Health Sciences Elite Sports Banquet ‘26
by Jaquan Johnson
JAQUAN JOHNSON
Thursday, June 18th, Buffalo, New York’s Health Science’s Charter School held its annual Elite Sports Banquet for the 2025- 2026 school year. The Grand event was held at the Villa Banquet Hall located at 1830 Abbott Rd Lackawanna, NY, 14218.
In addition to the great food and capacity, the venue was filled with talent, and the aspiring greatness was felt in the air. It was impressive to see athletes of all different ages, ethnicities and different stature come together under one roof, to celebrate one another, regardless of the sport and achievement.
The banquet went off without a hitch, with current and former athletes, as well as coaches, teachers and administrators all taking the time out of their days to come together for a special celebration.
The award ceremony was necessary, since every student athlete, who put in time and hard work to earn their trophies and high praises from their coaches.
During the 2025–2026 school year, all 11 athletic programs at Health Sciences Charter School produced outstanding results that went far beyond wins and losses. The student-athletes excelled both on and off the field, demonstrating the school’s commitment to excellence, discipline, teamwork, and academic achievement. The achievements lived up to the standards and expectations that define The Health Sciences Charter School. That’s just Health Sciences doing BIG Health things—the Health Sciences way!
The award ceremony went as follows.
FOOTBALL
Most Improved: Ca’Lee Washington
Coaches Award: Amare Ridgeway
Offensive Lineman of the year: Quincy Patterson
Lineman of the year: Tyjhuan Moye
Offensive MVP: Kevin Guy
Defensive MVP: Alante Green
Most Valuable player: Kaivohn Pitts
GIRLS CHEERLEADING
Most Improved: Danetta Harris
Coaches Award: Adrian Robinson
Spirit Award: Raylyn Hughes
Most Valuable player: Zaniyah Mingo
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Most Improved: Jada Gibbs
Coaches Award: Antalia Smith
Offensive MVP: Emone Perry/ Tiana - Riley Vance
Defensive MVP: Nayeli Camacho
Most Valuable player: Nayeli Camacho
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Most Improved: Angel Pedro
Coaches Award: Isaiah Guerrero
Offensive MVP: Nahsaan Young
Defensive MVP: Mycheal Whitt
Most Valuable player: Amir Moye
GIRL’S BASKETBALL
Most Improved: Joy Lamwaka
Coaches Award: Isaiah Guerrero
Offensive MVP: Camorrea Wawrowicz
Defensive MVP: La’Otianna Green
Most Valuable player: Camorrea Wawrowicz
BOY’S WRESTLING
Most Improved: J’son Hayes
Most Valuable player: Amare Ridgeway
BOY’S TRACK & FIELD INDOOR + OUTDOOR
Most Improved: Jomir Littlejohn/ Malachi Harrison
Coaches Award: Keshaun Joiner
Field MVP: Joseph Ball
Track MVP: Chris Jones
Most Valuable player: Marlon Barnaby
GIRL’S TRACK & FIELD INDOOR + OUTDOOR
Most Improved: Serenity Massey
Coaches Award: Diamond Vanoy
Track MVP: Amiyah Funderburk
Field MVP: Danetta Harris
Most Valuable player: Danetta Harris
GIRL’S FLAG FOOTBALL
Most Improved: Raionna Singletary
Coaches Award: Dailynn Ferguson
Offensive MVP: Jadah Maxwell
Defensive MVP: Adrian Robinson
Most Valuable player: La’Otianna Green/Ronasia Walker
TOTAL ATHLETE
Kei’Shae Witt
TOP FALCON
Girls: Adrian Robinson
Boys: Amir Moye
For those who may not be familiar with Health Sciences Charter School, here’s a closer look at one of Buffalo’s most successful academic and athletic institutions.
Health Sciences Charter School has built a reputation for academic excellence, consistently posting graduation rates between 86% and 92% while preparing students for careers in healthcare. At the same time, the school has become widely recognized across Western New York for its outstanding athletic programs and winning tradition. Success at Health Sciences is measured by more than championships. The school emphasizes discipline, leadership, teamwork, and preparing student-athletes for success beyond high school.
One of the school’s premier programs is its highly respected football team, a cooperative program between Health Sciences Charter School and The Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School. Entering the 2026 season, the Falcons were ranked No. 6 in the Western New York preseason poll, according to Western New York Sports predictions. Led by Head Coach Tyrie Parker and Athletic Director Shaquille Dudley, the Falcons have one goal in mind: bringing another New York State championship back to the City of Buffalo.
The team enters the new season after posting an impressive 10-1 overall record and a perfect 5-0 league record during the 2025 2026 campaign. Their outstanding season culminated with an appearance in the NYSPHSAA Section VI Class A Championship Game at Highmark Stadium, where they fell to McKinley High School, 38-14.
For many programs, a championship loss can set a team back. At Health Sciences Charter School, however, adversity is viewed as motivation rather than defeat. Winning is embedded in the culture of the program, which has already captured five Section VI championships throughout its history. Coaches and players see last season not as the end of a journey, but as another step toward future success. The school’s boys’ basketball program has developed a similar championship pedigree.
Also coached by Tyrie Parker, the Falcons finished the 2025 2026 season with an outstanding 18-3 overall record while going a perfect 12-0 in league play. Their dominant regular season earned them the No. 1 seed in the Section VI Class AAA playoffs.
Although the Falcons came up just short in the championship game, falling 61-55 to Jamestown High School, the future remains bright. The program returns much of its core talent while welcoming several promising newcomers through school enrollment, positioning the team for another championship run. Athletic excellence at Health Sciences Charter School extends well beyond football and boys’ basketball—girls’, boys’ wrestling, and co-ed sports are offered. With so many athletic opportunities available, families searching for a school that combines academics with competitive athletics should consider what Health Sciences Charter School has to offer.
Located at 1140 Ellicott Street in Buffalo, Health Sciences Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to preparing students for careers in the healthcare industry through rigorous academics, internships, and dual-enrollment college opportunities. Its location—less than a mile from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus—provides students with unique exposure to one of the region’s leading healthcare hubs.
The school’s mission is to provide hands-on learning experiences while addressing Western New York’s growing need for healthcare professionals. Combined with its strong athletic tradition, Health Sciences offers students opportunities to excel both academically and competitively.
As quickly as summer arrived, the 2026-2027 school year is just around the corner. If you have a child who dreams of competing in college athletics while receiving a quality education that prepares them for future careers, Health Sciences Charter School deserves serious consideration.
Year after year, the Falcons continue to prove that excellence isn’t just expected—it’s a way of life. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or on the court, Health Sciences Charter School continues to do BIG Health things—the Health Sciences way.