With the cancellation of the remainder of the school year and recommendations to avoid large gatherings, The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) will hold its annual Champions Gala presented by the Arizona Cardinals and Albertsons-Safeway, virtually on May 15 at 6 p.m.

Each year, the AIA Champions Gala is held to honor outstanding achievements by players, coaches, teachers, administrators and schools throughout Arizona. These honorees are also recognized for exemplifying trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship on and off the field. Student nominees are graduating seniors, who have participated in AIA interscholastic activities for at least two years, have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above, and have demonstrated good citizenship. From the 18 nominees, two students -- one boy and one girl -- will be chosen as Student of the Year. Each will receive a $5,000 cash scholarship grant sponsored by Albertsons-Safeway and the Arizona Cardinals.

“We felt that holding this event virtually was important, especially for our seniors. So many of them have had events canceled, many that they had looked forward to for many years. We wanted to make sure that these exemplary young people had the chance for scholarships and recognition. We are thankful for our partners and sponsors for making this happen,” said AIA executive director, David Hines.

The event will be produced by the Arizona Cardinals, sponsored by Albertsons-Safeway and supported by media partner Channel 12. The event will be broadcast live at AZPreps365.com by clicking here.