The New York State Public High School Athletic Associate, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) has announced its 2019-20 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction award winners. Lima Christian School is among them.
The purpose of the School of Distinction award is to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, only 56 schools among the over 700 districts across New York State earned the School of Distinction award. A school can apply for School of Distinction status by having 100% of its varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during the respective sports seasons.
In a statement, Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director, said, “We continue to be proud oof this program which highlights and celebrates schools that value the importance of academics as well as athletics. The fact that so many student-athletes thrived in the face of a pandemic this past winter is truly remarkable.”
“Lima Christian’s athletic program has always emphasized more than just competitive sports,” said Michael Burns, Lima Christian’s athletic director. “Our coaches instill character in our student athletes. Sports are a wonderful vehicle for helping young men and women learn about discipline, teamwork, and dedication to a higher goal. As a Christian school, we encourage our students to do all to the glory of God. It’s true in athletics, academics, and every area of life.”
For the 2019-20 school year, the School of Distinction winners were based on fall 2019 and winter 2020 Scholar-Athlete submissions because the spring 2020 program was cancelled.