2023 Winners & Finalists
Congratulations to all of the winners & finalists of the 2023 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards. View the complete list of honorees below.
Grand Prize: America’s Most Spirited High School
WINNER – Vista Murrieta High School | Murrieta, CA
On the twentieth anniversary of Vista Murrieta High School, Broncos continue to keep school spirit at the heart of their mission as a school. Every Bronco commits his or herself to a motto of CLASS: Character, Leadership, Attitude, Scholarship, and Service. Within 101 clubs and organizations on campus, Broncos look inward to determine how their passions can serve VMHS. When they see where they can make an impact, they aim to serve. From the Bleacher Creatures at athletic events, to the Link Crew on campus, to community blood drives, to campus-wide efforts of hand making blankets for Project Linus, Bronco Students strive to not be an institution; they strive to be an energy, a pulse, a firing electric spark inhabiting every soul on campus. Vista Murrieta High School is not just an educational institution. It is an essential part of its community and the essence of spirit.
Finalists:
- Broken Arrow High School | Broken Arrow, OK
- Lake Howell High School | Winter Park, FL
- Perrysburg High School | Perrysburg, OH
- Saraland High School | Saraland, AL
- Vista Murrieta High School | Murrieta, CA
Athlete
WINNER – Kyle Hicks – Howard High School | Macon, GA
Kyle Hicks may be only a sophomore, but he’s already shown that he can excel in whatever he pursues. The Howard High School student is not only a multi-sport athlete in basketball and golf but stars outside of the court and course in AP classes and the Model UN. Kyle is a constant inspiration to his peers, encouraging them to give of themselves for the betterment of the team, whether it be sports, academics or extracurricular activities. His work ethic and enthusiasm in everything he does is contagious as he leads his peers by example and commands the respect of upperclassmen who know they can trust him. In addition to all of the things inside Howard HS Kyle is involved in, he also finds time to make his community better through his many volunteer projects, often encouraging fellow Huskies to join him in finding ways to help improve the lives of those around them.
Finalists:
- Carson Watters – Philip Simmons High School | Charleston, SC
- Elena Meader – Fuqua School | Farmville, VA
- Elizabeth Margolis – Rogers High School | Newport, RI
- Ella Pursley – Richmond Hill High School | Richmond Hill, GA
- Garrett Schmidt – Batavia High School | Batavia, NY
- Kyle Hicks – Howard High School | Macon, GA
- Maddax Peck – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
- Makayla Williams – Gallatin High School | Gallatin, TN
- Sutton Gore – Westminster Christian Academy | Huntsville, AL
- Zak Nelson – Salem Hills High School | Salem, UT
Athletic Director
WINNER – Scott Helms – Hartford Union High School | Hartford, WI
In the eight years Scott Helms has led the Hartford Union High School Athletic Department, he has transformed the Orioles on and off the court. Since joining HUHS, Scott has led the development of several major facilities projects and fundraising efforts that have helped student-athletes and coaches succeed. Beyond the leadership he provides in large-scale projects, Scott has emphasized the importance of Hartford Union giving back to the community. Through his innovative fundraising efforts, student-athletes have raised $6,000 annually to shop for underprivileged families in the district and $10,000 annually for the American Cancer Society through Coaches vs. Cancer. In addition, through the Orioloes H-Club, student-athletes volunteer at community events, ring bells for the Salvation Army, pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and provide leadership to K-8 districts. Giving back to the community is at the core of Scott’s belief of what it means to be a part of the HUHS community.
