Day: September 15, 2025

There’s something special about Friday nights in Wilmington, North Carolina. When the stadium lights flicker on, the marching band tunes up, and friends and family pack the stands, you can feel the pride that runs deep through this town. This week, that pride paid off in a big way when Ashley High School was selected as a $5,000 winner in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The victory showcases what makes small-town America so remarkable – the way an entire community can rally behind their local high school. From the moment Ashley High School started participating in the contest, sharing their Friday night moments on Instagram and X, the response was electric. Parents, alumni, local businesses, and students all joined forces to show the nation what pride looks like.

“The money means a lot to our program. It is helping ur purchase big ticket items that we had on our radar but were not able to purchase yet. I appreciate everyone at T-Mobile and excited to continue to compete for the grand prize.” said Head Football Coach, Dante Lombardi.

T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights isn’t just celebrating high school football – it’s celebrating the heart of communities like Wilmington. Since launching its small-town commitment in April 2021, T-Mobile has invested over $16 million through its Hometown Grants program, expanded 5G coverage to underserved areas, and supported students through Project 10Million. This contest continues that mission, recognizing that America’s strength lies in its small towns and the schools that serve as their beating hearts.

The $5,000 prize will be put to immediate use at Ashley High School. But beyond the financial impact, this recognition puts Wilmington on the national map, showing everyone what locals already know – this community has something special.

For other schools watching Ashley High School’s success, the path forward is clear. T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest rewards schools that consistently share engaging content from their official social media accounts, whether it’s pregame traditions, halftime shows, community support, or post-game celebrations. The key is authentic storytelling that captures the unique spirit of your Friday nights.

Every post matters. Every share counts. Every story has the potential to be the one that catches T-Mobile’s attention and brings home the next $5,000 prize.

Ready to help Ashley High School win big?

Follow their official social media accounts and actively engage with their Friday night content. Tag your posts with #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes, mention @TMobile, and make sure to use your full school name – no abbreviations. Rally your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.

You can elevate Ashley High School to one of the 25 finalists spots – worth $25,000 and T-Mobile hosted one game – and keep its pursuit of the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize alive.

And remember, download the FN5GL Playbook and see what it takes to win!

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign. See Official Rules.

There’s an energy that radiates from Evadale High School on Friday nights – something electric that you can feel the moment you step onto campus in Pennsylvania, Texas. That infectious school spirit has now translated into tangible success, as Evadale High School claimed a $5,000 victory in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The win exemplifies what happens when genuine passion meets strategic action. Throughout the season, Evadale High School has been channeling their Friday night energy into compelling social media content, sharing the raw emotion and authentic moments that make their game days unforgettable. From the butterflies before kickoff to the euphoria of victory, their posts have captured the full spectrum of the high school football experience.

T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest was designed to recognize exactly this kind of authentic energy. Each week, one high school in a community of 150,000 or fewer residents wins $5,000 by demonstrating their school spirit through engaging Instagram and X posts. This week, that honor belongs to Evadale High School, whose consistent and creative content stood out among thousands of entries nationwide.

“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to address some issues and want to sincerely thank you for investing in our program. Support of this nature will make a lasting difference for our athletes, our fans, and the pride we all share in our community.” said Director of Athletics, Jay Buckner.

The victory comes at a perfect time for Evadale High School, which will use the $5,000 prize to further build on their proud tradition. But beyond the immediate impact, this recognition validates what the school community has always believed: their spirit is special, their energy is contagious, and their Friday nights deserve national attention.

This success story aligns perfectly with T-Mobile’s mission to support and celebrate small-town America. Since 2021, the company has invested over $16 million through Hometown Grants, expanded America’s largest 5G network into rural communities, and supported educational initiatives like Project 10Million. Friday Night 5G Lights continues this commitment by spotlighting the institutions that serve as the heartbeat of their communities.

