Sharon Springs Central School is a winner, one of two schools selected by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for its 2023-2024 Sportsmanship Promotion Banner Award.
The award, now in its 28th year, recognizes schools that have “developed proactive approaches in keeping sportsmanship in the forefront with their students, coaches, spectators, and communities.”
Cold Spring Harbor High School also received the Sportsmanship Award; both schools are first-time recipients.
Winners are decided based off their Sportsmanship Promotion survey, a tool built to help schools promote positive sportsmanship within their athletic community.
The Sportsmanship Banner will be presented to Sharon Springs and Cold Spring Harbor at a school event of their choosing this fall.
“This award means a great deal to all of us at Sharon Springs Central School,” said SSCS AD Chris Smith.
”It has been a team effort to build the culture of sportsmanship in our school and community. It begins with the efforts of our parents, faculty, staff, coaches and unwavering support of our administration.
“We are very proud of our student-athletes and give them enormous credit when they continue to demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors whether winning or losing. On behalf of the entire support team, we are thankful to be recognized with this important honor.”
In a new “tradition” at SSCS, one student-athlete is honored each week with a Sportsmanship/Teammate Award and presented with a chain-linked necklace “in their school color which they wear proudly during the next school day.”
This year, at the last home boys’ basketball game of the season, team members presented the Sportsmanship/Teammate Award to longtime SSCS Secretary Lori Webb, who volunteers her time as the scoreboard and shot clock operator.
Past local Sportsmanship Promotion Banner Award winners include Cobleskill-Richmondville High School in 2004-2005 and again in 2011-2012.