Heatly High School seniors Kyler Sagendorf and Aiden Stone are leaders both inside and outside the school gym. The two student athletes consistently strive for academic excellence, help their fellow school community members and demonstrate the qualities of outstanding sportsmanship. Their actions have stood out to Heatly coaches Jodi Fowler and Brian Ford, which is why they nominated Kyler and Aiden for the Capital Zone of NYS Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS AHPERD) Secondary Leadership Award.
The NYS AHPERD Secondary Leadership Award is given to high school seniors that demonstrate high levels of physical fitness, scholastic achievement, exceptional leadership qualities, and outstanding service to their school or community. Each school is allowed to nominate two seniors.
Kyler and Aiden have been active in Heatly sports for years, whether it be playing on a varsity team or participating in P.E. class. Kyler was a member of the boys varsity basketball team during his junior year, and recognized the commitment playing on a team requires. According to Coach Fowler, Kyler was “a wonderful teammate” and frequently put his team first during the season. He always gave his best effort in practice and in games, and was the first student to volunteer for any physical activity in P.E. class.
“He motivates peers of all age groups by leading by example,” Coach Fowler said of Kyler.
Aiden has been an exceptional student athlete, having played varsity soccer, basketball and baseball since his freshman year. He also ran cross country for one season as a sophomore. Aiden has been an integral part of Heatly’s athletic program over the last four years, putting 110% of his effort into every sport he participated in. He regularly put his teams first and served as a role model for younger student athletes by working hard at practices and games.
“Aiden did not miss a soccer practice this season, acted as a captain and was recognized as a second team all-star in the Patroon league,” Coach Fowler said.
The academic and athletic successes of both Kyler and Aiden culminated in a luncheon at the Fairways of Halfmoon on Sunday, April 23. Both students received their awards and were honored in front of their friends and families. Congratulations to Kyler and Aiden on their exceptional leadership and extraordinary accomplishment.