It is our tradition, as we come to the end of the year to honor those that have exemplified the six pillars of character embodied in the AIA’s Pursuing Victory with Honor (PVWH).  Established in 2000, these six pillars include: trustworthiness, fairness, responsibility, respect, caring and citizenship. PVWH has been introduced, promoted and embodied in the athletics and activities programs throughout or state. More than a handshake at the end of a game or a jab if someone thinks the other team cheated, it is truly centered on PURSUING victory.
This year we honored coaches, officials, administrators, schools and students at the AIA Champions Luncheon. Some of the honorees had won state titles but many had not. They were honored because they embodied the ideals of a Champion, one who strives with character and great effort. It is this perspective that the AIA continues to promote, not the “win at all cost” attitude. If you think about it, where do kids learn to cheat? Who do they learn to cheat from? Why do they learn to cheat?  Society has taken quotes and changed them to promote “the win at all cost attitude”… e.g. “winning isn’t everything it is the only thing” Unfortunately this is what is remembered as opposed to the actual quote from Coach Lombardi, “winning is not everything-but making the effort to win is”.
As we look to next year, we congratulate the seniors who are going on to college, the workforce and/or serving our country. Whatever they do, it is our goal that the lessons they learned provide a framework to be responsible, caring, trustworthy, fair, respectful, caring citizens. Not all of our students will be receiving athletic scholarships.   Some say that the more Arizona athletes we have getting athletic scholarships is good for the State, while that is certainly a positive,  I  suggest that the more students we have from our state becoming leaders and people of character, staying or leaving, is what is good for AZ. Although not every student was recognized for their athletic talents through medals and trophies, all students, coaches, sponsors, schools and communities that developed Champions in life must be recognized. Below are those that the AIA recognized on May, 16, 2011. Congratulations to all of the AIA Champions and all those that put forth the effort of a champion this past year whether on the field, the pitch, the gym but more importantly in the classroom and the community.
2010-2011 AIA Champions
Leadership in Girls’/Women’s Athletics Award:

• Theresa Kelton, Mogollon HS

Tony Komadina Award:

• 1A/2A/3A recipient – Blue Ridge HS
• 4A/5A recipient – Mountain View Marana HS

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 1A-3A Girl’s Scholar Activity Award:

• Hannah Robb, Desert Christian HS – recipient

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 1A-3A Boy’s Scholar Activity Award:

• Scott Waller, Desert Christian HS – recipient

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 4A/5A Girl’s Scholar Activity Award:

• Hannah Begley, Mountain View Mesa HS – recipient
• Michaela Squire, Verrado HS – finalist

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 4A/5A Boy’s Scholar Activity Award:

• Kenneth Mai, Mountain View Mesa HS – recipient

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 1A-3A Girl’s Scholar Athlete Award:

• Courtney Samudio, Northwest Christian HS – recipient
• Sara Ellenberger, Horizon Honors HS – finalist

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 1A-3A Boy’s Scholar Athlete Award:

• Kory Koerperich, Holbrook HS – recipient
• Sean Peters, Yuma Catholic HS – finalist

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 4A/5A Girl’s Scholar Athlete Award:

• Sarah Hanson, Westwood HS – recipient
• Jenna Makis, Pinnacle HS – finalist
• Sheridan Myers, Mountain View Mesa HS – finalist

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy 4A/5A Boy’s Scholar Athlete Award:

• Ross Carlton, Lake Havasu HS – recipient
• Deion Giddens, Willow Canyon HS – finalist
• Mark Mazzucco, Mountain View Mesa HS – finalist

AIA Pursuing Victory with Honor – Official of the Year:

• Dennis Meadows

AIA Pursuing Victory with Honor – Administrator of the Year:

• Michael Sterkowitz, Joseph City HS

AIA Pursuing Victory with Honor – Coach of the Year:

• Joe McDonald, Boulder Creek HS

Special Olympics Unified Sports Nick Sundberg Award:

• Partner – Anthony Eberhardt, Raymond S. Kellis HS
• Athlete – Abel Johnson, Coconino HS

AIA Pursuing Victory with Honor – Female Student of the Year:

• Lauren Lazo, Cactus Shadows HS

AIA Pursuing Victory with Honor – Male Student of the Year:

• Riley Mawson, Miami HS

AIA Champions Award – Presented by Farmers Insurance:

• Kukulski Brothers

AIA Directors’ Cup:

• 1A/2A/3A recipient – Blue Ridge HS
• 4A/5A recipient – Nogales HS