The 2014 Southwest Michigan School Spirit Tournament is in the homestretch.

The tournament is about inspiring our students, their schools and their communities to show their school spirit in a fun way by tapping into the idea of ‘March Madness’ and the outreach of social networking. In 2013, we were overwhelmed by the tremendous response of school spirit, and we are again seeing a fantastic display of pride, enthusiasm and creativity this year.

Following the success of last year’s spirit tournament, the contest was expanded to 40 area
high schools.

We are now down to the Final Four!

The advancing schools, who won brackets named after features that characterize Southwest Michigan, are: the Bangor Vikings, Marcellus Wildcats, River Valley Mustangs and the South Haven Rams.

The Final Four games are underway, and winners will move on to the championship round that will end on April 18. I expect both games to come down to the wire, so I encourage students and fans to seize this chance to showcase their spirit and pride for their school.

You have until noon on Friday, April 11 to get online, vote for your favorite school or be creative and submit a video about what makes your school great.

To follow the competition or to see complete rules and information, visit the Spirit Tournament page on my Senate website at www.SenatorJohnProos.com or the Notes section of my Facebook fan page, “John Proos Southwest Michigan Page.”

People can go to the website contest page to vote in polls and upload videos and photos. Visitors to the Facebook page can also upload photos and earn bonus points when others “Like” the photo. Another way to earn points is to follow Senator John Proos on Twitter and send a tweet to @JohnMProos that includes the school name and #SWMISpirit.

The goal is to help highlight the school spirit alive throughout Southwest Michigan in a fun and entertaining way, and the continued display of spirit for our outstanding schools should make us all proud. Who will be this year’s champion?

 

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien and Cass counties and most of Van Buren County.