GREENWOOD, Ark. — Greenwood High School (GHS) has been selected as a finalist for the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights competition. As the third finalist, GHS will receive a $25,000 grant.
The final competition involves getting the highest number of likes on their Instagram video to win a prize valued at $2 million to upgrade its high school football field.
This includes:
- $100,000 grant
- New teched-out scoreboard
- Consultation with football field experience experts
- Weight room from Gronk Fitness
- 5G network upgrade package
- Tailgate party celebration with live music and a 5G-powered halftime drone show
Eighteen schools in the state and 1,700 high schools nationwide entered the contest. Greenwood is the only high school in the state that remains in the competition. They are currently competing with 16 schools nationwide.
"It's great to see that a little small town of 10,000 people in Arkansas is considered one of the top 16 schools for school spirit in the entire nation," GHS Principal Jared Meyers said. "It's exciting too to know that we are the beacon that's representing the entire state of Arkansas, and seeing folks, not just in Greenwood but Fort Smith, local communities, the entire state, pulling behind us."
While football and Greenwood might go hand in hand with the Bulldogs being last year's 6A state champion, GHS Dance coach Jill Clark said winning the stadium makeover would benefit the entire community.
"You have your graduation here, we've had Special Olympics here, we have our little league go through here," Clark said. "Greenwood football is absolutely incredible, but we have a state championship cheer squad, we have a state runner-up dance team, we have a ranked band, and so it is literally everyone getting showcased in such a positive light."
Clark said they began a week before school started and wanted to showcase what the stadium meant to not only the school but the whole community.
GHS Athletic Director and head football coach Chris Young said that some renovations being considered include improving the entrance to the stadium, fixing the concession stands, adding a visitor locker room, and increasing seating capacity with more bleachers.
"This competition truly showcases what makes small towns so special and the incredible sense of community that exists in these areas," T-Mobile Consumer Group President Jon Freier said. "We’re excited to see which school will walk away with the grand prize and the ultimate 5G-powered game night experience, bringing their community together like never before."
Not only did T-Mobile host a pep rally for GHS on Oct. 10, but they are also planning to host a "Pink Out" home football game on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. There will be free food, games, and prizes for everyone.
The winner will be announced in early December. For a link to the video, click here.
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