Colorado University Athletics

Eighth 2010-11 Winning Attitude Recipient Announced

Eighth 2010-11 Winning Attitude Recipient Announced
Related Links

BOULDER - Qwest, FSN Rocky Mountain and the University of Colorado have named Cheyenne Mountain Junior High (Colorado Springs, Colo.) eighth grader Kristina Shonkwiler the eighth Winning Attitude award winner.  Winners are selected from a pool of written essays submitted by middle school students explaining how their winning attitude made a difference in their communities.  

Shonkwiler, spearheaded and implemented an anti-bullying program at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High called "Band Around Sevies" which intended to reduce bullying aimed at seventh graders.  Shonkwiler presented the campaign to her fellow eighth grade classmates.  All but four eighth graders signed an anti- bullying pledge and agreed to wear an anti-bullying wristband.  The school's principal estimates incidents of bullying are down more than 60% from last year.   Shonkwiler states, "By participating in "Band Around Sevies" some of the bullies have discovered that kind part of themselves and are sharing it with others.  I feel proud knowing "Band Around Sevies" will continue to make our school a safe haven of understanding, acceptance and learning."

Shonkwiler and her classmates will be honored at halftime of the CU men's basketball game vs. Longwood on Sunday, December 19.   The game tips-off at 2 p.m. on FSN Rocky Mountain.

This is the fifth year Qwest, FSN and CU have come together to honor middle school students around Colorado for the differences they make in their communities by providing outstanding efforts in sportsmanship, community involvement and teamwork.  Two more winners will be chosen and recognized at the CU men's basketball games against Oklahoma State and Iowa State.  Time is running out but essays are still being accepted.

One grand prize winner will be selected among the 10 winning entrants and will receive the opportunity to host a school-wide pep rally emceed by an on-air talent from FSN Rocky Mountain.  CU coaches and student-athletes will speak at the pep rally while the CU cheerleaders and pep band will be on hand to perform.  The grand prize winner receives an additional $2,500 contribution from Qwest for their school.  Middle school students should visit www.CUBuffs.com/winningattitude to submit a story about their winning attitude.