a school must apply for the honor and have 100% of its varsity teams earn the Scholar-Athlete Team Award during their respective sports seasons. The district was one of only 110 schools from across New York State to receive this designation. You can view the complete listing of districts that received the School of Distinction here.
“We are incredibly proud to receive the School of Distinction recognition from NYSPHSAA,” shared Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Kane. “Our students continue to combine their love for their respective sports with their ability to excel in the classroom. Our school community is incredibly special, and we are thankful for our teachers and coaches who have made this recognition possible.”
Established in the 1991–92 school year, NYSPHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete Team Award has a proud tradition of honoring academic achievement among student-athletes. The School of Distinction Award, introduced in 2002–03, and the School of Excellence Award, launched in 2016–17, further celebrate schools that exemplify a commitment to success in the classroom while balancing the demands of athletic participation. Together, these honors showcase the dedication, discipline, and excellence demonstrated by students and school communities across New York State.
“Congratulations to our Schools of Distinction and Excellence,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These prestigious honors represent the culmination of a school year marked by outstanding achievement in the classroom. These accolades would not be possible without the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators whose efforts these awards proudly recognize.”
About NYSPHSAA
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. is a non-profit, voluntary, educational service organization composed of public, parochial, and private schools dedicated to providing equitable and safe competition for the students of its member schools. The organization conducts 38 championship events and governs the rules and regulations of high school athletics in New York State. Membership is open to secondary schools providing interschool athletic activities for boys and girls in grades 7-12.