The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) has announced Pioneer Central School as among its 2022-2023 Schools of Distinction and Excellence.
To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75 percent of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.
"We have won the School of Excellence every year since its inception," noted Pioneer Athletic Director William Weidner. Pioneer had 26 teams qualify in 2022-23.
The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards is to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 219 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.
Winning schools will receive their commemorative awards at their local athletic director workshop this fall.
To be eligible to receive these prestigious awards, schools must submit an application following the Spring Scholar-Athlete submission each school year.
The full list of School of Excellence award winners can be viewed here
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.