Pine Bush High School has been named a School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA).  Schools with 75 percent of their varsity teams qualifying for scholar-athlete teams may apply for the School of Excellence honor.

 

 

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.

 

“Being named a School of Excellence is a proud moment for our athletic program,” said Jen Evans, the district’s athletic director. “I am so proud of our student-athletes both in and out of the classroom.”

 

“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.”

 

Schools may apply for School of Distinction status if 100 percent 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 percent of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the scholar-athlete team award.

 

The full list of School of Distinction and School of Excellence award winners can be viewed by clicking the links.

 

NYSPHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete team award was initiated in the 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.