Last year, I thought it would be fun to get southwest Michigan communities and high schools involved in a way that helps celebrate our schools and might inspire creativity in our youth.

The response to the Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament was beyond our wildest expectations. Fans of area schools submitted thousands of photos and hundreds of videos that reached more than 22,000 people who cast more than 1.3 million votes.

Clearly, no one has more spirit than southwest Michigan. To help give more people the opportunity to display their school pride, this year I am teaming up with Sen. Bruce Caswell to expand the contest to 40 high schools from throughout the region.

The first round of the 2014 competition began on Monday, March 10 at noon and will go through noon on Friday, March 14. The entire competition will span six weeks, ending at noon on Friday, April 18, with the champion receiving a special tribute commending their school.

The 40 high schools in the tournament have been divided into four brackets that are named for features that characterize Southwest Michigan. School match-ups were chosen at random.

Like in the NCAA basketball tournament, the schools will compete in a single-elimination bracket contest with those with the most points moving on each week.

For 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.

Residents with any questions are encouraged to contact my office at 1-517-373-6960 or by email at senjproos@senate.michigan.gov.

Sen. Caswell and I encourage students and alumni to show their spirit and pride for their school and seize this chance to showcase what makes their school great.

The goal is to help highlight the school spirit alive throughout Southwest Michigan in a fun and entertaining way, and we look forward to seeing the creative submissions. Each round ends on Friday at noon, so submit your family-friendly photos or video early.

 

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