I am proud to continue hosting the southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament, a tradition started by my predecessor, former Sen. John Proos.

The #SWMISpirit tournament has grown to become a popular event among students, parents, alumni and members of our southwest Michigan communities. Last year, participants from all 31 area schools submitted thousands of photos during the competition in a showcase of outstanding school spirit.

This year’s tournament began this week on Monday, March 18 and will continue for five weeks, ending at noon, Friday, April 19. The 31 area high schools in the tournament were divided into four brackets and, like in the NCAA tournament, the schools compete in a single-elimination bracket contest with those earning the most points advancing to the next round each week.

The contest rules have changed slightly for 2019, and points are accumulated in numerous ways, including:

• Each school will be assigned its own unique photo album on facebook.com/SenKimLaSata for the opening round.

• Only the photo albums of each winning school from each round will advance to the next round.

• Participants will post their photos within their school’s photo album in the comment section. Use of the #SWMISpirit hashtag is encouraged.

• Bonus points will be given when others “like” and comment on a school’s photo album.

• Fans can also earn points for sharing my posts about the contest.

• Points may also be earned by voting in polls on my Facebook page and at StateSenatorKimLaSata.com.

Please visit my Facebook page for the bracket, tournament rules and, of course, to participate!

The #SWMISpirit tournament has been a great success, and I encourage everyone to join in and continue to show that no one has more school spirit than southwest Michigan.

Kim LaSata, R, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. She can be reached at (517) 373-6960 or SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov