The Columbia Athletic Department raised a record $13,191 at the 18th annual Teal Ribbon Run in Washington Park in September.
For the eighth year in a row, Columbia High School has won the state sportsmanship award from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). A total of 348 schools were eligible for the banner award after submitting the Sportsmanship Promotion Survey to NYSPHSAA.
Columbia is one of three high schools to receive the award this year, along with Lisbon Central School from Section X and Center Moriches High School from Section XI, and the only one to win it each year since 2013. Recipients are selected based on extra programs and activities that schools have implemented to promote positive sportsmanship.
“It’s an honor to receive this award on behalf of our student athletes, coaches, parents, community and district,” said Michael Leonard, Columbia Athletic Director. “Our entire Athletic department takes great pride in implementing and participating in many positive sportsmanship programs and activities. These programs and activities have created a positive culture within our athletic programs, school, and community. I am so proud of all of our student athletes and coaches for helping develop and set a positive tone and emphasizing and promoting sportsmanship.”
Some of Columbia’s activities from this school year include:
- Donated more than $13,000 for ovarian cancer research from the 18th annual Teal Ribbon Run
- Gave gifts and clothing during the holidays to families in need
- Cheer Team brought gifts to children at St. Anne Institute in Albany and visited with them during the holidays
- Collected jars of peanut butter and jelly at a basketball doubleheader to support the district’s Backpack Programs
- Athletic Department promoted sportsmanship in several publications and events including the Athletic Code of Conduct and the pre-season coaches meeting
#NYSPHSAA announces 2019-20 Sportsmanship Promotion Banner winners.
Congrats to Lisbon Central School, Columbia High School and Center Moriches High School.
All the info can be found here:https://t.co/B3V9WJ7xyz@Lisbon_CSD @ColumbiaDevils @RDEVILATHLETICS pic.twitter.com/J6zaE3VrSJ— NYSPHSAA (@NYSPHSAA) July 13, 2020