Broadalbin-Perth celebrates student-athlete excellence and national recognition at annual recognition program

On Tuesday, June 16, coaches and staff from Broadalbin-Perth celebrated a year of athletic achievement, leadership, and community impact during the annual Varsity Student-Athlete Recognition Program, honoring standout student-athletes, scholarship recipients, and the district’s continued commitment to inclusion through Unified sports.

One of the evening’s highest honors was the presentation of the Student-Athlete of the Year awards.

Senior Chase Tyler was named Female Student-Athlete of the Year after an outstanding career that showcased excellence across multiple sports. A four-year varsity soccer standout and team captain, Tyler helped lead the Patriots to two Foothills Council championships and four consecutive Section II finals appearances. She earned back-to-back Foothills Council and Section II Class A Player of the Year honors and was selected to the New York State All-Star Team. Tyler also excelled in track and field as a state qualifier in the 55-meter hurdles and enjoyed a successful flag football season while competing at the club level for the Albany Alleycats and Albany Rush WPSL. She will continue her academic and athletic career at Lander University.

Junior Anthony Zierak received Male Student-Athlete of the Year honors after another record-breaking season on the track. Zierak earned All-American status with a third-place finish in the pentathlon at the Adidas National Championships and currently holds multiple school records. A multi-time Section II champion and Foothills Council first-team all-star, Zierak has established himself as one of the top track and field athletes in school history while continuing to compete at the state and national levels.

Established in honor of long-time coach Tom "Giz" McGivern, the Coach Giz Sports Award celebrates how the spirit of competition brings out the absolute best in individuals and teams alike. This distinction is awarded to student-athletes who have grown remarkably, competed to the peak of their abilities, and truly embodied Coach Giz's vision of sportsmanship. This year, the recipients were Colton Lizzio and Jillian Parkes.

The program also highlighted the accomplishments of numerous student-athletes who received scholarships in recognition of their dedication in the classroom, in competition, and within the community. These awards, presented by the B-P Sports Booster Club and Broadalbin Youth Commission, celebrate the lasting impact student-athletes have made throughout their time at Broadalbin-Perth and support them as they pursue their future academic and career goals.

In addition to individual honors, the district celebrated a landmark achievement for its athletic program and school community. Broadalbin-Perth was recently recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics New York, one of the highest distinctions awarded through the Unified Champion Schools program. The National Banner designation recognizes schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence through Unified Sports, inclusive leadership opportunities, and whole-school engagement initiatives. 

The honor reflects Broadalbin-Perth’s ongoing efforts to create a culture where students of all abilities are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Over the years, Broadalbin-Perth’s Unified program has expanded to include multiple sports and activities and has become a model for inclusion throughout the Capital Region. The recognition highlights the dedication of students, staff, families, and community partners who have embraced the vision of ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging.