Onondaga Community College, SRC Arena | Syracuse, N.Y. – June 8, 2026
 

The best and brightest in Section III were recognized on Monday, June 8, as 189 outstanding student-athletes from 97 schools were honored at the 37th Annual Scholar Athlete Dinner.

The event celebrated not only athletic accomplishment but also academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to school and community. Each of the honorees earned their place through a commitment to balancing the demands of academics and athletics at the highest level.

Every selected student received recognition at the banquet along with a $100 scholarship provided by Section III, a commemorative plaque, and a backpack marking the achievement. The evening served as a tribute to the hard work and perseverance displayed by these student-athletes throughout their high school careers.

In addition to being honored, all 189 recipients were considered for larger scholarships made possible through the generosity of Section III sponsors. These awards recognize a select group of students who stood out among an already exceptional pool for their academic record, athletic performance, leadership qualities, and overall impact.

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Scholarship Award Winners

Cathleen Infanti Memorial Award

Award Recipients: 
Anna Lund | Tully HS
Jacob Johnson | Cooperstown HS

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Coach D Achievement Award

Award Recipients:
Cora Hinsdill | Adirondack HS
Niyonzima Byiringiro | PSLA at Fowler

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Coca-Cola Awards

Award Recipients:
Nagi Aitbayeva | Corcoran HS
Emma Effinger | Homer HS
Adam Gonzalez | Camden HS
Adam Winnowicz | Fayetteville - Manlius HS
Addison Adames | East Syracuse Minoa CHS
Giovanni Capria | West Genesee HS
Kaylee Lockwood | Liverpool HS
Elijah Pomales | Rome Free Academy

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Inner Harbor Wealth Management Awards

Award Recipients:
Tucker Burnett | Marcellus HS
Sydney Cox | Onondaga Central HS

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Hometown Ticketing Scholarship Awards

Award Recipients:
Claire Filipowicz | Hamilton HS
Cameron Fraher | Jordan-Elbridge HS
Camron Hodge | Belleville-Henderson CHS
Jisan Lamichhane | Jamesville-DeWitt HS

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Mountain Goat Run Foundation Award

Award Recipients:
Leah Tanner | Altmar-Parish-Williamstown HS
Reese Roberts | South Jefferson HS
Tyler Graham | Cicero - North Syracuse HS
Ty Hawkins | Canastota HS

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Syracuse Mets Awards

Award Recipients:
Haidyn Soluri | Sandy Creek HS
Owen Jones | Mount Markham HS
Josslyn Eaton | McGraw HS
Jackson McCall | South Lewis HS

 

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The presentation of these scholarships highlighted the continued support of community partners who invest in the future of student-athletes across the region.

The banquet has become a longstanding tradition within Section III, now in its 37th year, serving as a reminder of the value of education-based athletics. It brings together students, families, coaches, and administrators to celebrate achievements that extend far beyond the playing field.

As the honorees prepare to take the next steps in their academic and athletic journeys, the recognition received at the banquet stands as a testament to their dedication, discipline, and success.
 

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To view the full gallery of photos taken from the dinner, they can be found in a 3-part gallery below or by clicking HERE:

     

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We would like to give a special thank you to the following partners: 

- Mountain Goat Run
- The Infanti Family
- Hometown Ticketing
- Visual Technologies
- Orthopedics East, PC
- Inner Harbor Wealth Management Group
- A&P Master Images
- Coca-Cola Northeast
- Syracuse Mets