LA PORTE CITY- For the first time in school history, all 20 Union High School extracurricular teams earned academic recognition for their combined grade point averages.

The awards recognize students in grades 9-12, including team managers, for academic achievement during the season in which they participate. Teams can earn either an Excellence Award or a Distinguished Award based on their collective GPA.

Several programs achieved the highest team GPAs in their histories, including girls track (3.83), girls tennis (3.92), football (3.14), and girls wrestling (3.57).

“Having every team and activity earn academic recognition is an outstanding accomplishment for our Knights,” Superintendent John Howard said. “These awards show that our students are committed to excellence both in the classroom and through their extracurricular involvement. We are proud of the effort they put forth every day.”

Teams receiving Distinguished Awards included girls track, girls tennis, girls soccer, boys track, boys tennis, softball, baseball, volleyball, girls cross country, football cheer, girls basketball, boys basketball, girls wrestling, and boys wrestling.

Girls golf, boys golf, boys cross country, football, and basketball cheer received Excellence Awards.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, advisors, and families,” athletic director Michael Bruns said. “Their ability to balance academics and activities continues to set a high standard for our school.”

The district will calculate GPAs for spring and summer 2025-26 activities after all seasons are complete. Those teams will be recognized during the 2026-27 school year.