This week, three high school state championship teams were honored with Spirit of the Springs Awards: the Air Academy High School Marching Band, the Cheyenne Mountain High School Girls Volleyball team, and the Doherty High School Girls Volleyball team.
The Air Academy Marching Band earned its third consecutive state championship (eighth overall) and was named the regional “Grand Champion” at an event held in New Mexico. This was the band’s twelfth Grand Championship in the last decade. Congratulations to band director Stoney Black and the 157 students in the marching band!

Mayor Bach, Councilwoman Angela Dougan, and Donna Nelson present the Spirit of the Springs Award to Band Director Stoney Black and students

Members of the state champion Air Academy Marching Band watch the Spirit of the Springs Award presentation
The Cheyenne Mountain Girls Volleyball team won its fifth consecutive 4A state championship. Three members of this squad have already committed to playing college volleyball. This marks the 77th state championship for the school, which is third most all-time in the history of Colorado. The Girls Volleyball team was recently inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Coach Dave Barkley and the 2012 4A Girls Volleyball state champions!
The Doherty Girls Volleyball team won the 5A state championship for the first time since 2003. They finished the season with an undefeated 29-0 record and were ranked #6 in the nation. The students also excelled in the classroom, compiling an average team GPA of 3.86. Congratulations to Coach Tara Hittle and the 2012 Girls Volleyball State Champions!






