By: Kristen Jadin, NYSPHSAA Assistant Director
Latham, NY- The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) is proud to announce Galway Jr./Sr. High School (Section 2), Oriskany Jr./Sr. High School (Section III), and Floral Park Memorial High School (Section VIII) as the recipients of the 2025-2026 NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Banner Award. This marks the 31st year of the Sportsmanship Banner Award, recognizing schools that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to sportsmanship since the program began during the 1995-1996 school year.
Each year, NYSPHSAA presents the Sportsmanship Banner Award to schools that have developed proactive initiatives to keep sportsmanship at the forefront for student-athletes, coaches, spectators and their communities. Award recipients are selected through the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Promotion Survey, which evaluates the policies, programs and practices schools have implemented to foster a positive educational athletic environment.
In addition to their exemplary efforts promoting sportsmanship, all three schools completed the 2025-2026 school year without a single coach or student-athlete disqualification, further demonstrating their commitment to educational athletics.
"Sportsmanship remains one of the most important lessons interscholastic athletics can teach," said NYSPHSAA Executive Director, Dr. Robert Zayas. "Galway, Oriskany and Floral Park Memorial have built cultures where respect, integrity and accountability are emphasized every day."
Galway promotes sportsmanship through its 'Caught Being Golden' recognition program, celebrating student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional character both on and off the playing surface. The district reinforces expectations through preseason meetings with coaches and families, recognizes visiting seniors during senior celebrations, and emphasizes accountability for student-athletes and spectators alike.
“We are incredibly proud that we were selected as a NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Award winner,” said Director of Athletics, Mike Glenn. “This honor reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and teamwork within our athletic programs. It is a testament to the hard work of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and the entire Galway community who embody the true spirit of sportsmanship. Together, we will continue to inspire and uplift one another on and off the field.”
A three-time recipient of the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Banner Award, Oriskany Jr./Sr. High School earns the honor for the second consecutive year, recognizing the district's sustained commitment to sportsmanship and educational athletics. The district recognizes student-athletes who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship each season, prominently displays sportsmanship messaging throughout its athletic venues, and integrates character education and NFHS learning opportunities into every athletic season.
“Our goal in the Athletic Department is to develop the true character of every student-athlete,” said David Buck, Oriskany Director of Athletics. “We are committed to promoting integrity, respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship both on and off the field, helping our students grow not only as competitors, but also as leaders within their school and community.”
Floral Park Memorial High School reinforces sportsmanship through seasonal meetings with student-athletes, school-wide expectations for spectators, the reading of a Unity Statement before athletic contests, and clear accountability measures following any ejection. Sportsmanship messaging is prominently displayed throughout the school, reinforcing the values of respect and integrity across all athletic programs.
“Floral Park Memorial is honored to be recognized as a Sportsmanship Banner Award winner for the 2025–2026 school year,” said Larry Doreson, Floral Park Director of Athletics, Physical Education, Health and FACS. “This achievement reflects the collective commitment to sportsmanship, respect, and integrity demonstrated by our student-athletes, coaches, students, and fans throughout the year. We are sincerely grateful for the unwavering support of the Floral Park Administration Team, Central Administration Team, coaches, players, students, Booster Club, and the entire Floral Park community, whose dedication made this recognition possible.”
The Sportsmanship Banner Award will be presented to each school during a school event of its choosing this fall. More information about the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Promotion Program, including past recipients, is available at nysphsaa.org.