“We are excited to kick off the fourth annual Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, our signature spirit event that harnesses the power of our three businesses–BSN Sports, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones–to build relationships, provide a sense of belonging and help forge common bonds that, ultimately, improve the lives of students and build stronger communities,” said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. “In turn, students benefit from greater self-confidence and motivation in today’s schools. We are proud that The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards have emerged as the definitive platform for recognizing the exceptional students, faculty and administration across the country who build spirit and pride while serving as the everyday heroes in our communities.”
Research has affirmed a direct connection between school spirit, community and school involvement, academic achievement and self-confidence. According to a Harris Poll and subsequent white paper, four out of five high school principals believe that school spirit is a key measure of an effective school administration and 92 percent feel that school spirit is tied to student achievement.
The 2019 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards will consist of 25 categories with $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 grand prize for America’s Most Spirited High School and $3,000 for each category winner. Submissions for the Spirit Leader Award category will be open from November 26 – December 7, 2018. All other categories will open on January 9-22, 2019.
The categories include:
- America’s Most Spirited High School (Grand Prize)
- Athlete
- Athletic Director
- Athletic Trainer
- Choir
- Coach
- Community Service Project
- Game Day Experience
- Graduation
- Mascot
- Pep Band
- Principal
- School Counselor
- School Tradition
- Spirit of Inclusion
- Spirit Leader – Cheer & Dance
- Spirit of Sportsmanship
- Spirit of St. Jude
- Staff Member
- Student
- Student Government
- Superintendent
- Teacher
- Team Manager
- Yearbook
Learn more about the various awards here. Entrants must be nominated by a student, colleague or community member and submissions must include a short essay outlining why the nominee is deserving of this award, one letter of recommendation and a photo demonstrating the nominee’s work.
The $25,000 grand prize award, America’s Most Spirited High School, honors one high school that demonstrates unparalleled school spirit and community pride. All category finalists are invited to participate in the ultimate celebration of school spirit—the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Show—taking place May 11, 2019 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, where winners will be revealed and honored for their achievements.
