A student's performance in the classroom is more important than performance on the field. It's the very reason why most schools have rules governing academic eligibility for players. Yet, while athletes are rewarded for their on-field exploits by naming them to "All" teams, we also honor those who succeed in the classroom on "All-Academic" teams.

The Citizenship Through Sports Alliance suggests that you begin an "All-Student Community" Team, designed to honor young people who more than make the grade as students and citizens. This third major activity again heightens awareness of your program and raises the citizenship consciousness of the community.

Soliciting Nominees

Make this as public a process as possible: a ballot appearing in the local newspaper; through radio and television PSAs; forms mailed directly to school administrators and the local business community; ballots distributed at community-based and civic organization sites; and, perhaps through the local Chamber of Commerce.

Selecting the Recipients

Those selected need not be athletes; indeed, this honor is meant for individuals who embrace the full meaning of citizenship, including academics and perhaps sports. We suggest that you follow (or modify) the following criteria for nomination and selection:

• A minimum grade point average of 80 percent or 2.75, and documentation by school officials that the student meets the minimum GPA as determined by the Citizenship Team



• A demonstrated, outstanding commitment to the community by consistent acts of volunteerism



• A letter of nomination that details the person's contributions and commitment to the community, with appropriate information/material to provide verification of the student's involvement

Form a committee consisting of eight individuals from the following categories: educator, coach, corporate business person, law enforcement, non-profit executive, senior citizen, retail business person, and healthcare executive. Ask them to score the nominees, on a 10-point system, based on the following factors:

• Intensity of commitment to the community
• Length of commitment
• Academic achievement

Honorees are those who score the highest in each of the age-group categories. Recipients should be publicized in the local media and presented with a plaque honoring their selection to the "All-Student Community Team." Additionally, consider awarding each nominee with a certificate that recognizes they were nominated and considered for the award.

Length of the Process

It is suggested that you begin the nomination process in January, selecting and informing recipients in April, and publicizing the honorees shortly thereafter. Use the media to help get appropriate publicity for this activity.