Varsity Brands has officially opened submissions for the fourth annual 2019 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, which honor those in America’s high schools who are making an impact to build school pride and community spirit. 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 Spirt Awards close on January 22, 2019. Category finalists will be announced on February 1.
“As the extracurricular partner to schools across the country, Varsity Brands’ three businesses – BSN SPORTS, Varsity Spirit, and Herff Jones – play a leading role fostering the unmistakable 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.”
“The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards highlight the many ways that spirit inspires and connects communities, and it serves as a platform to recognize the unsung heroes in America’s schools — the students, faculty, and administrators across the country who make a difference at their school through spirit,” added Nicole Lauchaire, Executive Director of the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards. “School spirit manifests itself in a wide variety of ways and ultimately serves as a source of inspiration to improve performance in schools.”
The 2019 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 – Grand Prize
• Athlete
• Athletic Director
• Athletic Trainer
• Choir
• Coach
• Community Service Project
• Game Day Experience – *NEW Category
• Graduation
• Mascot
• Pep Band
• Principal
• School Counselor
• School Tradition
• Spirit Leader – Cheer & Dance
• Spirit of Inclusion
• Spirit of Sportsmanship
• Spirit of St. Jude – *NEW Category
• Student
• Student Government
• Superintendent
• Teacher
• Team Manager
• Yearbook
Two awards have already been announced for 2019. The Spirit Leader Award for Cheer was awarded to Cleburne County High School from Heflin, Alabama, and the Spirit Leader Award for Dance was awarded to West Bend East High School from West Bend, Wisconsin.
Learn more about the various award categories in 2019. The submission process is a free and simple 3-step process. Submissions must include a 500-word essay outlining why the nominee is deserving of this award, one letter of recommendation, two photos highlighting school spirit and other optional supporting materials demonstrating the nominee’s work.
The $25,000 grand prize award, America’s Most Spirited High School, 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.”
To learn more about the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, visit www.varsitybrands.com.
Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN Sports, Varsity Spirit, and Herff Jones.
