Fairport High School celebrates winter sports achievements and awards over $100K in scholarships

The Fairport Central School District Board of Education convened on April 22, 2025, to celebrate the achievements of student-athletes and discuss community initiatives. The meeting commenced with acknowledgments of the busy schedules of high school staff and students, followed by the presentation of certificates to recognize their contributions.

A highlight of the evening was the Winter Scholar Athlete Award ceremony, where various teams and individuals were honored for their academic and athletic excellence. Mr. Killian, who facilitated the awards, emphasized the dedication required to balance academics and athletics. To qualify for the Scholar Athlete Team recognition, a varsity team must have at least 75% of its roster with a GPA of 90% or higher.

The Alpine ski team, coached by Fairport graduate Chris Barker, was recognized for winning the Section 5 Class A championship. Individual achievements were also celebrated, including Michael, who became the giant slalom state champion. The girls' alpine ski team also had notable successes, with Sofia earning first-team All-County honors.

The boys' basketball team, coached by another Fairport graduate, Scott Fitch, had a competitive season, reaching the finals but ultimately losing to Rush Henrietta. The girls' basketball team, under coach Tom Veil, was acknowledged for winning the Class A Section 5 championship.

Other sports recognized included boys and girls bowling, competitive cheerleading, ice hockey, indoor track, and swimming and diving, with many student-athletes receiving postseason honors. Notably, the wrestling program celebrated a record number of five students qualifying for the state championships, marking a historic achievement for Fairport wrestling.

The meeting also introduced the Dollars for Scholars Donna Gauman Award, with Eileen Hartman representing the organization. She announced that the upcoming annual award ceremony would distribute over $100,000 to local students pursuing higher education, a record amount for the program. Hartman expressed gratitude to the Fairport High School counseling department for their support in guiding students towards success.

Overall, the meeting showcased the commitment of Fairport student-athletes to both their sports and academics, while also highlighting community efforts to support educational advancement. The board expressed appreciation for the dedication of coaches and families in fostering a supportive environment for student success.