MEMPHIS, TN – Varsity Spirit – a division of Varsity Brands and a global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions, and yearbook – proudly launched its inaugural Press Pass Academy through Varsity Yearbook. Press Pass Academy, an exclusive hands-on journalism and media experience for high school students, took place over two weekends at the National Dance Team Championship (NDTC) and the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC). More than 75 students and advisers participated in the inaugural program, gaining behind-the-scenes and front-row access to one of the biggest stages in school spirit.
Press Pass Academy provides yearbook students and advisers with a unique opportunity to travel with their school’s cheer squad, dance team, or band to cover the national competition at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Students gain front-row access to document their school's journey on the national stage, conduct interviews with athletes and coaches, and capture moments for their school as true working journalists. Students also had the opportunity to shadow professional video production teams and receive a behind-the-scenes tour of ESPN’s media operations at the event.
“Press Pass Academy experience is all about elevating the student experience through storytelling,” said Andrew Checketts, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Varsity Yearbook. “We know that cheer, dance, and band are more than just sideline activities. They create moments of true spirit that deserve to be captured, celebrated, and shared with the larger student body through their yearbook. Varsity Yearbook is excited to provide aspiring journalists an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills while spotlighting the incredible athletes, teams, and traditions that define school spirit.”
Press Pass Academy occurred in conjunction with the National Dance Team Championship from January 31 to February 2, 2025, followed by the National High School Cheerleading Championship from February 7 to 10, 2025. These prestigious events have long been the culmination of the season for dancers and cheerleaders across the nation, making them the perfect backdrop for young journalists to develop their skills.
Building on the success of this inaugural event, Varsity Yearbook is excited to announce that Press Pass Academy will return in 2026. Yearbook staff and media students are invited to join at the upcoming National School Spirit Championships, with sessions beginning on January 29, 2026, for Division II schools and February 5, 2026, for Division I schools.
For more information about Press Pass Academy and how to participate in future events, please visit varsity.com/press-pass.
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About Varsity Spirit
Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading’s dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com.
About Varsity Brands
With a mission to inspire success and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands partners with schools to elevate the student experience through sports and spirit. The company's unique but interrelated businesses—BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit—promote youth participation and celebrate accomplishments. Varsity Brands provides customizable offerings to a wide range of institutions, including educational, religious, sports, and corporate organizations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps, and product offerings.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Greene
Varsity Spirit
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