To be recognized as a School of Distinction, a school must apply for the honor and have 100% of its varsity teams earn the Scholar-Athlete Team Award during their respective sports seasons. The School of Excellence designation is awarded to schools that apply and have at least 75% of their varsity teams achieve this same academic recognition. 

    “Congratulations to our Schools of Distinction and Excellence,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These prestigious honors represent the culmination of a school year marked by outstanding achievement in the classroom. These accolades would not be possible without the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators whose efforts these awards proudly recognize.” 

    This year, 110 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 221 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. The purpose of the awards is to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor.  

    To be eligible to receive these prestigious awards, schools must apply following the Spring Scholar-Athlete submission each school year. 

    Below are the Section V school districts and photos of the school's accepting their awards at the NYSPHSAA mandatory meeting that was held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Conference Center.  

Section V School of Excellence (34 School Districts)
Attica
Avoca-Prattsburgh
Batavia
Bloomfield
Bradford
Brockport
Byron-Bergen
Caledonia-Mumford
Canandaigua
Canisteo-Greenwood
Dansville
Dundee
Fairport
Fillmore
Friendship
Geneva
Hilton
Hornell
Jasper-Troupsburg
Keshequa
Le Roy
Livonia
Lyndonville
Newark
North Rose-Wolcott
Our Lady of Mercy
Penfield
Pittsford Central
Scio
Spencerport
Wayland-Cohocton
Webster Schroeder
Wellsville
York

School of Excellence Photos
Section V School of Distinction (14 School Districts)
Alexander
Belfast
Elba
Genesee Valley-Belfast
HAC
Houghton
Letchworth
Lima Christian
McQuaid Jesuit
Mynderse
Pembroke
Perry
Victor
Whitesville

School of Distinction Photos

---

    Established in the 1991–92 school year, NYSPHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete Team Award has a proud tradition of honoring academic achievement among student-athletes. The School of Distinction Award, introduced in 2002–03, and the School of Excellence Award, launched in 2016–17, further celebrate schools that exemplify a commitment to success in the classroom while balancing the demands of athletic participation. Together, these honors showcase the dedication, discipline, and excellence demonstrated by students and school communities across New York State.