2018 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Now Open

DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Varsity Brands, the leading organization that empowers young people by encouraging participation, recognizing achievement and building community and school spirit, has officially opened submissions for the third annual 2018 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, which celebrate the very best of America's high schools.  A total of $100,000 will be awarded across 25 categories, including a $25,000 grand prize for America's Most Spirited High School. Submissions for the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards close on January 23. Category finalists will be announced on February 7.

"As the extracurricular partner to schools across the country, Varsity Brands' three businesses – BSN SPORTS, Varsity Spirit, and Herff Jones – recognize the strong connection between school spirit and student achievement," said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. "We therefore encourage broad participation in the awards and are proud to celebrate front-runners in schools nationwide who inspire other students, faculty or community members by leading by example and sharing their school spirit."

"School spirit is a key indicator of a positive high school experience – it demonstrates to students and staff the importance of team work and creates a social community, as well as a culture of engagement and achievement throughout America's schools," added Jeff Webb, Founder and Chairman of Varsity Brands. "The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards celebrate the most outstanding students, faculty, and administration across the country who prioritize school spirit as an essential part of their community."

Drillstack, which offers an easy to use, effective option for coaches to work with their athletes to improve their training and track results, was recently named the exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the School Spirit Awards for the next three years. As part of the sponsorship, Drillstack will present the most prestigious award, America's Most Spirited High School, at the awards ceremony on May 12, 2018, at the Walt Disney World ® Resort in Orlando, Florida. 

The 2018 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards will consist of 25 awards, which will include a $25,000 Grand Prize for America's Most Spirited High School and $3,000 for each category winner.  This year's categories include:

• America's Most Spirited High School  
• Most Spirited Athlete
• Most Spirited Team Manager
• Most Spirited Student
• Most Spirited Pep Band
• Most Spirited Choir
• Most Spirited Mascot
• Most Spirited Student Government
• Most Spirited Superintendent
• Most Spirited Principal
• Most Spirited Coach
• Most Spirited Athletic Director
• Most Spirited Teacher
• Most Spirited Athletic Trainer
• Most Spirited Staff Member
• Most Spirited School Counselor
• Most Spirited School Tradition
• Most Spirited Community Service Project
• Most Spirited Booster Club
• Most Spirited Yearbook
• Most Spirited Graduation
• Spirit of Inclusion Award
• Spirit of Sportsmanship Award

Two awards have already been announced for 2018. The American Spirit Leader Award for Cheer was awarded to San Clemente High School from San Clemente, California, and the American Spirit Leader Award for Dance was awarded to Rock Canyon High School from Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Click HERE to learn more about the various award categories. Submissions must include a 500-word essay outlining why the nominee is deserving of this award, one letter of recommendation, photos and other supporting materials demonstrating the nominee's work.

The $25,000 grand prize award, America's Most Spirited High School, presented by Drillstack, will honor one high school that demonstrates school spirit and community pride. To enter, schools must submit a 90-second video and an essay detailing the school's "Spirit Story." (Click HERE for submission details.)

To learn more about the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, please visit www.varsitybrands.com.

About Varsity Brands

With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses:  BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand.  Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations.  Through its 8,600 dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via catalog, telesales, e-commerce sites and direct sales channels.

Media Contacts:
Sheila Noone
Varsity Brands
[email protected]; 901-251-5959

SOURCE Varsity Brands