The formula that led to Evadale High School’s success can be replicated by any school with the determination to consistently showcase their unique spirit. The contest rewards authenticity over production value, consistency over perfection, and genuine emotion over scripted content.

What makes this opportunity so powerful is its accessibility. Every school has spirit. Every community has traditions. Every Friday night offers moments worth sharing. The challenge lies in capturing that energy and presenting it in ways that resonate with a national audience.

Evadale High School’s approach demonstrates the importance of involving the entire school community in the effort. When students, staff, parents, and community members all contribute to sharing the Friday night experience, the resulting content becomes richer and more compelling.

The contest continues throughout the season, with hundreds more schools destined to experience similar success. The requirements remain straightforward: consistent posts from official school accounts, authentic content that showcases school spirit, and adherence to contest guidelines including the use of complete school names.

Ready to turn your school spirit into championship gold?

This $5K win is just the beginning of what that unstoppable energy can achieve. This fall, 25 schools will advance as finalists to win $25,000 each plus a T-Mobile-hosted home game, and one school will claim the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize package that transforms everything. Keep that championship spirit alive by engaging with their content, amplifying their posts, and showing the nation that Evadale High School’s energy is unstoppable.

Be sure to download the FN5GL Playbook for winning strategies, and keep the momentum building by using #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes with every post, tagging @TMobile, and showcase your complete school name – no nicknames.

The spotlight found Evadale High School – now let’s make sure it never leaves.

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign. See Official Rules.

Champions aren’t made by individual effort alone – they’re forged through collaboration, dedication, and the power of an entire community working toward a common goal. This week, Emporia High School in Emporia, Kansas proved that principle extends far beyond the football field by capturing a $5,000 prize in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The victory was truly a team effort in every sense of the word. While the football team plays with pride on Friday nights, it was the coordinated effort of cheerleaders, band members, student council, booster club, dedicated parents, and more that created the winning social media content. From behind-the-scenes preparation to game-day excitement, every department at Emporia High School contributed to showcasing their school spirit online.

This collaborative approach caught T-Mobile’s attention among thousands of entries nationwide. The Friday Night 5G Lights contest awards $5,000 weekly to high schools in communities under 150,000 residents, recognizing schools that best capture and share their authentic Friday night experiences on Instagram and X.

“This prize is a huge win for our school and community. It not only supports our football program, but also fuels Spartan pride and unites us as we move forward together.” said Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, Beau Welch.

The winning strategy reflects what educators have always known: the best results come from working together. Just as T-Mobile has collaborated with small communities since 2021 – investing over $16 million through Hometown Grants, expanding 5G access, and supporting educational programs like Project 10Million – Emporia High School understood that contest success required all hands on deck.

Looking ahead, the school has big plans for its $5,000 prize. But the real victory lies in what this experience taught the entire school community about the power of unified effort and shared purpose.

The formula for success is clear and replicable. Schools need consistent, authentic posts from their official social media accounts that showcase the full spectrum of their Friday night experience. From the grounds crew preparing the field to the final whistle, every moment matters. The more posts shared following contest guidelines, the better the chances of winning.

Other schools can learn from Emporia High School’s approach: involve everyone. Rally your PTA to share pre-game setup photos. Encourage the band to post rehearsal videos. Have the cheer squad showcase their routines. Get the student council to capture crowd reactions. When every group contributes, the story becomes richer and more compelling.

Ready to help Emporia High School win it all?

This $5K victory is the perfect launching pad for bigger prizes – 25 schools will advance as finalists to win $25,000 each plus a T-Mobile-hosted home game, and one school will claim the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize package. Keep the team effort strong by engaging with their content, sharing their posts, and showing T-Mobile that this community knows how to rally for the big wins.

Download the FN5GL Playbook for championship strategies, and keep supporting every post with #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes. Remember to use your school’s full name and mention @TMobile.

Champions aren’t made overnight – but they’re definitely made together.

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign.See Official Rules.

