The Alta Hawks have soared onto Utah’s list of five-star schools with five-star fans. 

Alta has received FIVE STAR Sportsmanship honors as part of the Utah High School Activities Association’s “Raise-the-Bar: Sportsmanship Matters” program. The program recognizes schools’ continued successful efforts to exhibit sportsmanship in the stands by embracing the values of personal responsibility, honesty, integrity, leadership, respect and teamwork when cheering for the home team. The UHSAA also provided the recognition to Brighton, Hillcrest and Jordan high schools. 

CSD schools have made a concerted effort to promote sportsmanship among spectators as part of the districtwide implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bob Dowdle, who oversees CSD schools.

“Canyons District holds the UHSAA’s FIVE STAR award in high esteem, and we thank the UHSAA for recognizing sportsmanship efforts in the Brighton, Jordan and Hillcrest communities,” Dr. Dowdle said. “We’re proud of the schools for their continued focus on positive behaviors in all aspects of the educational experience, and are especially proud of the students for choosing to be positive spectators and supporters of the home team. Their behavior truly helps to create a safe and welcoming place for peers and all those who visit our campuses.”

Under the program, schools apply to earn one star each year for exemplary sportsmanship. Applications are reviewed by the UHSAA’s Sportsmanship Committee, which determines whether schools meet specific sportsmanship criteria. Earned stars are placed on the school’s sportsmanship banner, which is displayed in the school.

The program, now in its fifth year, is part of the UHSAA’s efforts to focus on new ways to improve sportsmanship at competitive events statewide, including the Dare2Lead Student Leadership Conference and the policy, “‘Do Rowdy Right’ – Cheer for Your Team and NOT Against Your Opponent.”