BLANCA — The Colorado High School Activities Association and Sierra Grande Athletic Director Eric Flores announced on Thursday that six participants from the Volleyball team have been named to the Academic All-State teams. CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blandford-Green has verified that four were named to the first team and two to the second team.
The student-athletes received honors for excellence in the classroom as well as accomplishments on the volleyball court. Of those recipients, senior Nina Vigil (3.61), junior Abby Corona (3.82), junior Brooke Paine (3.75) and junior Annahy Quezada (3.71), earned First Team honors, while senior Jannelle Aguilar (3.54) and Abigail Lippus (3.47) earned Honorable Mention recognition.

First Team honors are given to those student athletes with 3.60 or higher grade point average. Students with grade point averages 3.30 to 3.59 earned honorable mention.

Each student receives a certificate in acknowledgement of her accomplishments.
Now in its 22nd year, the Academic All-State program has recognized thousands of students throughout the state during all three seasons of the year.

“The Academic All-State program continues to showcase the impressive students we have in our programs. This program is one of just a few that honors those special individuals who have succeeded in the classroom, as well as in their chosen activities.”

“We know through a myriad of research that those students who participate in high school activities are more likely to remain in school, miss fewer days and enjoy greater success in life. A Colorado study shows that the average participant in our state holds a 3.06 grade point average. Interscholastic activities are a critical ingredient in the education of our young people,” the Commissioner added.

To earn Academic All-State status, a student must be a significant contributor on her athletic team, or a major contributor in her activity; meet specific academic criteria of the program; be a participant in one or more CHSAA-sanctioned activities; and be a junior or senior in academic standing.