Two student-athletes from Section XI have been selected for the 2017-2018 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Amanda DiDonato from Mount Sinai High School and Matt Weltmann from Half Follow Hills High School East earned the honor.

This year 13 new members will join the SAAC teaming with the nine returning members who served as juniors last year. Members were chosen based on an academic resume which included GPA, extracurricular activities, and participation in sports. In all, the SAAC is made up of two student-athlete representatives from each of the eleven sections in New York State.

The SAAC was developed to give student-athletes a voice within the NYSPHSAA. Over the course of the school year, the committee will discuss topics relevant to high school student-athletes and develop ways to maintain a positive athletic experience. Each committee member is expected to exemplify leadership while providing feedback of NYSPHSAA special programs including, but not limited to, Scholar-Athlete, Sportsmanship, Life of an Athlete, Student Leadership, and Community Service. A total of 88 student-athletes applied to be members of this years SAAC.

“We are looking forward to working with the new members and returning members of the SAAC this school year,” said Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “Having student voices in our organization is key to providing feedback to further enhance and improve our programs with our member schools. We congratulate the members of the SAAC on their selection to this committee.”

The SAAC will meet via tele conference during the school year. The first meeting will take place Sunday, September 24.