Section X athletic directors accepted the 2025-26 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Sportsmanship Promotion Program Awards, Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence Awards, and Student-Athlete School of Distinction Awards on behalf of their student-athletes on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Sportsmanship Promotion Program Award
Clifton-Fine Central School District
This award recognizes schools for exemplary efforts in promoting sportsmanship. Specifically, how schools encourage and maintain positive sportsmanship within their athletic programs. Schools are recognized for implementing strong policies, procedures, and initiatives that foster respectful behavior among students, coaches, spectators, and the community, while demonstrating a proactive commitment to sportsmanship.
Left to right: Julia Thompson director of athletics at Clifton-Fine and and Dr. Robert Zayas, executive director of NYSPHSAA.
Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence
Lisbon Central School, Tupper Lake Central School and Norwood-Norfolk Central School
Schools earn School of Excellence status when at least 75% of their varsity teams receive Scholar-Athlete Team recognition during their respective sports seasons, highlighting a strong commitment to academic achievement across athletic programs.
Left to right: Erika Backus, director of athletics at Lisbon Central School, Hayden LaMere, director of athletics at Tupper Lake Central School and Becy Byrns director of athletics at Norwood-Norfolk Central School.
Student-Athlete School of Distinction
Chateaugay Central School
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.
Left to right: Michelle Reynolds, athletic director at Chateaugay Central School and Dr. Robert Zayas, executive director of NYSPHSAA.
Heuvelton Central School
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.
Left to right: Jon Putney athletic director at Heuvelton Central School and Dr. Robert Zayas, executive director of NYSPHSAA.