Briarcliff Manor School District Athletic Director Christos Drosopoulos did not grow up in a sports-focused household. Nevertheless, the same values that are a part of playing a team sport – positive attitude, integrity, respect and character – were instilled in him.
It is those very same values that have recently led to his receiving the Orlando Ciraco Memorial Service Award.
The award is given each year to a person who best exemplifies the qualities in which Mr. Ciraco demonstrated in his professional life. Mr. Drosopoulos was selected as this year’s recipient after a unanimous vote by the Executive Committee of the Westchester County Baseball Umpires Association (WCBUA).
“Your contributions to your Briarcliff Athletic Department are evident…your teams have always played with enthusiasm and great sportsmanship,” said WCBUA Executive Board Secretary/Treasurer Dave Greiner, in a letter to Mr. Drosopoulos. “Your support of Section One Athletics and all officiating groups has benefited all involved…through your efforts we have fostered a positive relationship with Briarcliff.”
Mr. Drosopoulos, who said he feels humbled by this recognition, said that his early years growing up have prepared him for his role as Athletic Director at the district.
“Even though the word ‘sports’ wasn’t part of our lexicon at home, I learned from my parents that being a good person never has an expiration date,” he said.
Those values played a role during his high school and college years, where Mr. Drosopoulos served in numerous leadership positions, both on and off the field. He continues to display those values today, both at home and at Briarcliff.
“I try to instill those values to “my children” in the district, and to my own children at home,” he said. “We have a culture of good sportsmanship at the school, and our sports programs emphasize character, integrity, respect, teamwork and positive attitudes both on and off the field.
“Hall of Fame basketball player Grant Hill said, ‘Guard your integrity – only you can give it away.’ I think about this every day,” he added.
According to Mr. Drosopoulos, Briarcliff District encourages athletes to support one another, remain positive during challenges and celebrate effort and improvement as much as victories.
“Positivity and good sportsmanship are a key part of the Briarcliff culture,” he said. “Whether through athletics, academics, or student-led initiatives, students are encouraged to build up others. Briarcliff Athletics helps students develop not only as athletes but also as leaders, teammates and responsible members of the community. These lessons extend far beyond the scoreboard and prepare students for success throughout their lives.”
Mr. Drosopoulos credits the relationships he has formed in the district as the main thing that has helped him during his close to three decades at Briarcliff.
“Relationships are critical for me – with students, coaches, physical education staff, parents, teachers and administration,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without my team and colleagues: Superintendent Dr. Jim Kaishian, Principal Diana Blank, Assistant Principal Danny Goldberg, Nurse Laura Jagielski, my assistant Steve Shaffer, Athletics Assistant Skip Stevens, Athletic Trainer Khiray Bautista and Head of Security Mike Toolan. We have a family atmosphere here and are supportive of each other.
