The Virginia High School League has named all five NPS high schools as Claudia Dodson VHSL Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award winners.

Only 34 high schools statewide earned the honor, and no other school division in the state had such a concentration of high schools honored.

"This is the first time that all five of our high schools have won the award in the same year," said Stephen Suttmiller, NPS' Senior Coordinator for Athletics. "Each principal, athletic director, coach and student athlete should be congratulated on this accomplishment of demonstrating a positive approach to athletics during the entire year."

VHSL Deputy Director Tom Zimorski said, "I consider this to be the Virginia High School League's most prestigious award. It's the only award that the entire school is graded on."

Schools are assessed based on the behavior of the administration, coaches, student athletes, performance groups, parents and spectators. Coach, athlete and spectator behavior at statewide athletic events also is taken into consideration.

School representatives will be presented with their awards in October, 2012.

"This is an awesome accomplishment for all involved," Mr. Suttmiller said.