Wenatchee High wins $5,000 in national football spirit contest

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee High School has already scored a win in a nationwide contest celebrating high school football pride.

The Panthers were named a Week 7 winner in the Friday Night 5G Lights Sweepstakes, bringing $5,000 to the school to support student programs and the broader community. The award was announced in late August, part of a series of weekly drawings designed to highlight schools with strong spirit and community support.

“This is more than a contest. It’s a chance to showcase what makes Wenatchee special — our students, our fans, and our incredible community,” said Kristi DeLozier, fundraising director for the Wenatchee Booster Club.

The sweepstakes, sponsored nationally by T-Mobile, runs in two phases. From mid-July through September 12, schools across the country entered for weekly prizes, social media spotlights and giveaways. Wenatchee’s $5,000 award came during this application phase, which has already funneled millions of dollars into schools nationwide since the contest began in 2021.

Now the competition enters its finalist stage. On September 25, the top 25 schools will each receive $25,000, host a celebratory “Magenta Home Game,” and rally their communities in a nationwide vote. The ultimate winner, announced October 30, will take home a $1 million stadium makeover — an upgrade that could transform facilities, equipment and the game-day experience at Wenatchee’s home field.

Local organizers say the Panthers have the school spirit to compete at the highest level. Students, staff, and alumni have been urged to keep posting photos and videos showing Panther pride — from football games and pep rallies to marching band and cheer — using the hashtags #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes and tagging @WenatcheeAthletics. Each post counts toward weekly prize drawings and boosts Wenatchee’s overall chances of reaching the finalist round.

Community buy-in has already been strong. Families and local businesses have been sharing content, while alumni networks across the country have joined in online. Supporters say the visibility matters not only for the competition, but for keeping Wenatchee’s school spirit front and center during the fall sports season.

For now, the $5,000 award provides a welcome boost. The funds will directly benefit student programs at Wenatchee High, reinforcing the message that Panther pride extends beyond the field.

For contest details and updates, visit FridayNight5GLights.com

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media