There’s something special about Friday nights in Stillmore, Georgia. When the stadium lights flicker on, the marching band tunes up, and friends and family pack the stands, you can feel the pride that runs deep through this town. This week, that pride paid off in a big way when David Emanuel Academy was selected as a $5,000 winner in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The victory showcases what makes small-town America so remarkable – the way an entire community can rally behind their local high school. From the moment David Emanuel Academy started participating in the contest, sharing their Friday night moments on Instagram and X, the response was electric. Parents, alumni, local businesses, and students all joined forces to show the nation what pride looks like.

“Winning this $5,000 from T-Mobile and the Friday Night 5G Lights Sweepstakes is not just a win for our program or our school, buts it’s a win for the entire Eagles Family! This is the first step in making sure we have some of the safest, and nicest facilities around. It will push our athletics to new heights and set us up for a stronger future for our athletes!” said Head Football Coach, TC Guyer.

T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights isn’t just celebrating high school football – it’s celebrating the heart of communities like Stillmore. Since launching its small-town commitment in April 2021, T-Mobile has invested over $16 million through its Hometown Grants program, expanded 5G coverage to underserved areas, and supported students through Project 10Million. This contest continues that mission, recognizing that America’s strength lies in its small towns and the schools that serve as their beating hearts.

The $5,000 prize will be put to immediate use at David Emanuel Academy. But beyond the financial impact, this recognition puts Stillmore on the national map, showing everyone what locals already know – this community has something special.

For other schools watching David Emanuel Academy’s success, the path forward is clear. T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest rewards schools that consistently share engaging content from their official social media accounts, whether it’s pregame traditions, halftime shows, community support, or post-game celebrations. The key is authentic storytelling that captures the unique spirit of your Friday nights.

Every post matters. Every share counts. Every story has the potential to be the one that catches T-Mobile’s attention and brings home the next $5,000 prize.

Ready to help David Emanuel Academy win big?

Follow their official social media accounts and actively engage with their Friday night content. Tag your posts with #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes, mention @TMobile, and make sure to use your full school name – no abbreviations. Rally your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.

You can elevate David Emanuel Academy to one of the 25 finalists spots – worth $25,000 and T-Mobile hosted one game – and keep its pursuit of the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize alive.

And remember, download the FN5GL Playbook and see what it takes to win!

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign. See Official Rules.

There’s an energy that radiates from Cook High School on Friday nights – something electric that you can feel the moment you step onto campus in Adel, Georgia. That infectious school spirit has now translated into tangible success, as Cook High School claimed a $5,000 victory in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The win exemplifies what happens when genuine passion meets strategic action. Throughout the season, Cook High School has been channeling their Friday night energy into compelling social media content, sharing the raw emotion and authentic moments that make their game days unforgettable. From the butterflies before kickoff to the euphoria of victory, their posts have captured the full spectrum of the high school football experience.

T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest was designed to recognize exactly this kind of authentic energy. Each week, one high school in a community of 150,000 or fewer residents wins $5,000 by demonstrating their school spirit through engaging Instagram and X posts. This week, that honor belongs to Cook High School, whose consistent and creative content stood out among thousands of entries nationwide.

“Our football program is built on the support of our community, and this prize is a direct reflection of that partnership. These funds will help us create better opportunities for our student-athletes, while also enhancing the experience for our fans, families, and neighbors who cheer us on every Friday night. This also helps give incentives for all of our students to continue to celebrate their achievements.” said Principal, Joi Williams.

The victory comes at a perfect time for Cook High School, which will use the $5,000 prize to further build on their proud tradition. But beyond the immediate impact, this recognition validates what the school community has always believed: their spirit is special, their energy is contagious, and their Friday nights deserve national attention.

This success story aligns perfectly with T-Mobile’s mission to support and celebrate small-town America. Since 2021, the company has invested over $16 million through Hometown Grants, expanded America’s largest 5G network into rural communities, and supported educational initiatives like Project 10Million. Friday Night 5G Lights continues this commitment by spotlighting the institutions that serve as the heartbeat of their communities.

