Three area schools – Pine Bush, Valley Central and Wallkill – were named a School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association on July 26.

Valley Central led the way with 25 scholar-athlete teams across the fall, winter and spring seasons during the 2023-24 school year. Wallkill had 23 scholar-athlete teams and Pine Bush had 20.
In total, 226 schools have earned a School of Excellence award.

The number has increased since the 2022-23 school year, when 219 schools earn the honor. 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.

“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 NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said. “We are proud of those who put in the work as ‘student’ and ‘athlete’, as well as the growth in both School of Excellence and Distinction recognition.”

 Schools can apply for the School of Excellence Award if 75 percent of its varsity teams qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award. Schools that saw 100 percent of their teams earn scholar-athlete status were able to apply for School of Distinction status.

 Winning schools will receive their commemorative awards at their local athletic director workshop this fall.