The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) has announced its 2019-20 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners, and Valley Central is among the 56 NYS Schools that earned the School of Distinction Award.

NYSPHSAA has created two levels of awards based on the percentage of varsity teams a school district has that qualifies and earns the Scholar-Athlete team Award. A School of Excellence has 75% of varsity teams qualify and earn that status while a School of Distinction has 100% of its varsity teams qualified for and received the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. Valley Central had all 12 Varsity Teams in Fall 2019 and Winter 2020 qualify and earn Scholar-Athlete team Awards (NYSPHSAA did not consider Spring 2020 teams due to the COVID closure).

“Valley Central is proud of the achievements of our athletic program and the emphasis that is placed on the importance of academics in that program,” read a statement released by the district. “ It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all of our student athletes at every level and their coaches under the guidance of our Athletic Director, William Miller.”