James I. O’Neill High School was one of 11 Section 9 schools to be named as a School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. One Section 9 school, Burke Catholic, was named a School of Distinction.
This year, 35 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 135 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.
“To see the numbers of schools honored increase again is a true testament the kind of student-athletes were have here in New York State,” said Dr. Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA executive director. “We continue to be proud of this program that highlights and celebrates schools that value the importance of academics, as well as athletics.”
To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award. To become a School of Distinction, 100% of the teams must be Scholar-Athlete teams.
The other Section 9 schools receiving a School of Excellence designation are: Cornwall, FDR, Goshen, Marlboro, Monroe-Woodbury, Onteora, Pine Bush, Spackenkill, Wallkill and Warwick.
O’Neill fields 20 varsity sports team each year.