Colorado University Athletics
2010-11 Winning Attitude Grand Prize Recipient Announced
BOULDER - Qwest, FSN Rocky Mountain and the University of Colorado have named Cheyenne Mountain Junior High (Colorado Springs, Colo.) eighth grader Kristina Shonkwiler as the 2010-11 grand prize recipient of the Winning Attitude award. Shonkwiler was selected from a group of 10 finalists who submitted stories explaining how their winning attitude made a difference in their communities.
As the grand prize winner, Shonkwiler earned a school-wide pep rally for Cheyenne Mountain Junior High. In April, the rally will be 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. Cheyenne Mountain Junior High will receive a $2,500 contribution from Qwest, in addition to the $1,000 Qwest presented to the school when Shonkwiler became a finalist.
Shonkwiler showed her Winning Attitude by spearheading and implementing an anti-bullying program at CMJH 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 Dr. Lori Smith estimates incidents of bullying are down more than 60% from last year and commented, "One should never underestimate the power of kids to create solutions to problems in our schools and communities. One student can make a difference. I feel proud knowing "Band Around Sevies" will continue to make our school a safe haven of understanding, acceptance and learning."
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. Ten winning entrants and their classmates earned a trip to either a CU football or basketball game along with a $1,000 contribution for their school from Qwest.
The 2010-11 Winning Attitude finalists were Shonkwiler, Shaye Evans (Evergreen Middle School; Evergreen), Joseph Krafsur (Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School; Fort Collins), Jaden Peacock (Mancos Middle School; Mancos), Cora Enterline (Casey Middle School; Boulder), Josh Bulawa (Sierra Middle School; Parker), Laura Garcia (Centennial K-8; Denver), Kylie Bunker (Windsor Middle School; Windsor), Lucy Lawrence (Powell Middle School; Littleton) and Brenna Costello (Louisville Middle School; Louisville).