TZ Hosts Culminating Celebration for NYS Champs

It was a heartwarming scene last evening, which was much needed given the temperature, as we celebrated our first-ever New York State Varsity Girls Basketball champions at Tappan Zee High School. After their historic win, the Athletics Department organized a brief ceremony honoring our student-athletes and coaches followed by a fire engine escort to Orangetown Town Hall where they were recognized during the Town Board meeting. Head Coach Riley Chevrier and Physical Education, Health & Athletics Director Bill Pilla spoke about the squad's unwavering determination and how our program not only shapes the player, but the individual as well.

"I had the privilege of coaching these 15 girls," said Riley. "They have really made all of my years here, but this one in particular, just such a joy. They bought into and believed in this even before I did and [decided] they were going to win." 

"Our coaches are transformational educators," said Bill. "[They help] our student-athletes grow to become the best versions of themselves as citizens and young adults. That's really all we want for them."

The role that our TZ learning and greater SOCSD communities play in achieving successful outcomes like this did not go unnoticed. Both Riley and Bill commended the school and District leadership teams for their presence at games, feeder programs that lay the groundwork early on and countless partnerships for their ongoing support. Please join us in offering our congratulations one last time to this amazing group!