Congratulations to the 2023 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Winners
15 Categories
$25,000 to America’s Most Spirited High School
$3,000 to Category Winners
Nominees must be affiliated with a high school in the United States (student, faculty, coach, staff, etc.). Entrants must be nominated by a student, colleague or community member. You may nominate yourself.
Entries Must Include*:
- One 500-word essay demonstrating why the nominee is deserving of this award
- One letter of recommendation from a school principal, administrator or community leader
- Two photos of the nominee and their work
- Optional: links to additional media (including but not limited to press releases, videos, photos, articles, etc.)
*See category descriptions for exceptions.
Grand Prize: America’s Most Spirited High School
The America’s Most Spirited High School Contest honors one high school that demonstrates unparalleled school spirit and community pride. To enter, schools must submit a 90-second video featuring footage from games, pep rallies, student activities, graduation or anywhere school spirit is on display. Submissions must also include a 500-word essay detailing the school’s “Spirit Story,” a letter of recommendation and two photos demonstrating school spirit.
- Nominee must be a high school
- 500-word essay detailing the school’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of school spirit, community involvement and academic achievement
- Finalists will be selected and put to a nationwide vote
Athlete
This Athlete exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork and humility. This athlete is the “glue” of the team – someone who helps maintain morale no matter the circumstance. This individual has as many team building skills as athletic skills – he or she knows how to motivate, inspire and encourage teammates to work together, push harder and achieve success.
- Nominee must be a high school student
- Nominee must participate in at least one school sport
- 500-word essay detailing the athlete’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork
Athletic Director
This Athletic Director supports all school teams enthusiastically and equally, regardless of success level. This Athletic Director encourages athletes to excel on the playing field and in the classroom. He or she goes above the call of duty to ensure every student athletes succeeds on and off the field.
- Nominee must be a high school athletic director
- 500-word essay detailing the athletic director’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of leadership, teamwork and support
Coach
This Coach has a long-standing history of success. This coach recognizes the link between athletic involvement and student achievement, and therefore encourages both academic excellence and good character. This coach also prioritizes sportsmanship and humility, both on and off the playing field.
- Nominee must be a high school coach
- 500-word essay detailing the coach’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of sportsmanship, support and school pride
Game Day Experience
Cheer, Dance & Band
While athletic games are iconic for students to come together and revel in their school pride, there are many moving parts that make high school game day a true experience. This Game Day Experience incorporates the athletic teams, student body, cheerleaders, dancers, marching band, mascots and the like. The tradition runs like a well-oiled machine. This Game Day makes fans want to be a part of this culture every weekend.
- Nominee must be a high school spirit program
- Game Day must involve the majority of the cheerleading squad, dance team and school band working together
- Game Day must involve the interaction with the spirit groups and student body/community/school groups
- Game Day must be positive, uplifting and uniquely significant to the school
- 500-word essay detailing the game day experience’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of inclusivity, tradition and school spirit
Graduation
This award is for a school that puts tremendous thought and effort into their annual graduation ceremony. This Graduation celebrates the achievements of graduating seniors and inspires success in the rest of the student body. Students will remember this ceremony for the rest of their lives.
- Nominee must be a school
- 500-word essay detailing the graduation’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should detail what sets nominees graduation commencement apart from others
Mascot
The school mascot is the quintessential symbol of community, tradition and school pride. This Mascot creates a fun and uplifting atmosphere, keeping crowds in the spirit of the game. This school mascot understands and appreciates that success is about the person in the suit and the story behind the suit – a student dedicated to serving as a role model and spirited supporter of their school.
- Nominee must be a high school student
- Nominee must serve as school mascot
- 500-word essay detailing the mascot’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific spirit-raising activities, skits and community involvement
Performing Arts
The marching band, pep band, drum line, drum corps and color guard have become All-American staples for school sporting events. The choir, concert band, jazz ensemble, symphony and symphony orchestra fill the halls and auditoriums with decades of tradition and pride. This Performing Arts Group brings talent, innovation and dedication to school events. Most importantly – this performing arts group is the sights and sounds of the school.
- Nominee must be a School Performing Arts Group, including, but not limited to Marching Band, Pep Band, Colorguard, Choir, Show Choir, Jazz Band, Concert Band, etc.
- 500-word essay detailing the band’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of school involvement, creativity and school spirit
Principal
This Principal understands the essential link between school spirit and student achievement, and supports academics and athletics alike. This principal is personable, active in school activities, encouraging to students and faculty, and innovative in his/her approach to education and engagement.
- Nominee must be a high school principal
- 500-word essay detailing the principal’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should specify at least two examples of nominee’s commitment to elevating and improving the student experience
Spirit of St. Jude
The Spirit of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a celebration of those who are dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Students and schools across the country are creative innovative ways to raise funds for St. Jude each day, and their efforts should be applauded.
- Nominee must be a high school
- Fundraiser must involve the majority of the student body/community
- 500-word essay detailing the fundraiser’s “Spirit Story”
- Fundraiser must be positive, uplifting and uniquely significant to the school
Staff Member
This Staff Member makes outstanding contributions to a school’s culture, and turns their job into an extraordinary opportunity to make others happy, without expecting anything in return. They hold an important support position within the school district (i.e., cafeteria staff, bus driver, crossing guard, custodians or administrative staff) and are known, respected, and loved by students, faculty and community members.
- Nominee must be a high school staff member
- 500-word essay detailing the Staff member’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of commitment, enthusiasm and school spirit
Student
This Student has a deep and genuine love for his/her school. This student is driven, kind and well-rounded. He or she cares deeply about representing the school in the most positive light. This person consistently attends school events and displays the utmost sportsmanship, inclusiveness and school pride.
- Nominee must be a high school student
- Nominee must participate in at least one school club, sport or activity
- 500-word essay detailing the student’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify specific examples of leadership, commitment and school spirit
Superintendent
This Superintendent sets the stage for a successful and spirited school district. This Superintendent is respected by his or her peers and keeps student wellbeing at the forefront when making decisions. This Superintendent understands and appreciates the power of school spirit and works to create an engaged and enthusiastic school culture.
- Nominee must be a school superintendent
- 500-word essay detailing the superintendent’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should specify at least two examples of nominee’s commitment to elevating and improving the student experience
Teacher
This Teacher understands that achievement means more than a number in a gradebook. It means helping students discover their strengths, passions and confidence. Students feel this teacher cares about them both academically and personally. This teacher has a genuine love and loyalty for his/her school and supports it in every way possible.
- Nominee must be a high school teacher
- 500-word essay detailing the teacher’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should identify at examples of mentorship, teaching excellence and school spirit
Yearbook
The most memorable school yearbooks have a theme that sets it apart from other school years – a theme that captures the specific spirit and personality of that group of students. Themes based on school pride are perennial favorites. This Yearbook publically celebrates achievements large and small, group and individual contributions to the school and the impact the school has on the community.
- Nominee must be a school yearbook staff
- 500-word essay detailing the yearbook’s “Spirit Story”
- Spirit Story should include specific examples of school pride from the 2020 or 2021 yearbook
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