East High School recognized for scholar athletes
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Only 20 times has a school in New York State achieved the Scholar Athlete School of Distinction by the NYS Public High School Athletic Association. Included in the selective list is Williamsville East High School.

The school was recognized for its achievements during the 2005-2006 school year in which all 29 of the interscholastic varsity sports achieved a 90 percent or higher grade point average.

East was one of nine schools honored from the 768 eligible schools in the state. Since the School of Distinction was formed four years ago, only 20 schools have been honored. Seven of the schools have been from Section VI, which encompasses Western New York.

"It's outstanding. It's the highest New York State schoolwide award," said East Athletic Director Dawn Bak.

The high school was recognized during the Sept. 12 Board of Education meeting in which Bak and East Principal Neal Miller accepted the recognition.

"This is not an easy thing to accomplish," Miller said. "It is a very high honor academically for our athletes."

He also acknowledged the work of the coaches to push the students to work hard not only on the athletic field but also in the classroom.