The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announced the 2023-2024 Schools of Distinction and Excellence. Byron-Bergen has earned the title of School of Excellence.  

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. 

This year, 114 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 226 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. Both of these numbers have increased since the 2022-2023 school year, which were 84 schools and 219 schools, respectively.

“I’m thrilled that our student-athletes again achieved the NYSPHSAA School of Excellence award,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “These students are as dedicated in the classroom as they are on the field. It’s a tough balance. I’m incredibly proud.”

Schools can apply for School of Distinction status if 100% of their varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. 

To apply for the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete Team Award.  

“The efforts made by student-athletes in the classroom are paramount to their success in the athletic arena, and beyond their high school days,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We are proud of those who put in the work as ‘student’ and ‘athlete’, as well as the growth in both School of Excellence and Distinction
recognition.” 

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announces its Fall 2023 Scholar-Athlete teams and number of Scholar-Athlete individuals per team. This is the 32nd year NYSPHSAA has conducted the Scholar-Athlete program, which is sponsored by Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc.

NYSPHSAA recognized 3,967 Scholar-Athlete teams this Fall. To qualify as a team, 75% of a team’s average GPA for the Fall must be equal to or greater than 90%. Additionally, 51,625 students received individual scholar-athlete recognition by earning an individual average of 90 or above for the fall season, whether their team qualified or not.

“Congratulations to all the teams and student-athletes who continue to work hard day in and day out both on the field/court and in the classroom,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, Executive Director. “NYSPHSAA is thrilled to recognize your dedication to the true meaning of interscholastic athletics.”

649 schools participated in the program, which accounts for 83.4% of the NYSPHSAA membership.

The full list of Scholar-Athlete teams for the Fall 2023 season can be found here.

The number of Scholar-Athlete individuals per team for the Fall 2023 season can be found here.

Each season, schools are responsible for submitting the Scholar-Athlete information on the NYSPHSAA website. The Winter Scholar-Athlete submission opens on Monday, January 29, with a deadline to submit by Monday, March 11, 2024.

Latham -- The New York State Public High School Athletic Assocation winter regional and state championships will be postponed indefinitely.

It is certainly understood that postponing the remaining winter state championships is disappointing, however the opportunity to participate in a NYSPHSAA championship event does not outweigh our responsibility and obligation to ensure students participate in a healthy and safe environment.

The impacted events include the NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey, Bowling, Boys and Girls Basketball Regional and State Championships. 

NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said “It was my goal to complete the winter championships on schedule. It has become increasingly more difficult to host these championship events with the number of challenges that have been presented.

"I also have concerns as the Executive Director of NYSPHSAA and a parent, that students will be participating in an event under circumstances that are not conducive to a quality and beneficial participation experience.”

As information becomes available NYSPHSAA will provide updates.