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O'Neill High School Identified as a School of Excellence by the NYSPHSAA

Latham, NY- The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announces its 2018-19 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners. The purpose ofthe School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide honor. This year, 35 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 135 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. An additional 5 schools received the School of Distinction Award and 19 more received the School of Excellence Award compared to 2017-18 school year. This year’s figures represent the highest number of NYSPHSAA member schools being recognized for their academic achievements.

 
“To see the numbers of schools honored increase again is a true testament the kind of student-athletes were have here in New York State,” said Dr. Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We continue to be proud of this program that highlights and celebrates schools that value the importance of academics, as well as athletics.”

Schools can earn 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. O'Neill had 20 of its 24 Varsity teams that earned the Scholar-Athlete Team Award.
 
Principal Debbie Brand stated, "I am extremely proud of our athletes, coaches and faculty. At O'Neill we emphasize the importance of educating the entire child, so we make it a priority to ensure that students are succeeding in all facets of their lives. Under the leadership of our athletic director, Mrs. Debra Crowe, and through the united efforts of our faculty, coaching staff and families, our athletes continue to do great things on and off the field."
 
To see the list of Schools of Distinction and Schools of Excellence, go to the following links:
 
Schools of Excellence:
http://nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Scholar%20Athlete/School%20of%20Distinction%20%26%20Excellence/1819%20SOE%20Winners.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.