State Association Recognizes Seward as Scholar Athlete School of Excellence

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has recognized the S.S. Seward Institute as a Scholar Athlete School of Excellence for the 2025-2026 school year.

The School of Excellence Award honors schools in which at least 75 percent of varsity players have a GPA above 90 percent, earning them Scholar-Athlete status.  In the 2025-2026 school year, 76 Seward students qualified as Scholar-Athletes.

Statewide, 237 schools earned the School of Excellence Award last school year, compared to 221 Schools of Excellence during the 2024-2025 school year. 

The purpose of the 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. The award recognizes member schools that have demonstrated “exceptional commitment to academic achievement,” according to the NYSPHSAA. 

Athletic Director Joe DiMattina said he is proud that Seward received the Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence distinction, and he believes it reflects the hard work and dedication of the school’s student-athletes, coaches and families. 

“Our athletes continue to demonstrate that excellence in the classroom is just as important as excellence on the field or court,” he said. “Congratulations to all of our student-athletes on this outstanding achievement!”