NYSAAA Awards

The Apple Appreciation Award was initiated by Roy O’Neill, the first Executive Director of the NYSAAA. He always strived to keep the vision that the NYSAAA was a “grassroots” organization, which survived on the premise of volunteerism and giving. Many have stepped up to the plate over the years since 1981 to give of their time, effort and expertise, to make this association successful. Since 1981, this association has been the life blood of athletic administration in New York State, as well as contributing significantly at the national level through the NIAAA. The Apple Appreciation Award is given to those individual members who have played a vital part in the success of the association, not necessarily at the state or national level, but more importantly, at the “grass roots” level, within their leagues and chapters. It is given to those who are loyal members - contributors and givers, who volunteer their time and effort to make this a better and more productive association which is vital to the professional development of athletic administrators across New York State, but who don’t necessarily receive recognition for their contributions. Its purpose is also to encourage members to step forward and be active in the association, whether it be at the local or state level. Over the years this award has evolved from a select number given each year, to present day where we try to honor one such individual member each year from each chapter. Nominations may be submitted to the Executive Director by any Chapter Representative, Committee Chair or Executive Board member prior to January 15th of each year. The Executive Director, at his/her discretion, will select one individual member from each chapter, to receive the Apple Award at the Dave Martens Conference Awards Luncheon. Not all those nominated will necessarily receive this award. Those nominated, who do not receive the award may be placed in a pool of candidates for future consideration. No one will receive this award more than once. Previous award recipients may be found on the NYSAAA website, or P.O.P. Manual. Persons selected must be active members and should be in attendance at the conference and luncheon to receive this award. Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition along with a Crystal Apple paperweight with inscription “In Appreciation” and NYSAAA Logo.

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

A member in good standing of the NYSAAA who has made an outstanding contribution to athletics over the years. This person has shown evidence of devotion and idealism to athletics through the NYSAAA and has demonstrated their influence and power in the promotion of athletics in a positive manner.

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

This award was created in the memory of Dr. John “Jack” Foley, CMAA in 2011 as a dedication to a man who was devoted to the professional development of fellow athletic administrators and coaches in New York State and nationally. Jack served on the NIAAA Publications Committee from its beginning until he passed away in 2009. He has received numerous awards over the years, including the NIAAA Award of Merit, the NYSAAA State Award of Merit, and was inducted into the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Dr. John Foley Professional Development Award is presented to a NYSAAA member who has made significant contributions and demonstrated excellence in professional development at the local, state or national levels. The Executive Board will select a recipient from among the nominees from the eleven chapters and CHSAA. It is not necessary that this award be made annually.

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

This award is earned by an athletic administrator who has been an active member of NYSAAA for five or fewer years. They must be employed full-time as an athletic administrator and their school must be a NYSPHSAA member school. The Individual must show contributions to community, local chapter, state, ongoing commitment to athletics, willingness to get involved, constant professional development and continuing education. as well as striving towards their CAA or CMAA.

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

This award is earned by (1) athletic director who has demonstrated a passion to enhance positive change, has strong leadership skills, and the ability to mentor. This individual will have contributed to some or all of the following organizations throughout their career in athletics: NYSAAA, NYSPHSAA, NYSAHPERD and NIAAA. During Judith’s era and leadership she was an advocate for boys and girls athletics, however made great positive changes for female athletics. (To be given at the Roy O’Neill awards banquet at the Conference)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

This award is earned by an athletic director who has demonstrated a passion to enhance positive change, has strong leadership skills, and the ability to mentor. This individual will have contributed to some or all of the following organizations throughout their career in athletics: NYSAAA, NYSPHSAA, NYSAHPERD and NIAAA. During Judith’s era and leadership she was an advocate for boys and girls athletics, however made great positive changes for female athletics. (To be given to ONE recipient at the Roy O’Neill awards banquet at the Conference)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Given to an organization that has made outstanding contributions to athletics over the years. The organization should have evidenced support and contributions to the NYSAAA on the State and local levels. (Award given at local level, name announced at conference)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Awarded to a person, not an athletic administrator, who has made a significant contribution to athletics over the years.

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)

This Otis Sennett Award of Excellence was established in 2004 by the NYSAAA Executive Board and is presented annually to a recipient who best exemplifies the dedication and spirit that Otis Sennett gave to this association as one of the founding fathers, and most possesses the qualities that he demonstrated. Otis was the epitome of hard work, determination and dedication. Further he was instrumental in the formation and development of the NSYAAA and organized the first several conferences before we had an Executive Director. He has been an advisor to the Board throughout the years since.

This Award should be presented to an NYSAAA member in good standing whose loyalty to the Association and contributions to Interscholastic Athletics represents excellence in achievement and commitment to the concept of volunteerism and dedication.

NOTE: NYSAAA Past Presidents, current Board members and previous NIAAA State Award of Merit recipients are not eligible for this Award.

A pool of candidates will be maintained by the Executive Board and a recipient will be chosen by them annually.

Current Year: 2025 (6/2/25 - 12/19/25)