NIAA gives Award of Excellence championships to five Nevada schools

Five schools were crowned champions of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s Award of Excellence for the 2016-2017 school year, the NIAA announced in a press release.

Reno and Palo Verde tied in the Class 4A, and were joined by Boulder City (Class 3A), The Meadows (Class 2A) and Sierra Lutheran (Class 1A). The schools were selected based on criteria in Academics, Athletics and Citizenship.

Reno won its third title overall, while Palo Verde secured its sixth title. The Huskies and Panthers each scored 3,540 points, just ahead of Bishop Manogue (3,135), Faith Lutheran (2,740) and Douglas (2,495).

Boulder City easily won its second consecutive title and eight overall. The Meadows won its fourth consecutive title and ninth overall. Sierra Lutheran captured its first championship this year.

The scoring system awards points to member schools based on their varsity teams’ performances in the classrooms, at the sport venues and in the Citizenship Through Sports initiative. Each of the three major categories in high school activities, academics, athletics and sportsmanship are weighted equally, and boys and girls programs are combined in the standings table. The NIAA honors the winning school in each classification by presenting it with a championship banner and commemorative trophy.