Now is the time for high schools and students to start prepping their entry for the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, and start their video entry for America’s Most Spirited High School Contest.

This is the third annual Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, which celebrate the very best of America’s high schools with $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 grand prize for America’s Most Spirited High School.

“We’ve always believed that school spirit is absolutely essential to creating a culture of engagement and achievement in America’s schools, and the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards are the foremost platform to recognize the most outstanding students, faculty, and administration across the country who are leading this charge in their schools every day,” said Jeff Webb, chairman of Varsity Brands.

The 2018 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards will consist of 25 awards, which will include the following categories:

America’s Most Spirited High School (Grand Prize)

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

The American Spirit Leader Award – Cheer

The American Spirit Leader Award – Dance

Submissions open Jan. 16. Nominees (students, faculty, coaches, staff, etc.) must be affiliated with a high school in the United States and must be nominated by a student, colleague or community member.

Entries mustiInclude:

- 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 his/her/their work

- Optional: links to additional media, including but not limited to press releases, videos, photos, articles, etc.

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