Every high school athletic association emphasizes and
teaches sportsmanship, but we needed to do more. This program made a significant impact in our state by tackling the problem at its root by teaching children, parents and coaches what is  expected of them on the playing field and in the stands.
Dan Washburn | Former Executive Director of the AHSAA and President of the National Federation of High Schools Board of   Directors

We are very happy to be involved with Learning Through
Sports and the STAR program. Our concern is to change
student-athletes’ behavior in a positive way, and we think
this is aiding our emphasis on improving sportsmanship.”
Steve Savarese | Executive Director, AHSAA

Finally - a program that teaches critical thinking skills
that form the basis for improvement in attitudes and behaviors of student-athletes, fans, coaches, and parents. When elementary students get up to speak to a crowd like they did today about  how they’ve learned to cope with day-to-day problems like bullying, you know they’ve been impacted, and you know they’ve learned a lesson for life,” said Sen.
Videt Charmicael | Senate Education Committee Chairman (at the 2008 Mississippi STAR Sportsmanship Banquet).

Sportsmanship awareness [used to be] me standing in front
of a crowd preaching what to do and what not to do. [STAR is] unlike anything else. It’s an interactive game that not only addresses sportsmanship but it's good for decision making and [learning] how to treat other people."
Jason Zimmerman | Director of Athletics and Student Activites at Northwestern Lehigh School District (Pennsylvania).

Our first priority must be to develop good citizens for
the future. We can accomplish that by continuing to emphasize the importance of teaching character and integrity to our students and fans. Already, the STAR program is helping thousands of students in our participating schools become good sports and good citizens.
Dr. Ennis H. Proctor | Executive Director of the MS High School Athletic Association

STAR Sportsmanship gives coaches a great resource to teach  players how to be good sports.
Grant Teaff | Executive Director, American Football Coaches Association

We’ve cut our ejections 35-40 percent already in our fall sports [using the STAR program]...We believe that students who learn to respect themselves and others will be better leaders for our communities and the state. 99 percent of the coaches are supportive of STAR. They’ve been very accepting of the program, and I feel certain that it’s making a positive impact on the field. – Dr. Ennis Proctor, Executive | Director, MHSAA

This is a long-term investment in our youth that will effect positive change in behaviors on the playing field and in
the classroom. STAR teaches our children the decision-making skills they need to be better sports and avoid steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.” - Dr. William Farney |  Executive Director, University Interscholastic League (U of Texas, Austin)

STAR Sportsmanship gets to the root of the [problem with
steroid] abuse by proactively addressing attitudes and behaviors through education, not just testing and punishment.
Charles Breithaupt | Assistant Director and Athletic Director,
UIL.

Everyone knows that athletes usually imitate the
behavior and characteristics of their coaches. When coaches
demonstrate and stress good sportsmanship, students usually follow. That is why STAR Sportsmanship being in every school is so critical.
Dr. Joe Morton | AL State Superintendent of Education

My only complaint was that we did not get the material until after Christmas, and I wish we had it around September so we could start early. I will say that our average score went up 15 points after the children went through the STAR website. The children were asking to go back to the website during their free computer time. They really loved it. I now have children reminding other children who are not doing the right thing that they are not being a good sport.
Sylvia Callaway | Midfield Elementary, Midfield City School

Thank you for allowing us to participate in the STAR Program. We refer to the STAR topics during "teachable moments" to help us with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. We try to reinforce the idea that these valuable principles will be needed throughout life, not just in athletics. As a result, the students are thinking more about cause and effect, and good behavior is on the rise. Hopefully, this will translate into better test scores. This is a wonderful program, and I would recommend it for all grade levels!
Rita Buckner | Flat Rock Elementary, Jackson County Schools

The STAR Sportsmanship program is a great addition to our school's character education program. I believe our students think more about the other person's point of view before reacting to a situation. They have also discovered that there is more than one way to respond to a situation.
Shannon Brandt | Wrights Mill Road Elementary, Auburn City Schools

Before this program, my students were "bad sports". Many would have negative attitudes and remarks to say to each other. Since they have gone through STAR, I have witnessed remarkable changes. The children come back and tell the other team "good game" or "better luck next time". The best part is observing them give each other hi-five and handshakes.
Sandra Rolley | Midfield Elementary, Midfield City Schools

STAR Sportsmanship is an excellent program. It combines listening skills with activities. My children really enjoyed the activities. I can really see a difference in my children's behavior. They now think before they react to certain situations. Thank you so very much for allowing us to participate in this program.
Ta'Sheda Dunklin | Peterson Elementary, Montgomery County Schools

This program was great, especially the Internet portion. The students really try to improve and monitor their own behavior. This program has really helped with behavior problems in my class. I believe the students scores were high because it was a program the students actually enjoyed doing. It was fun and very kid friendly.
Jamie Moore | Monroeville Middle School, Monroe County Schools