Finalists:
- Andrea Bouwhuis – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
- Dan Howey – Woodbury Junior-Senior High School | Woodbury, NJ
- Daniel Roan – Indiana Area Senior High School | Indiana, PA
- Emily Barkley – Union Public Schools | Tulsa, OK
- Jamie Williams – Windsor High School | Windsor, CA
- Latavia Coleman – Howard High School | Macon, GA
- Marcus Yanez – Richwood High School | Monroe, LA
- Nate Andrews – Olympic High School | Bremerton, WA
- Paul Rieser – Tacony Academy Charter High School | Philadelphia, PA
- Ryan McMillen – Muskego High School | Muskego, WI
- Scott Helms – Hartford Union High School | Hartford, WI
- Stacy Bennett – Richmond Hill High School | Richmond Hill, GA
- Steven Gunn – Rutland High School | Macon, GA
Coach
WINNER – Mike Goebel – Mater Dei High School | Evansville, IN
Mike Goebel’s story and the story of Mater Dei High School have been knitted together for the last 56 years. Mike began his life with Mater Dei as a two-sport high school athlete in the 1960s. After graduating in 1970, he returned to Evansville, Indiana, to serve as a full-time teacher and coach in 1975 and has been there ever since. Through the past 48 years, Mike has exemplified what it means to show the spirit of a coach, impacting the lives of countless students and student-athletes by teaching them lessons that go far beyond the classroom and the field of competition. At the core of Mike’s character is his servant attitude. As the ninth of 17 children, he quickly learned the importance of serving one another and has carried that with him to this day. Just as impressive as his success in teaching students off the field is the success he has achieved on it. Throughout his time at the helm of Mater Dei’s football and wrestling teams, he has won 14 total Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) state championships and coached 21 individual state champions in wrestling.
Finalists:
- Chris Russo – Monticello High School | Monticello, NY
- Coach Sato – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
- Damarrea Lewis – White Oak ISD | Big Sandy, TX
- Jaci Pippen – Jacksboro HS | Jacksboro, TX
- Jeff Klein – Loachapoka High School | Auburn, AL
- Jen Hughes – Salem Hills High School | Salem, UT
- Jennifer Cheatham – Martinsville High School | Martinsville, IN
- Keri Newton – Cherokee High School | Cherokee, AL
- Lisa Wheeler – Grassland Middle School | Franklin, TN
- Micah Kurtz – Windermere Prep School | Windermere, FL
- Mike Goebel – Mater Dei High School | Evansville, IN
- Nick Artigue – Ouachita Parish High School | Monroe, LA
- Nick Lebo – Stephen F. Austin High School | Austin, TX
- Sarah Chagnon – Gretna high School | Gretna, NE
- Taryn Witt – Brentsville District High School | Warrenton, VA
- Vicki Williams – Chapin High School | Chapin, SC
Game Day Experience
WINNER – Independence High School | Thompson’s Station, TN
The Game Day experience at Independence High School is the ultimate expression of student-led school spirit. The annually elected flag runners spearhead the game day experience by working directly with teachers, administrators and the student council for each event to coordinate a unique student section theme for each game and customized cheers and activities for pep rallies. Game days begin with music in the commons for students to build the hype before each game. By the end of 3rd period on game days, the band, cheer, dance and flag runners lead a student-wide pep rally that encourages everyone to come dressed for the specific theme for that game. Following the final bell, students prepare for the various pre-game activities, including the Indy Walk, which features the band, cheer and dance team leading the football team from the school through a crowd of fans to the locker room. The games are filled with chants, cheers, dances and songs, and the band only stops playing for cheerleaders, student chants and the Independence HS offense. This game day experience has created an incredible atmosphere at Independence games and knit the Eagle community together.
Finalists:
- Clovis East High School | Clovis, CA
- Gallatin High School | Gallatin, TN
- Independence High School | Thompson’s Station, TN
- Rutland High School | Macon, GA
Graduation
WINNER – Salem Hills High School | Salem, UT
At Salem Hills High School, nothing will stop the Skyhawks from celebrating graduation. In 2022, the SHHS baseball team was in the midst of an incredible run through the state tournament. After clinching a spot in the later stages of the tournament, the Skyhawks found out their next game time was at the same time as the school’s graduation. The athletic administrations at the school and state levels worked together to create a special ceremony for the seniors on the team that allowed them to play in their next game and have the unforgettable experience of graduating high school. The Salem Hills athletic director and coaching staff announced each graduating baseball player, handed out the diplomas and gave each player the chance to move their tassels before swapping their graduation uniforms for baseball uniforms and playing in the state tournament.
