WAVERLY -- The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recently announced its 2025-2026 Schools of Distinction and Schools of Excellence, recognizing member schools that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic achievement throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
Waverly High School was one of 118 schools across New York to earn the School of Distinction Award.
“Waverly has a strong tradition of both athletic and academic excellence. As the Director of Athletics, I am very proud of our student athletes for their strong commitment to learning in both the classroom and on the playing surface,” said Waverly Athletic Director Rich McIntosh.
Schools qualify for the School of Distinction Award by having 100 percent of their varsity teams earn NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team recognition during their respective sports seasons. To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75 percent or more of a school's varsity teams must achieve Scholar-Athlete Team status.
The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards is to unite athletic departments in challenging every varsity team to achieve statewide academic recognition through the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete program.
For the 2025-2026 school year, 118 schools earned the School of Distinction Award, while 237 schools earned the School of Excellence Award. This compares to 110 Schools of Distinction and 221 Schools of Excellence during the 2024-2025 school year.
"The commitment demonstrated by our member schools to academic excellence continues to be one of the greatest strengths of educational-based athletics," said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. "These awards recognize entire school communities that value success in the classroom as much as success in competition."
Photo caption: Waverly High School Prinicipal John Cheresnowsky, Waverly High School Assistant Principal Ernie Marilley and Waverly Athletic Director Rich McIntosh proudly display the School of Distinction Award.