KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) have partnered to launch a new character and leadership program aimed at MSHSAA’s nearly 800 member junior high and high schools and more than 340,000 youth participants. The 5-Star Leadership School Banner Program and Kit, based on the NAIA’s Champions of Character curriculum, is designed to create character-driven athletics and activities programs – one student, one parent and one coach at a time. The initiative will be underwritten by Musco Sports Lighting. 

“We are excited about this partnership with the Champions of Character program. Based on the feedback we have already received from some of our member schools, we feel this is going to be a very popular program,” said Dr. Kerwin Urhahn, MSHSAA executive director. “We have had several members take part in our MSHSAA Leadership School program for the past 10 years. With the combination of this partnership and new program, we hope to continue promoting the value of sportsmanship, team play and personal excellence while developing students who make positive contributions – on the court, in the classroom and around the community.”

The 5-Star Leadership School Banner Program and Kit will address the essential knowledge and skills needed to develop leaders and character-driven athletics and activities programs. The kit, which includes a Champions of Character DVD, will introduce a range of topics to athletes, activities participants, parents and coaches to promote a positive high school experience.

“This program has the power to shape the lives and bring about positive experiences for Missouri high school students involved in sport and extra curricular activities,” said Jim Carr, NAIA president and CEO. “By participating in this character initiative MSHSAA members have the opportunity to use the power of sport and activity to teach life lessons, reach more students, coaches and parents, and above all, enrich and change lives.” 

The Champions of Character process believes that sport and other high school activities provide great coachable moments that are transferable from the sideline to the sidewalk. These activities, if done right, can foster an environment that builds leaders and a sense of self-worth. 

MSHSAA, the NAIA and Musco Sports Lighting will offer all Missouri high schools the opportunity to win the Champions of Character MSHSAA 5-Star Leadership School Banner Award. This annual award consists of a championship banner to hang in a gymnasium, a digital banner to post on a website and extensive community recognition for each high school award recipient.

To win the award a high school must do the following: A student representative and faculty member must attend the MSHSAA Sportsmanship Summit; A school must acquire 105 or more points on the MSHSAA Leadership School checklist during the academic year; All coaches must complete the online Champions of Character training course; An athletics administrator must attend the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association’s spring meeting; All athletic and activities participants, parents and coaches must watch the Champions of Character DVD during the academic year. 

At a time when sport and society are experiencing increasingly abhorrent behavior the NAIA, MSHSAA and Musco see a tremendous need to supplement character development in high school sports and other activities. The 5-Star Leadership School Banner Program and Kit will recognize and reward schools dedicated to leadership and character development.

“Musco Lighting is pleased to partner with the MSHSAA and the NAIA on a program that promises to make a positive difference in the competitive experiences of many young Missouri athletes,” added Dave Ostlund, Partnership Program Manager for Musco Lighting.  

To learn more about this program contact the Kathy Busch, NAIA Champions of Character at 816-595-8101 or kbusch@naia.org.

NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org.

MSHSAA
The MSHSAA promotes the value of participation, sportsmanship, team play, and personal excellence to develop citizens who make positive contributions to their community and support the democratic principles of our state and nation. To learn more visit www.mshsaa.org.

Musco Sports Lighting
Whatever your sports or event lighting need, Musco Lighting has the solution. A leader in developing sports-lighting technology — including solutions for permanent and temporary lighting, and sports facility management — Musco offers innovative systems, a comprehensive package of services and decades of experience. To learn more visit www.musco.com.