Finalists:
- Ada High School | Ada, OH
- Capistrano Valley High School | Mission Viejo, CA
- Gallatin High School | Gallatin, TN
- Rio Grande High School | Albuquerque, NM
- Rutland High School | Macon, GA
- Salem Hills High School | Salem, UT
- Santa Margarita Catholic High School | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Mascot
WINNER – Kaela Young – Bishop Gorman Catholic School | Tyler, TX
Kaela is a mascot for the Bishop Gorman Crusader community in and out of uniform and has brought the joy and zest she walks through life with into her role as “The Crusader.” Despite losing her father to a years-long battle with cancer in fourth grade, Kaela has always shown her leadership and spirit, no matter the situation. She is a three-time all-American mascot and has brought to life the joy of Bishop Gorman Catholic School through her creative and prop-laden routines at pep rallies, games and special events alike. During her time as The Crusader, Kaela has also shown her school and community pride out of the costume by co-chairing GIVE (Girls Invested in Volunteering Efforts), which is an organization of high school girls that fundraise and provide grants to local non-profits serving women and children. She also volunteers at the local food bank and is the “voice of Bishop Gorman,” presenting the schools’ daily announcements.
Finalists:
- Blaise Bittle – Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School | Oklahoma City, OK
- Dina Kinnune – Key West High School | Key West, FL
- Kaela Young – Bishop Gorman Catholic School | Tyler, TX
Performing Arts
WINNER – O’Fallon Township High School | O’Fallon, IL
The Marching Panthers of O’Fallon Township High School create one of the best home-field atmospheres of any high school across the nation. If the ball isn’t in play, there is a good chance you’ll hear music filling whatever stadium the Panthers are playing in to entertain students, parents and fans alike while cheering on their beloved OTHS football team. But it isn’t just at games that the Panther marching band makes itself heard. Several times a year the natives of O’Fallon hear the sweet tunes of Panther Pride during community events like CityFest, the Holiday Illuminated Parade and grand openings across the city. The bands’ semi-truck Big Blue is a recognizable icon on O’Fallon and lets fans know where the music is leading as it rolls down the city streets. The Marching Panthers are not just recognized in O’Fallon. Their performances are often rewarded with regional, state and national awards, including as a semi-finalist at the Bands of America Grand Nationals.
Finalists:
- Centralia High School | Centralia, IL
- Gallatin High School | Gallatin, TN
- North Allegheny High School | Cranberry Township, PA
- O’Fallon Township High School | O’Fallon, IL
- Revere High School | Richfield, OH
- Salem Hills High School | Salem, UT
- Webb School of Knoxville | Knoxville, TN
Principal
WINNER – Michael Howard – Lake Howell High School | Winter Park, FL
Principal Michael Howard is Lake Howell’s number one cheerleader, understanding the connection between school spirit and student achievement. His “students first” mentality has always been present and is a large part of who he is. Principal Howard makes a point to chat with his students and staff to learn more about them and their interests. Mr. Howard has been instrumental in Lake Howell’s programming including an AA Business program, a student-operated bank branch, and a cosmetology program. He not only supports school events, but also participates in pep rallies and school plays, and starred in video series called “All About Howard” and “Legends of Lake Howell” featuring prominent alumni. Principal Howard’s motto is that everyone should be “Preparing for Greatness”. He believes in Lake Howell’s students and teachers and reminds them regularly that there is greatness in all of them. Whether it is an athletic competition, performing arts show, or academic contest, he will be there cheering on HIS students.
