Highland High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Brandon Larson has been named the AD of the Year for the Class 6A Fiesta Region.

This recognition is determined by a ballot distributed by 6A conference leadership with the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, where athletic directors within each region cast their votes for a deserving peer.

"To have your peers recognize you for the work that you’ve done is an incredible honor," Larson said.

The AD role at a high school encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the recruitment of coaches, ensuring athlete eligibility, organizing athletic events, managing transfer processes, coordinating travel and providing support to students facing challenges, among other responsibilities.

"It's a fun job that’s always changing," Larson said. "It’s like a huge jigsaw puzzle that I get to put together."

A significant aspect of the athletic director’s role involves shaping the culture within the school's athletic programs.

Larson regularly meets with the coaching staff to discuss and reinforce the established Highland High culture. These interactions aim to ensure a consistent understanding and application of these values.

The guiding principle at Highland High extends beyond just winning. The focus is on fostering the development of well-rounded individuals, with athletic success viewed as a positive outcome of strong character.

This philosophy is embodied in the "Elite Hawks, Elite Purpose" framework. ELITE represents being Enthusiastic about everything students do, demonstrating Love through unselfishness and care for others, maintaining Integrity, exhibiting Toughness or courage and practicing these principles consistently Everyday.

The overarching goal for Highland High athletics is to equip students with valuable life skills that extend beyond the sports arena.

"We want our students to leave Highland High with quality character," Larson said. "We try to do much more than teach our students sports. We want them to be successful in all areas of their lives."