2024-25 NYS AHPERD Award
We are thrilled to announce that three outstanding SGHS students are recognized as recipients of the prestigious award from the Capital Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD). This award honors senior students who exhibit exceptional achievement in physical performance, scholastic accomplishments, leadership qualities, and community service.
Samuel Perkins, Savannah Swiatocha, and Logan Linck were honored at an awards dinner yesterday for their remarkable achievements and contributions. They serve as an inspiration to their peers and the entire community.
Samuel Perkins
Samuel Perkins is an exceptional young man and student-athlete. His effort and dedication in everything he undertakes is really a sight to see.
Sam’s journey hasn’t been easy; he faced a significant health issue at the start of his junior year in high school, sidelining him from both academics and sports. Yet, Sam never faltered. He tackled the challenge head-on and emerged stronger than ever!
With a passion for football, Sam has been part of the Tartan’s football program for years, progressing from peewee to varsity. He is known as one of the hardest workers in the program, maintaining year-round training as a dedicated member of the weight room facility. Sam spends countless hours each week in the gym to achieve peak physical condition.
Sam also received the R.I.S.E. award this year, which stands for Responsibility, Integrity, Strength, and Effort—qualities that Sam embodies perfectly.
Academically, Sam is a strong student, ranked 43rd in his class, despite having to study remotely for much of his junior year while receiving treatment for his health challenges.
Sam is the kind of person who finds opportunities where others see obstacles. His positive attitude is infectious, and his classmates go out of their way to engage with him.
In physical education class, Sam’s efforts and examples he sets are outstanding. He approaches every unit with the same enthusiasm and energy, making him a joy to be around. His dedication and leadership by example are among his finest traits, earning him great respect from both teachers and peers.
Sam is currently exploring several options for further education and is sure to excel as he embarks on this next chapter of his life.
Savannah Swiatocha
Savannah Swiatocha not only excels in physical performance and academic achievements, but also shines in her leadership qualities and compassion within our school and community.
Savannah embodies leadership and empathy through her involvement in athletics, physical education, and our unified programs at Scotia-Glenville.
As a member of the varsity bowling team, varsity cheer, unified bowling, and unified basketball/cheer, Savannah has led her bowling team to victory in the Section 2 bowling championship for small schools. She achieved 2nd place in the state as a small school competitor and ranked 6th overall among both large and small schools. Additionally, she received the Section 2 Sportsmanship Award for bowling.
Beyond her personal athletic pursuits, Savannah is an active student in our Unified PE class. Her kind, caring, and humble demeanor has made a significant impact on her fellow athletes inside and outside the classroom. Another valuable contribution she makes to our school and community is her dedication to supporting and promoting inclusion. As a member of the Youth Activation Committee (YAC) at SGCSD, she collaborates with student leaders both with and without disabilities to foster an inclusive environment. Together, they advocate for respect, inclusion, and acceptance for all individuals.
Savannah takes on a leadership role within YAC by creating bulletin boards, advocating through social media, participating in Special Olympics events, leading a middle school YAC/unified assembly, attending outside events and meetings for the Capital District YAC, and spearheading our newly established unified intramural program this school year. Her passion, joy, and commitment to unified programs and athletics are truly inspiring. Savannah leads with inclusion, positivity, and dedication in all her endeavors.
Looking ahead, Savannah plans to attend Maryville University to pursue a dual degree in early childhood education and elementary education, along with a master’s in special education.
Logan Linck
Logan Linck is an outstanding young man and student-athlete with a wide range of interests that span academics, athletics, and music. He excels in all these areas.
While at Scotia-Glenville, Logan has participated in various sports, including football. This year, he serves as the captain and was named MVP of the school’s Nordic ski team, where he was also recognized as Athlete of the Month.
His passion for music is profound; he is involved in the Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Chamber Orchestra, along with being part of the Scotia Rock Band. Logan has also been recognized as an All-State Trumpet Player and All-State Violinist.
Academically, Logan ranks in the top 10 percent of his class and is a member of both the Tri-M Honor Society and the National Honor Society.
Logan truly excels in physical education class, consistently demonstrating a positive attitude and top-quality effort. His impressive mile time, under five minutes, earned him the Student of the Quarter award. He leads by example, as many students have commented on his dedication and were inspired by his performance. Logan is always the first to offer a positive word or lend a helping hand to his classmates, earning the respect and admiration of both his teachers and peers.
Logan plans to attend Ithaca College to pursue his passion for music.