From left to right: Nancy Kalafus, Director of Athletics, Hank Hardy, High School Principal, Dr. Stephen Leitman, Superintendent of Schools, Lloyd Mott, Assistant Director NYSPHAA Garden City High School has been recognized as a School of Distinction by the State Public High School Athletic Association for its academic performance during the 2003-2004 school year. To receive this award, all the high school varsity teams must be named scholar-athlete teams. The criteria for a scholar-athlete team requires that a team have a cumulative academic average of 90% or better. All 30 varsity teams at Garden City High School are recognized as scholar athlete teams. Only three districts statewide, Garden City, Williamsville North and Washingtonville, qualified for the School of Distinction Award. Garden City also had the third highest average in the state.

On September 14th, at the Section VIII Athletic Council Meeting, State Assistant Director Lloyd Mott presented the prestigious award to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen I. Leitman, High School Principal Hank Hardy and Athletic Director Nancy Kalafus. Ms. Kalafus said, “We stress academics so we are proud of this award.”

The Board of Education and Superintendent recognized the high school at the September 20th board meeting. Ms. Kalafus and Mr. Hardy showed the stunning trophy and plaque that they received from the state. The trophy will be placed in the trophy case outside the gym. The plaque will be placed on the “Wall of Fame” in the High School Library, along with many other scholar-athlete awards the high school has received. Mr. Hardy said that the display of these awards gives a powerful message of leadership by example, “If they can do it why not me.”Congratulations to the Garden City High School Scholar-Athlete Teams on achieving this honor.