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Pioneer High School was among the winners as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced its 2021-22 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners.

Pioneer is one of 148 recipients of the School of Excellence Award.

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 86 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 148 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. 

For Pioneer, the award was based on the academic performance of 18 varsity teams.

“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards highlight the best student-athletes in New York State”, said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “For 234 member schools to be honored for their commitment to academics as well as athletics is a testament to the outstanding leadership and student-athletes we have in this state.”

To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75 percent of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.

The School of Excellence winners will be awarded a plaque at their local athletic director workshop.

Pioneer Athletic Director William Weidner said,  "We are very proud to have earned the school of excellence honors in three of the last four years. The other year we were a School of Distinction, with 100 percent of varsity teams qualifying. 

"While this is an amazing accomplishment by our student-athletes, it could not be accomplished without the tireless efforts of our coaches, teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff. This is a team award in every sense of the word."