Colorado University Athletics

Sixth 2011-12 Winning Attitude Recipient Announced

Sixth 2011-12 Winning Attitude Recipient Announced
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BOULDER - CenturyLink, ROOT SPORTS and the University of Colorado have named Platt Choice Middle School (Boulder, Colo.) eighth grader Matthew Moniz the sixth Winning Attitude award recipient of 2011-12.  Winners are selected from a pool of written essays submitted by Colorado middle school students explaining how their winning attitude has made a difference in their communities.  

Moniz demonstrates his winning attitude by sharing his passion for climbing with his peers to inspire them to be active.  Moniz has climbed four of the highest points on each continent, completed all U.S. High Points and in 2010 was named National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year.  In addition, Moniz raised $25,000 for the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Foundation (PAH) by climbing 14 14ers in eight days.  Complementing his physical accomplishments, Moniz is an Outdoor Nation Ambassador and has spoken to kids all over the country about his adventures to help inspire kids to get outside.  Moniz states, "Kids my age spend on average six hours a day in front of screens.  At this rate my generation will soon have little interest in creating new parks because they won't see any need."

Platt Choice Middle School teacher, Kelly Saalwachter adds, "Matt Moniz is a role model for people of all ages.  His adventurous spirit, outstanding attitude no matter the challenge, modesty, and inclusive leadership inspire all students and teachers in the CHOICE Program.  We are awed by his accomplishments, but even more, we are impressed by who he is as a human being." 

Moniz and his classmates will be honored at halftime of the Colorado vs. Idaho women's basketball game Sunday, December 4, with a noon tip-off time.

The Winning Attitude essay contest is back for the sixth consecutive year. The program has been developed and sponsored by CenturyLink and ROOT SPORTS in partnership with the University of Colorado to recognize Colorado middle school students that make a difference in their communities by providing outstanding efforts in sportsmanship, community involvement and teamwork.  Middle school students should visit www.CUBuffs.com/winningattitude to submit a story about their winning attitude.

Ten winning entrants and their classmates will earn:

  • Tickets to a CU home football game at Folsom Field or a CU home men's or women's basketball game at the Coors Events Center.  
  • Recognition at the CU game and a $1,000 contribution for their school from CenturyLink.
  • A chance to be selected as the GRAND PRIZE winner, with the opportunity to host a pep rally featuring an emcee from ROOT SPORTS, appearances by CU coaches, student-athletes, cheerleaders and pep band.  The GRAND PRIZE winner will also will receive an additional $2,500 contribution for their school from CenturyLink.