Aurora, Colo. - The Colorado High School Activities Association and John F. Kennedy High School has named 105 participants in the winter activities season Academic All-State teams. CHSAA Commissioner Bill Reader has announced that 13 students have earned first team or honorable mention recognition.

The 13 students received honors for excellence in the classroom as well as accomplishments in the activities arena. Of these recipients, 10 earned First Team honors, while an additional 3 earned Honorable Mention recognition.

First team honors are given to those students with 3.60 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher grade point average. Students with grade point averages 3.30 to 3.59 earned honorable mention recognition.

Each student receives a certificate in acknowledgement of his/her achievement.

Now in its 14 th year, the Academic All-State program has recognized thousands of students throughout the state in the three sports seasons.

"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 his/her athletic team, or a major contributor in his/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.

A complete list follows:

Winter 2007-2008 CHSAA Academic All State Team

Candelaria, Ian Wrestling 1 st Team

Mortimer, Lee Wrestling 1 st Team

Ipson, Allison Girls Swimming 1 st Team

Murphy, Megan Girls Swimming 1 st Team

Sherman, Kodi Girls Swimming 1 st Team

Reyes, Jose Boys Basketball 1 st Team

Ruybal, Dymond Girls Basketball 1 st Team

Ruybal, Janelle Girls Basketball 1 st Team

Leichtle, Jamee Girls Basketball Honorable Mention

Maestas, Sarah Girls Basketball Honorable Mention

Rabih, Dora Ali Girls Basketball 1 st Team

Gile, Jessica Girls Basketball 1 st Team

Mastache-Alarcon, Jessica Girls Basketball Honorable Mention