The formula that led to Cook High School’s success can be replicated by any school with the determination to consistently showcase their unique spirit. The contest rewards authenticity over production value, consistency over perfection, and genuine emotion over scripted content.

What makes this opportunity so powerful is its accessibility. Every school has spirit. Every community has traditions. Every Friday night offers moments worth sharing. The challenge lies in capturing that energy and presenting it in ways that resonate with a national audience.

Cook High School’s approach demonstrates the importance of involving the entire school community in the effort. When students, staff, parents, and community members all contribute to sharing the Friday night experience, the resulting content becomes richer and more compelling.

The contest continues throughout the season, with hundreds more schools destined to experience similar success. The requirements remain straightforward: consistent posts from official school accounts, authentic content that showcases school spirit, and adherence to contest guidelines including the use of complete school names.

Ready to turn your school spirit into championship gold?

This $5K win is just the beginning of what that unstoppable energy can achieve. This fall, 25 schools will advance as finalists to win $25,000 each plus a T-Mobile-hosted home game, and one school will claim the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize package that transforms everything. Keep that championship spirit alive by engaging with their content, amplifying their posts, and showing the nation that Cook High School’s energy is unstoppable.

Be sure to download the FN5GL Playbook for winning strategies, and keep the momentum building by using #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes with every post, tagging @TMobile, and showcase your complete school name – no nicknames.

The spotlight found Cook High School – now let’s make sure it never leaves.

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign. See Official Rules.

Champions aren’t made by individual effort alone – they’re forged through collaboration, dedication, and the power of an entire community working toward a common goal. This week, Calvert High School in Tiffin, Ohio proved that principle extends far beyond the football field by capturing a $5,000 prize in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The victory was truly a team effort in every sense of the word. While the football team plays with pride on Friday nights, it was the coordinated effort of cheerleaders, band members, student council, booster club, dedicated parents, and more that created the winning social media content. From behind-the-scenes preparation to game-day excitement, every department at Calvert High School contributed to showcasing their school spirit online.

This collaborative approach caught T-Mobile’s attention among thousands of entries nationwide. The Friday Night 5G Lights contest awards $5,000 weekly to high schools in communities under 150,000 residents, recognizing schools that best capture and share their authentic Friday night experiences on Instagram and X.

“We are beyond grateful for this incredible $5,000 gift to our football and Calvert program! This support is a true game-changer, fueling our players with the equipment and resources they need, and proving to our school community that when you have vision and set goals, great things can happen. Thank you for investing in our team, our school, and our future victories, on and off the field!” said Head Football Coach, Mike Lento.

The winning strategy reflects what educators have always known: the best results come from working together. Just as T-Mobile has collaborated with small communities since 2021 – investing over $16 million through Hometown Grants, expanding 5G access, and supporting educational programs like Project 10Million – Calvert High School understood that contest success required all hands on deck.

Looking ahead, the school has big plans for its $5,000 prize. But the real victory lies in what this experience taught the entire school community about the power of unified effort and shared purpose.

The formula for success is clear and replicable. Schools need consistent, authentic posts from their official social media accounts that showcase the full spectrum of their Friday night experience. From the grounds crew preparing the field to the final whistle, every moment matters. The more posts shared following contest guidelines, the better the chances of winning.

Other schools can learn from Calvert High School’s approach: involve everyone. Rally your PTA to share pre-game setup photos. Encourage the band to post rehearsal videos. Have the cheer squad showcase their routines. Get the student council to capture crowd reactions. When every group contributes, the story becomes richer and more compelling.

Ready to help Calvert High School win it all?

This $5K victory is the perfect launching pad for bigger prizes – 25 schools will advance as finalists to win $25,000 each plus a T-Mobile-hosted home game, and one school will claim the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize package. Keep the team effort strong by engaging with their content, sharing their posts, and showing T-Mobile that this community knows how to rally for the big wins.

