CSG High School Spirit Award Program Sponsored by Nebraska State College System

Lincoln—Nebraskans are encouraged to participate in the 2010 Cornhusker State Games (CSG), June 19-27 and vote for their favorite high school on the registration form as part of the inaugural CSG School Spirit Award Program. This new program – which is sponsored by the Nebraska State College System (NSCS) and its member institutions, Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges – provides support to Nebraska high schools across the state.

NSCS Chancellor Stan Carpenter said, “Our mission in the Nebraska State College System is to serve our students, communities and state by providing high quality, accessible educational opportunities. More than 80 percent of the students attending our colleges come from Nebraska. By sponsoring this new School Spirit Award Program, we have a unique opportunity to assist Nebraska high schools in a small way and recognize them for the strong support they have from students, alumni and the school community at large.” 

Current and future high school students, alumni, parents, members of the community and all CSG participants, regardless of age or school affiliation, can vote for the school of their choice each time they register for the 2010 Games.

The top two vote-getting schools in three size categories – Small: D1 and D2, Medium: C1 and C2, and Large: A and B – will receive $750 and $500 respectively. There is no sign-up or obligation required on part of the school.

The NSCS serves 9,000 students from Nebraska and surrounding states through three geographically diverse institutions: Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges. Combined, the three colleges offer more than 200 degree, certificate, and pre-professional programs that are accessible on the three campuses, via the Internet, and in several satellite locations throughout the state. With more than 250 credentialed faculty members and 50,000 successful graduates, the NSCS provides significant human and intellectual capital that contributes to the current and future economic strength of the State of Nebraska.  For more information about the NSCS, go to www.nscs.edu.

The Cornhusker State Games are scheduled at 70 venues in Lincoln and surrounding communities. Competition is offered in 64 sports for Nebraska athletes of all ages and abilities. Participants have until June 7 to register for most competitions, and can save $5 per person if registered by May 31.

Organizers believe the new School Spirit Awards will bring focus to the Games while schools are still in session, a necessity since the competitions take place nearly a month earlier than normal. The Games will be held earlier because Lincoln will be hosting the Special Olympics in July.

Other special promotions include a grand-prize drawing featuring a free one-year lease on a Mazda5, a diamond-and-gold pendant valued at $1,800 and free round-trip airfare for two.  All registered participants are eligible for the drawing.

The Nebraska Sports Council also awards five $1,000 scholarships to Games participants who complete a scholarship application. Criteria include academic achievements, athletic achievements, volunteer activities and an essay portion. The scholarships can be used at any Nebraska post-secondary institution.

The statewide Cornhusker State Games Torch Run got under way Monday, and the Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies take place June 25. All details of the School Spirit Award program and other aspects of the Cornhusker State Games can be found at CornhuskerStateGames.com.  

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