Varsity Brands, the parent of BSN Sports, Varsity Spirit, Band Herff Jones, has officially opened submissions for the third annual 2018 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, which recognize achievement and building community and school spirit across America’s high schools. A total of $100,000 will be awarded across 25 categories, including a $25,000 grand prize for America’s Most Spirited High School. Submissions for the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards close on January 23. Category finalists will be announced on February 7.
“As the extracurricular partner to schools across the country, Varsity Brands’ three businesses – BSN SPORTS, Varsity Spirit, and Herff Jones – recognize the strong connection between school spirit and student achievement,” said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. “We therefore encourage broad participation in the awards and are proud to celebrate front-runners in schools nationwide who inspire other students, faculty or community members by leading by example and sharing their school spirit.”
“School spirit is a key indicator of a positive high school experience – it demonstrates to students and staff the importance of team work and creates a social community, as well as a culture of engagement and achievement throughout America’s schools,” added Jeff Webb, Founder and Chairman of Varsity Brands. “The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards celebrate the most outstanding students, faculty, and administration across the country who prioritize school spirit as an essential part of their community.”
Drillstack, which offers an easy to use, effective option for coaches to work with their athletes to improve their training and track results, was recently named the exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the School Spirit Awards for the next three years. As part of the sponsorship, Drillstack will present the most prestigious award, America’s Most Spirited High School, at the awards ceremony on May 12, 2018, at the Walt Disney World ® Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The 2018 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards will consist of 25 awards, which will include a $25,000 Grand Prize for America’s Most Spirited High School and $3,000 for each category winner. This year’s categories include:
- America’s Most Spirited High School
- Most Spirited Athlete
- Most Spirited Team Manager
- Most Spirited Student
- Most Spirited Pep Band
- Most Spirited Choir
- Most Spirited Mascot
- Most Spirited Student Government
- Most Spirited Superintendent
- Most Spirited Principal
- Most Spirited Coach
- Most Spirited Athletic Director
- Most Spirited Teacher
- Most Spirited Athletic Trainer
- Most Spirited Staff Member
- Most Spirited School Counselor
- Most Spirited School Tradition
- Most Spirited Community Service Project
- Most Spirited Booster Club
- Most Spirited Yearbook
- Most Spirited Graduation
- Spirit of Inclusion Award
- Spirit of Sportsmanship Award
Two awards have already been announced for 2018. The American Spirit Leader Award for Cheer was awarded to San Clemente High School from San Clemente, California, and the American Spirit Leader Award for Dance was awarded to Rock Canyon High School from Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Click HERE to learn more about the various award categories. Submissions must include a 500-word essay outlining why the nominee is deserving of this award, one letter of recommendation, photos and other supporting materials demonstrating the nominee’s work.
The $25,000 grand prize award, America’s Most Spirited High School, presented by Drillstack, will honor one high school that demonstrates school spirit and community pride. To enter, schools must submit a 90-second video and an essay detailing the school’s “Spirit Story.” (Click HERE for submission details.)
