The Arizona Interscholastic Association honored the state’s brightest student athletes, coaches and administrators of 2015-16 during Monday’s annual AIA Champions Awards Luncheon at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The biggest prize, the Director's Cup, went to Ironwood Ridge of Tucson. The award is given to the school that did the best job of encouraging their students to focus on academic success and emphasized honor through selfless deeds and community service.

The percentage of a school’s student population participating in AIA activities, overall grade point average and implementation of the Victory with Honor program also helped select the school that received the Director's Cup trophy. Eleanor Ahlstrom of Buckeye High and Simon Zeng of Mesquite High received the next highest honor, AIA Students of the Year.

Each student athlete received a $5,000 scholarship check from Albertson’s Safeway representations near the end of Monday’s event.  

Tony Komadina Award for outstanding contributions in encouraging girls to participate in sports.

Buckeye Verrado.

Tony Komadina award for leadership in girls athletics.

Hamilton athletic director Sharon Vanis

Scholar Activity Awards

1A-3A Girls Scholar Activity: Rachel Sebald, Arizona Lutheran.

1A-3A Boys: Jack Martin.

4A-5A Girls: Livia Conlon, Sabino.

4A-5A Boys: Andrew Jenkins, Sabino.

Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy Scholar Athlete Awards (3.75 GPA or higher). These students participated in Arizona varsity sport for at least two years while demonstrating good community citizenship.

1A-3A girls:  Ruth Buchholz, Arizona Lutheran.

4A-5A girls: Makayla Filiere, Hamilton.

1A-3A boys: Jeremiah Loveall, Bagdad.

4A-5A boys: Weston Smith, Coconino.

Ira “Skip” Bryant media award winner

Oree Foster, Navajo Times.

Administrator of the Year

Pat Weber, athletic director Flowing Wells

Pursuing Victory With Honor Coach of the Year

1A-3A: Grant Hopkins, Desert Christian

4A-5A: Chris Hanson, Desert Vista

AIA Unified Sports Partner of the Year

Rachel Krause

Unified Sports Athlete of the Year

Marlen Chicharello, Ganado

Better Business Bureau Ethical Champion Award

Adrian Edwards III, Higley High

Dr. Harold Slemmer, the AIA’s executive director, also recognized the contributions of outgoing AIA executive board members, Joe Paddock, district athletic director of Amphitheater Unified District, and Lonnie Tvrdy, assistant principal and athletic director at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.