Finalists:
- Chad Stone – Tift County High School | Tifton, GA
- Dan Lee – Ada High School | Ada, OH
- Erin Davis – Randolph-Henry High School | Charlotte Court House, VA
- Jeff Bell – Martinsville High School | Martinsville, IN
- John McCabe – Parkway West High School | Ballwin, MO
- Keith Green – Hemlock High School | Hemlock, MI
- Ken Carver – Muhlenberg High School | Greenville, KY
- Dr. LaToya Smith – Howard High School | Macon, GA
- Lewis Bradford – Northwest Rankin High School | Flowood, MS
- Michael Howard – Lake Howell High School | Winter Park, FL
- Robert Rasmussen – Ocean View High School | Huntington Beach, CA
- Ron Becker – Gallatin High School | Gallatin, TN
- Wendy Pooler – Rutland High School | Macon, GA
Spirit of St. Jude
WINNER – Los Alamitos High School | Los Alamitos, CA
No one fights alone; a motto that the Los Alamitos High School Song and Cheer program has adopted since joining the fight to end childhood cancer with St. Jude in 2018. After touring the St. Jude hospital in Memphis, TN, Coach Jennifer Ramirez felt a need to share St. Jude with her Spiritleaders. The team has been all in since day one, always thinking of new ways to reach more people and raise awareness. From participating in the St. Jude Walk, sending awareness letters to friends and family, and hosting a St. Jude Cheer and Dance Clinic for preschool through eighth-grade students, Spiritleaders are determined to make a difference in a child’s life. The cheer routine taught at the St. Jude Clinic is performed at the Los Alamitos St. Jude football game where the entire crowd is dressed in yellow shirts and the Spiritleaders and clinic participants wear yellow bows, hold up posters, and collect donations. The entire school participates in the week-long event leading up to the football game, including dress-out days, yellow ribbons, and fun activities to encourage donations. Since 2018, the Spiritleaders have donated over $50,000 to St. Jude and are determined to keep finding creative ways to raise awareness because no one should fight alone.
Finalists:
- Cherokee County School District | Canton, GA
- Los Alamitos High School | Los Alamitos, CA
Staff Member
WINNER – Alicia Peterson – Arapahoe High School | Centennial, CO
Alicia Peterson is the administrative assistant in the Activities Office at Arapahoe High School and is known and loved at her school for everything that she does. She is the gold standard for school spirit by dedicating herself to the students, staff, and community. Students and staff know that they can come to her because Alicia has an incredible quality of making anyone she talks to feel important. Not only does she wear several main hats for her job, but she also organizes the Toy Drive for socioeconomically disparate schools. Alicia coordinates the delivery of 1,000 toys, school supplies, hats, and gloves. In addition, she can often be seen helping with assemblies, athletic events, and staff wellness opportunities. At Arapahoe High School, “Warriors always take care of one another”, and Alicia lives and breathes that motto each and every day.
Finalists:
- Alice Lauderdale – Gallatin High School | Gallatin, TN
- Alicia Peterson – Arapahoe High School | Centennial, CO
- Chanda Smith – Ada High School | Ada, OH
- Laurel Gast – Rancho San Juan High School | Salinas, CA
- Richard Barker – Richmond Hill High School | Richmond Hill, GA
- Robyn Miller – Salem Hills High School | Salem, UT
Student
WINNER – Noah Harris – Brownsboro High School | Chandler, TX
Noah Harris, a senior at Brownsboro High School has participated in, attended, and cheered for just about every single kind of event for his school. Noah started buying into school spirit when he was in 6th grade and has never looked back. He is a driven, well-rounded student leader who is passionate about serving and encouraging others. Throughout his years at Brownsboro High School, he has participated in the school’s theatre competition, One Act Play, held leadership roles in the “Grizzly Gang”, a student club focused on encouraging school spirit, and being the announcer for several athletic events. Noah’s compassion for supporting others shines when he walks students who have been bullied to class, mentors junior theatre students, and welcomes new freshmen. Noah continues to create an uplifting school environment as he can be heard in the hallways saying his signature, “It’s a Great Day to be a Bear!”