Download the FN5GL Playbook for championship strategies, and keep supporting every post with #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes. Remember to use your school’s full name and mention @TMobile.

Champions aren’t made overnight – but they’re definitely made together.

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign.See Official Rules.

There’s something special about Friday nights in New Market, Alabama. When the stadium lights flicker on, the marching band tunes up, and friends and family pack the stands, you can feel the pride that runs deep through this town. This week, that pride paid off in a big way when Buckhorn High School was selected as a $5,000 winner in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The victory showcases what makes small-town America so remarkable – the way an entire community can rally behind their local high school. From the moment Buckhorn High School started participating in the contest, sharing their Friday night moments on Instagram and X, the response was electric. Parents, alumni, local businesses, and students all joined forces to show the nation what pride looks like.

“This prize is a significant win for our football program and the school at large because our stadium is a centerpiece of school spirit, athletic achievement, and community pride.” said Assistant Principal, Jacob Souder.

T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights isn’t just celebrating high school football – it’s celebrating the heart of communities like New Market. Since launching its small-town commitment in April 2021, T-Mobile has invested over $16 million through its Hometown Grants program, expanded 5G coverage to underserved areas, and supported students through Project 10Million. This contest continues that mission, recognizing that America’s strength lies in its small towns and the schools that serve as their beating hearts.

The $5,000 prize will be put to immediate use at Buckhorn High School. But beyond the financial impact, this recognition puts New Market on the national map, showing everyone what locals already know – this community has something special.

For other schools watching Buckhorn High School’s success, the path forward is clear. T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest rewards schools that consistently share engaging content from their official social media accounts, whether it’s pregame traditions, halftime shows, community support, or post-game celebrations. The key is authentic storytelling that captures the unique spirit of your Friday nights.

Every post matters. Every share counts. Every story has the potential to be the one that catches T-Mobile’s attention and brings home the next $5,000 prize.

Ready to help Buckhorn High School win big?

Follow their official social media accounts and actively engage with their Friday night content. Tag your posts with #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes, mention @TMobile, and make sure to use your full school name – no abbreviations. Rally your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.

You can elevate Buckhorn High School to one of the 25 finalists spots – worth $25,000 and T-Mobile hosted one game – and keep its pursuit of the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize alive.

And remember, download the FN5GL Playbook and see what it takes to win!

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign. See Official Rules.

There’s an energy that radiates from Bridgeport High School on Friday nights – something electric that you can feel the moment you step onto campus in Bridgeport, Michigan. That infectious school spirit has now translated into tangible success, as Bridgeport High School claimed a $5,000 victory in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The win exemplifies what happens when genuine passion meets strategic action. Throughout the season, Bridgeport High School has been channeling their Friday night energy into compelling social media content, sharing the raw emotion and authentic moments that make their game days unforgettable. From the butterflies before kickoff to the euphoria of victory, their posts have captured the full spectrum of the high school football experience.

T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest was designed to recognize exactly this kind of authentic energy. Each week, one high school in a community of 150,000 or fewer residents wins $5,000 by demonstrating their school spirit through engaging Instagram and X posts. This week, that honor belongs to Bridgeport High School, whose consistent and creative content stood out among thousands of entries nationwide.

“this prize is a “blessing” that will allow for “long awaited
improvements” to the Bridgeport Bearcats Football Program.” said Coach, RJ Beverly.

The victory comes at a perfect time for Bridgeport High School, which will use the $5,000 prize to further build on their proud tradition. But beyond the immediate impact, this recognition validates what the school community has always believed: their spirit is special, their energy is contagious, and their Friday nights deserve national attention.

This success story aligns perfectly with T-Mobile’s mission to support and celebrate small-town America. Since 2021, the company has invested over $16 million through Hometown Grants, expanded America’s largest 5G network into rural communities, and supported educational initiatives like Project 10Million. Friday Night 5G Lights continues this commitment by spotlighting the institutions that serve as the heartbeat of their communities.

