Two local schools have been named Scholar-Athlete Schools of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

Pine Bush High School and Valley Central High Schools were honored as Schools of Excellence with over 75 percent of their varsity sports teams earning scholar-athlete status.

Pine Bush and Valley Central had 20 scholar-athlete teams each.

According to the NYSPHSAA, the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are designed to unite coaches in challenging their teams to achieve statewide academic honors. Eighty-six schools have earned the Distinction Award and 148 schools earned the Excellence Award.

“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards highlight the best student-athletes in New York State,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said. “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.”

Schools can apply for School of Distinction status by having all of its varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons.

Pine Bush and Valley Central will be awarded a plaque at their local athletic director workshop.