Susquehanna Valley is a School of Excellence!
When the New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced the list of its 2023-2024 Schools of Distinction and Excellence a few days ago, the home of the Sabers was on it!
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. Susquehanna Valley was tantalizingly close to achieving School of Distinction status, as 21 of our 22 varsity teams made the grade as Scholar-Athlete Teams!
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.
“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 of School of Excellence and Distinction recognition.”
Winning schools will receive their commemorative awards at their local athletic director workshop this fall.