The formula that led to Bridgeport High School’s success can be replicated by any school with the determination to consistently showcase their unique spirit. The contest rewards authenticity over production value, consistency over perfection, and genuine emotion over scripted content.

What makes this opportunity so powerful is its accessibility. Every school has spirit. Every community has traditions. Every Friday night offers moments worth sharing. The challenge lies in capturing that energy and presenting it in ways that resonate with a national audience.

Bridgeport High School’s approach demonstrates the importance of involving the entire school community in the effort. When students, staff, parents, and community members all contribute to sharing the Friday night experience, the resulting content becomes richer and more compelling.

The contest continues throughout the season, with hundreds more schools destined to experience similar success. The requirements remain straightforward: consistent posts from official school accounts, authentic content that showcases school spirit, and adherence to contest guidelines including the use of complete school names.

Ready to turn your school spirit into championship gold?

This $5K win is just the beginning of what that unstoppable energy can achieve. This fall, 25 schools will advance as finalists to win $25,000 each plus a T-Mobile-hosted home game, and one school will claim the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize package that transforms everything. Keep that championship spirit alive by engaging with their content, amplifying their posts, and showing the nation that Bridgeport High School’s energy is unstoppable.

Be sure to download the FN5GL Playbook for winning strategies, and keep the momentum building by using #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes with every post, tagging @TMobile, and showcase your complete school name – no nicknames.

The spotlight found Bridgeport High School – now let’s make sure it never leaves.

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign. See Official Rules.

Champions aren’t made by individual effort alone – they’re forged through collaboration, dedication, and the power of an entire community working toward a common goal. This week, Baird High School in Baird, Texas proved that principle extends far beyond the football field by capturing a $5,000 prize in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The victory was truly a team effort in every sense of the word. While the football team plays with pride on Friday nights, it was the coordinated effort of cheerleaders, band members, student council, booster club, dedicated parents, and more that created the winning social media content. From behind-the-scenes preparation to game-day excitement, every department at Baird High School contributed to showcasing their school spirit online.

This collaborative approach caught T-Mobile’s attention among thousands of entries nationwide. The Friday Night 5G Lights contest awards $5,000 weekly to high schools in communities under 150,000 residents, recognizing schools that best capture and share their authentic Friday night experiences on Instagram and X.

“As a tight-knit 6-man football program from a small, rural Texas town, this $5,000 award is truly monumental. It’s not just financial support, it’s affirmation that our community’s hard work and the Bears’ relentless spirit are being recognized. We’re incredibly grateful, and this investment will make a real, tangible difference for the 2025–2026 season helping us elevate training, boost team morale, and empower our players to reach their potential. Thank you T-Mobile and the Baird Bear fans that made this possible!” said Athletic Director, Jeremy Kirk.

The winning strategy reflects what educators have always known: the best results come from working together. Just as T-Mobile has collaborated with small communities since 2021 – investing over $16 million through Hometown Grants, expanding 5G access, and supporting educational programs like Project 10Million – Baird High School understood that contest success required all hands on deck.

Looking ahead, the school has big plans for its $5,000 prize. But the real victory lies in what this experience taught the entire school community about the power of unified effort and shared purpose.

The formula for success is clear and replicable. Schools need consistent, authentic posts from their official social media accounts that showcase the full spectrum of their Friday night experience. From the grounds crew preparing the field to the final whistle, every moment matters. The more posts shared following contest guidelines, the better the chances of winning.

Other schools can learn from Baird High School’s approach: involve everyone. Rally your PTA to share pre-game setup photos. Encourage the band to post rehearsal videos. Have the cheer squad showcase their routines. Get the student council to capture crowd reactions. When every group contributes, the story becomes richer and more compelling.

Ready to help Baird High School win it all?

