MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 1, 2017 – The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, presented by Varsity Spirit, Herff Jones and BSN SPORTS, has announced the finalists from 45 states in its 2017 School Spirit Awards. Finalists in the School category include the grand prize, America’s Most Spirited High School, along with the Spirit of Inclusion Award, Best School Tradition Award, Best Booster Club Award, Most Spirited Yearbook Award, and Most Memorable Graduation Award.
The second annual Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards celebrates the very best of America’s high schools with 23 categories and over $100,000 in award money to honor students, staff and school organizations that make a positive and lasting impact in their schools and communities. Through this initiative, Varsity Brands aims to elevate the student experience and promote school spirit nationwide.
The $25,000 grand prize award, America’s Most Spirited High School, will honor one high school that demonstrates unparalleled school spirit and community pride. The winner of this category will be determined by online voting at varsitybrands.com, and the public can vote for their favorite. America’s Most Spirited High School finalists include:
- Bingham High School
South Jordan, UT
- Broken Arrow High School
Broken Arrow, OK
- El Toro High School
Lake Forest, CA
- Kahuku High School
Kahuku, HI
“Varsity Brands is thrilled to honor the schools that have demonstrated their tremendous commitment to their community. The most spirited schools cultivate an atmosphere where all students feel welcomed and accepted,” said Jeff Webb, Founder and Chairman of Varsity Brands. “Whether it’s accommodating new students or upholding meaningful traditions that ignite school and community pride, school spirit is what every school needs to bring students, teachers and parents together.”
Each winner in the following school categories will be awarded $10,000 from Herff Jones, a Varsity Achievement Brand.
SPIRIT OF INCLUSION AWARD
This award will honor one school that goes out of its way to welcome new students, accommodate students with diverse needs and educate students about issues related to diversity and inclusion.
Finalists include:
- Cleveland High School
Seattle, WA
- Lexington High School
Lexington, SC
- Ovey Comeaux High School
Lafayette, LA
- Pleasant Valley High School
Bettendorf, IA
BEST SCHOOL TRADITION AWARD
This award will honor one school with a long-standing, meaningful tradition that ignites school and community pride. This tradition should include the majority of the school/student body and should have a unique and personal significance for the members of that community.
Finalists include:
- Abraham Lincoln High School
San Francisco, CA - Bingham High School
South Jordan, UT - Loyola Sacred Heart High School
Missoula, MT - Pleasant Valley High School
Chico, CA - Vincent’s Academy
Savannah, GA
BEST BOOSTER CLUB AWARD
This award will honor a motivated group of parents who support their school’s athletic program with dedication and enthusiasm. This booster club works in cooperation with team coaches to make sure every player on the team has the resources necessary to succeed. This group can be counted on to organize teambuilding events (dinners, banquets, etc.), attend games, and serve as positive role models to the students they serve.
Finalists include:
- Cedar Creek High School
Cedar Creek, TX - Eldred High School
Eldred, NY - Middletown High School
Middletown, CT - Ottawa Township High School
Ottawa, IL
MOST SPIRITED YEARBOOK AWARD
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 award will honor a pride-themed yearbook that publicly celebrates achievements large and small, group and individual contributions to the school.
Finalists include:
- Brentwood High School
Brentwood, TN - Case High School
Racine, WI - Chantilly High School
Chantilly, VA - Haltom High School
Haltom, TX - Lake Zurich High School
Lake Zurich, IL - Libertyville High School
Libertyville, IL - Riviera Preparatory School
Miami, FL
MOST MEMORABLE GRADUATION AWARD
This award is for a school that puts tremendous thought and effort into their annual graduation ceremony. This graduation ceremony 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.
Finalists include:
- Bay High School
Bay St. Louis, MS - Cass Technical School
Detroit, MI - Glacier High School
Kalispell, MT - Wilburton High School
Wilburton, OK
Winners from all 23 categories will be announced in an award ceremony on May 15th, at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. To learn more about Varsity Brands and its School Spirit Awards, please visit varsitybrands.com.
