Varsity Brands Launches Fourth Annual School Spirit Awards To Recognize Spirited High Schools, Students, Teachers, Coaches And More

DALLAS, Sept. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Varsity Brands, the leading organization that empowers young people by encouraging participation, recognizing achievement and building community and school spirit, announced today the launch of its 2019 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, a national awards program celebrating student achievement in America's high schools. Officially commencing today on National School Spirit Day, the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards invites high schools nationwide to participate in National School Spirit Day by hosting on-campus pep rallies and sharing their school spirit on social media using the hashtag #SpiritMatters.

"We are excited to kick off the fourth annual Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, our signature spirit event that harnesses the power of our three businesses ? BSN SPORTS, Varsity Spirit and Herff Jones ? to build relationships, provide a sense of belonging and help forge common bonds that, ultimately, improve the lives of students and build stronger communities," said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. "In turn, students benefit from greater self-confidence and motivation in today's schools. We are proud that The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards have emerged as the definitive platform for recognizing the exceptional students, faculty, and administration across the country who build spirit and pride while serving as the everyday heroes in our communities."

Research has affirmed a direct connection between school spirit, community and school involvement, academic achievement and self-confidence.  According to a Harris Poll and subsequent white paper, four out of five high school principals believe that school spirit is a key measure of an effective school administration and 92% feel that school spirit is tied to student achievement.

The 2019 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards will consist of 25 categories with $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 grand prize for America's Most Spirited High School and $3,000 for each category winner. Submissions for the Spirit Leader Award category will be open from November 26 - December 7, 2018. All other categories will open on January 9-22, 2019.

The categories include:

• America's Most Spirited High School (Grand Prize)
• Athlete
• Athletic Director
• Athletic Trainer
• Choir
• Coach
• Community Service Project
• Game Day Experience
• Graduation
• Mascot
• Pep Band
• Principal
• School Counselor
• School Tradition
• Spirit of Inclusion
• Spirit Leader ? Cheer & Dance
• Spirit of Sportsmanship
• Spirit of St. Jude
• Staff Member
• Student
• Student Government
• Superintendent
• Teacher
• Team Manager
• Yearbook

Learn more about the various awards HERE. Entrants must be nominated by a student, colleague or community member, and submissions must include a short essay outlining why the nominee is deserving of this award, one letter of recommendation, and a photo demonstrating the nominee's work.

The $25,000 grand prize award, America's Most Spirited High School, honors one high school that demonstrates unparalleled school spirit and community pride. (Click HERE for details.) All category finalists are invited to participate in the ultimate celebration of school spirit?the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Show?taking place May 11, 2019 at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, where winners will be revealed and honored for their achievements.

To learn more about National School Spirit Day and the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, please visit 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 9,000 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 Contact:
Sheila Noone
Varsity Brands 
[email protected]; 901-251-5959

SOURCE Varsity Brands