by Alex Brooks
A celebration of the accomplishments of the Hoosick Falls sports program was held as part of the School Board meeting on December 20. Assemblyman Tony Jordan was on hand to congratulate the teams as was State Senator-elect Steve McLaughlin and Robert Zayas, Executive Director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
[private]School Board President Greg Laurin started the festivities by pointing out that the school’s success in athletics goes beyond the two teams that won State Titles. All five of the school’s teams were scholar-athlete teams (90 or better academic average), and all five made sectionals. Four out of five were sectional champs, and three were regional champs. The Girls Soccer team, in addition to winning the State Championship, won the Sportsmanship Award.
Robert Zayas, of the State Athletic Association, spoke about the many benefits of participation in sports. Improved character, improved grades and improved teamwork are some of the fruits of engagement in sports. For many students, sports is where they first learn the process of setting goals and working hard to achieve them.
Assemblyman Tony Jordan brought framed proclamations from the New York State Assembly recognizing the achievements of the State Champion teams, which were presented with appropriate ceremony.
Videos were shown highlighting the Girls Soccer team’s season, and the Football team’s season, after which everyone adjourned to the elementary cafeteria for refreshments.
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