Warwick's John Russo receives 2007-08 distinguished service award

Warwick - John B. Russo, the director of Physical Education, Health and Safety for the Warwick Valley Central School District, has been named as the 2007-08 recipient of the New York State Athletic Administrator’s Association “Distinguished Service Award” for Section IX athletics. “The Section Awards Committee felt it was only fitting that Mr. Russo receive this award for his hard work and dedication to the students of our section,” wrote Al Wojtaszek, chairman of the Section IX Awards Committee, in a nominating letter. Russo has been in the Warwick Valley School District for 34 years in a variety of positions including teacher, principal, assistant superintendent for business and director of athletics, physical education, health and safety. Russo also has run three marathons, participated in numerous road races and, most recently, been training as a tri-athlete. He has been inducted into the Purple Wave Hall of Fame and been nominated six times into the Who’s Who in American Education. His leadership and caring for student athletes, past and present, will be recognized when he receives this award at the state association’s annual conference in Saratoga this March. “I have spent my entire life both personally and professionally involved in athletics and fitness,” said Russo, “and take great pride in the fact that I still enjoy the spirit of competition.”