A Celebration of Spirit: The National School Spirit Championships' Historic First Edition

The recently concluded National School Spirit Championships has etched its place in history, bringing together high school cheer, dance, and band programs from across the nation. Organized by Varsity Spirit, a leader in cheerleading and performance arts, this event set an unparalleled stage to celebrate athletic excellence, creativity, and school pride.

Held over two weekends in early February 2026, the championships took place in Memphis, Tennessee, and was a grand affair where over 38,000 athletes from 2,200 teams showcased their skills across various competitions. The event unfolded under the overarching theme of school spirit, culminating in the crowning of the Division I and Division II National School Spirit Champions. Thompson High School emerged victorious in Division I, while Bishop Amat High School clinched the title in Division II, exemplifying excellence through performance and team spirit.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the championships was the gathering of schools from all 40 states, each contributing to a diverse tapestry of performance and community engagement. With such a large pool of participants, schools were evaluated based on points earned through participation, showcasing their commitment to fostering school pride and unity.

Moreover, attendees were treated to the second annual Press Pass Academy, an initiative by Varsity Yearbook, aimed at providing a platform for budding student journalists. Over 100 students participated, gaining invaluable experience in media coverage, storytelling, and photography while documenting the spirited events surrounding their school teams.

An exciting highlight was the inaugural celebration of the National School Band Championship, which was made even more special by the appearance of the Banana Band, the official pep band of the Savannah Bananas. Their participation offered a unique flavor to the event, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that resonated with both contestants and spectators.

Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit, expressed pride in the event's success, stating, "For the first time, high school cheer, dance, and band teams came together under one roof, creating a unified experience that elevated school spirit and created lasting memories. The dedication, passion, and pride on display throughout the weekend made this event a true celebration of excellence."

The bright lights of the championships spotlighted a multitude of results that highlighted outstanding performances across the divisions. In Division II, notable champions included Brother Martin High School in the Large Varsity Coed category, while Teurlings Catholic High School took honors in the Large Varsity Division II.

In Division I, high achievers included Tahquitz High School, dominating in Large Varsity Coed, and Mason High School, known for their electrifying Hip Hop performances. Each achievement reflects not just individual talent, but the collective effort put into these teams, manifesting the spirit they carried back to their respective communities.

This year's championships also marked a significant expansion in the evolution of cheer and dance competitions, having been broadcasted live on Varsity TV—a platform dedicated to delivering exclusive coverage of cheer and dance events. The excitement doesn’t stop here; anticipation builds as the competitions are set to air on ESPN2 and ESPNU starting in spring 2026.

In conclusion, the inaugural National School Spirit Championships embodied more than just contests; it was a celebration of camaraderie, talent, and the indomitable spirit of youth. With champions crowned and memories forged, the legacy of this event is poised to inspire future generations of athletes. Varsity Spirit paved the way for a new chapter in the realm of school spirit, invoking a sense of pride that will resonate long after the last cheer has echoed.