This $5K victory is the perfect launching pad for bigger prizes – 25 schools will advance as finalists to win $25,000 each plus a T-Mobile-hosted home game, and one school will claim the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize package. Keep the team effort strong by engaging with their content, sharing their posts, and showing T-Mobile that this community knows how to rally for the big wins.

Download the FN5GL Playbook for championship strategies, and keep supporting every post with #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes. Remember to use your school’s full name and mention @TMobile.

Champions aren’t made overnight – but they’re definitely made together.

————————————————-

This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign.See Official Rules.

There’s an energy that radiates from Portage Area High School on Friday nights – something electric that you can feel the moment you step onto campus in Portage, Pennsylvania. That infectious school spirit has now translated into tangible success, as Portage Area High School claimed a $5,000 victory in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

The win exemplifies what happens when genuine passion meets strategic action. Throughout the season, Portage Area High School has been channeling their Friday night energy into compelling social media content, sharing the raw emotion and authentic moments that make their game days unforgettable. From the butterflies before kickoff to the euphoria of victory, their posts have captured the full spectrum of the high school football experience.

T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest was designed to recognize exactly this kind of authentic energy. Each week, one high school in a community of 150,000 or fewer residents wins $5,000 by demonstrating their school spirit through engaging Instagram and X posts. This week, that honor belongs to Portage Area High School, whose consistent and creative content stood out among thousands of entries nationwide.

“The generous gift from T-Mobile is a great help for our athletics program. It will allow us to upgrade our equipment and facilities, ensuring our student-athletes have the best possible resources to compete and stay safe. This isn’t just about athletics, it’s about investing in our students and showing them that their hard work and dedication are recognized and celebrated by our community and partners like T-Mobile” said Director of Athletics, Craig Castel.

The victory comes at a perfect time for Portage Area High School, which will use the $5,000 prize to further build on their proud tradition. But beyond the immediate impact, this recognition validates what the school community has always believed: their spirit is special, their energy is contagious, and their Friday nights deserve national attention.

This success story aligns perfectly with T-Mobile’s mission to support and celebrate small-town America. Since 2021, the company has invested over $16 million through Hometown Grants, expanded America’s largest 5G network into rural communities, and supported educational initiatives like Project 10Million. Friday Night 5G Lights continues this commitment by spotlighting the institutions that serve as the heartbeat of their communities.

The formula that led to Portage Area High School’s success can be replicated by any school with the determination to consistently showcase their unique spirit. The contest rewards authenticity over production value, consistency over perfection, and genuine emotion over scripted content.

What makes this opportunity so powerful is its accessibility. Every school has spirit. Every community has traditions. Every Friday night offers moments worth sharing. The challenge lies in capturing that energy and presenting it in ways that resonate with a national audience.

Portage Area High School’s approach demonstrates the importance of involving the entire school community in the effort. When students, staff, parents, and community members all contribute to sharing the Friday night experience, the resulting content becomes richer and more compelling.

The contest continues throughout the season, with hundreds more schools destined to experience similar success. The requirements remain straightforward: consistent posts from official school accounts, authentic content that showcases school spirit, and adherence to contest guidelines including the use of complete school names.

Ready to turn your school spirit into championship gold?

This $5K win is just the beginning of what that unstoppable energy can achieve. This fall, 25 schools will advance as finalists to win $25,000 each plus a T-Mobile-hosted home game, and one school will claim the ultimate $1,000,000 grand prize package that transforms everything. Keep that championship spirit alive by engaging with their content, amplifying their posts, and showing the nation that Portage Area High School’s energy is unstoppable.

Be sure to download the FN5GL Playbook for winning strategies, and keep the momentum building by using #FN5GL and #Sweepstakes with every post, tagging @TMobile, and showcase your complete school name – no nicknames.

The spotlight found Portage Area High School – now let’s make sure it never leaves.

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This contest is part of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program. Only schools that met the contest’s eligibility requirements were included in the campaign and prize selection, and community engagement helps determine future prize opportunities. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Meta, and participants release Meta from any responsibility related to the campaign. See Official Rules.