This year, 114 schools earned the School of Distinction Award, including Westfield Academy & Central Schools.
Westfield Academy and Central School was notified by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association that the District was recognized as a School of Distinction for the academic excellence achieved by the students and staff.
According to District Superintendent Michael Cipolla, “100% of our varsity programs (10 teams), were on the academic honor roll.”
Cipolla said he updated the Board of Education on this prestigious award on Aug. 26, and everyone is very pleased and appreciative. “We’re thankful to the NYSPHSAA for the recognition of our student-athletes, staff and community for this deserving award,” he said. “Our students continue to shine in all facets of education and make us proud.”
According to NYSPHSAA, the purpose of the School of Distinction Award is to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 114 schools earned the School of Distinction Award.
WACS Athletic Director and Boys’ Varsity Soccer Coach, Neil Huber, said that Westfield was only one of eight schools in Section 6 that received this award. To receive the award, all varsity teams have to achieve the status of “Scholar Athlete,” which means that 75% of the team members must carry a 90 or above average, he said.
“The emphasis every year is that our athletes are student athletes. Grades come first,” Huber said. “This speaks volumes about their effort and dedication to their education . . . our students at Westfield are amazing kids. This achievement is about their hard work.”
WACS Secondary Principal, Corey Markham, agreed with this sentiment. “This recognition demonstrates our students’ effort and dedication to be their very best, each and every day,” he said. “I could not be prouder of their academic accomplishments last year, including the high number of proficiency and mastery scores on the Regents Examination.”
Huber said the award also is a reflection of the dedication of the faculty and staff at WACS. “It tells us, as teachers, that we have the tools and ability to help our kids do great things,” he said. “Hats off to all of our staff, from maintenance to our administrative team, for giving our students a safe place to achieve their best.”
Markham also emphasized the high standards that staff and faculty set for the students. “Our coaches understand that being a scholar-athlete starts in the classroom and concludes on the athletic field or the hardwood court,” he said.
Huber said he is not surprised that Westfield received the award because he knew ahead of time, having submitted the paperwork at the end of June, indicating that the students had achieved this goal. Markham added a word of praise for Huber, as well. “As Athletic Director, Mr. Huber has set the tone for athletic programming and for the standard we expect for our students and their coaches,” he said.
Huber concluded by saying that the focus on quality education will continue at WACS. “I am very proud to be part of the teaching staff at Westfield, and overly proud of our kids for achieving this amazing feat,” he said. “I look forward to us doing it again next year.”