Finalists:
- Brianah Bezada – Keys Gate Charter School | Homestead, FL
- Chase Stanger – Franklin Community High School | Franklin, IN
- Jakye Nunley – Eaglecrest High School | Aurora, CO
- Madeline White – Pierce County High School | Blackshear, GA
- Noah Harris – Brownsboro High School | Chandler, TX
- Peyton McDonald – Christian Brothers High School | Sacramento, CA
- Reagan Williford – South Johnston High School | Four Oaks, NC
Superintendent
WINNER – Keri Hampton – Brownsboro ISD | Chandler, TX
Dr. Keri Hampton, Brownsboro ISD’s superintendent is a hardworking professional, and humble servant leader who is always looking for new ways to encourage, support, and cheer on her students, teachers, and staff members. She celebrates everyone’s individual success, no matter how big or small. Dr. Hampton can be seen cheering on students at athletic competitions, band concerts, Livestock shows, high school events, and more. She travels thousands of miles to be where her students are, all the while writing personalized cards to her teachers, staff, and students congratulating them on their achievements. She recognizes the need of every student wanting to be involved and to find their place, therefore she has assisted in the launch of several programs including a new swim team and an Esports team. From her positive presence on social media to her servant leadership and guidance, Dr. Keri Hampton is Brownsboro ISD’s biggest fan.
Finalists:
- Andrae Townsel – Calvert County Public Schools | Prince Frederick, MD
- Brenton Hoesing – Lewis Central Community Schools | Council Bluffs, IA
- Brian Hightower – Cherokee County School District | Canton, GA
- Keri Hampton – Brownsboro ISD | Chandler, TX
- Kevin Reiman – Weeping Water Public School | Weeping Water, NE
- Natasha Milazzo – Crestwood School District | Mountain Top, PA
- Quentin Lee – Talladega City Schools | Talladega, AL
Teacher
WINNER – David Lusk – Ada High School | Ada, OH
David Lusk is a phenomenal teacher at Ada High School, finishing up his 43rd and final year of teaching. As a Chemistry and Physics teacher, he loves to see his students succeed, therefore he encourages students to come to his class during breaks for extra practice and guidance. Mr. Lusk lives out his belief that teaching is the most honorable and impactful profession every day. His school spirit can be seen through his participation in several different programs including the Quiz Bowl, Student Council Advisor, Director of Veteran’s Day Breakfast, Science Department Chair, and more. He is present at every band and choir concert, parade, and sporting event. Mr. Lusk goes beyond assisting his students academically but personally encourages and rewards each one for their hard work. When interviewed for his upcoming retirement, he says “I will miss seeing MY students, MY children succeed”.
Finalists:
- Abigail Whicker – Mater Dei High School | Evansville, IN
- Amber Thomas – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
- Andy Gault – Bothell High School | Seattle, WA
- Carmen Hood – Pierce County High School | Blackshear, GA
- David Lusk – Ada High School | Ada, OH
- Dustin Shannon – Winchester Community High School | Winchester, IN
- Hollie Alexander – Gallatin High School | Gallatin, TN
- Jeff Klein – Loachapoka High School | Auburn, AL
- Mike Burdsall – Danville Community High School | Danville, IN
- Tom Gayda – North Central High School | Indianapolis, IN
Yearbook
WINNER – Vista Ridge High School | Colorado Springs, CO
Unlike the brightly colored 90s throwback theme of the 21-22 yearbook, this year, Vista Ridge High School’s yearbook features a clean, more traditional theme featuring the school’s colors: Carolina Blue and Black. VISTA, the title of the yearbook, grew with the concept of capturing the individuality of every student, teacher, and staff member at the school. The yearbook draws visual inspiration from magazine design, incorporating large photographs and stories from extraordinary people around the campus. VISTA is organized chronologically from the summer camps to spring graduation, featuring the ins and outs of all the clubs, sports, and classes. The Ridgeline staff worked together to capture the perfect cover image of the school mascot, Wolfie, by putting time in before the beginning of the school year. One of the main taglines is “Black, Blue, and You” which captures the school spirit and allows everyone at the school to stand out and leave a lasting legacy. From beginning to end, every page of VISTA bleeds school pride.
Finalists:
- Ada High School | Ada, OH
- Brighton High School | Brighton, CO
- Marana High School | Tucson, AZ
- Miami Sunset Senior High School | Miami, FL
- Oak Hill High School | Converse, IN
- Rio Rancho High School | Rio Rancho, NM
- Royal High School | Royal City, WA
- Tonasket High School | Tonasket, WA
- Sue Cleveland High School | Rio Rancho, NM
- Vista Ridge High School | Colorado Springs, CO
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