WHS Principal and CCSD Named Finalists for National School Spirit Awards The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards celebrate schools, organizations, and individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to build school pride, student engagement, and community spirit. Woodstock High School Principal Mark Smith was named as a contender for the Most Spirited Principal award, and Cherokee County School District was chosen for the Spirit of St. Jude Award.School spirit plays an important role in the success of a school, and were so proud and excited about these honors, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. Everyone who knows Mark knows hes the schools and the towns No. 1 cheerleader. He cares deeply about every student and staff member, and all of their families, and thats evident in everything he does. Its also humbling to be recognized for having the Spirit of St. Jude. Kids are what were all about, and when kids are hurting, we all hurt. Visiting St. Judes and meeting those kids moves your heart, and so does seeing our own students put their ice cream money in a jar to help.The Most Spirited Principal award recognizes a leader who understands the essential link between school spirit and student achievement and supports academics and athletics alike. High school principals who are active in school activities, encouraging, and innovative are eligible for nomination.One of five finalists named from a pool of thousands of eligible principals, Smith is a longtime educator and principal well known in his school, community, and throughout Cherokee County for his infectious school spirit and support of students and staff. Smith is also known for charming hype videos on social media, which often feature costumes, the shouted chant We AreWoodstock! and, occasionally, wrestling.The Spirit of St. Jude award honors schools and school districts that engage students in fundraising for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, which is a major recipient of Varsity Brands philanthropy. CCSD is one of eight finalists nationwide for the award. Dr. Debra Murdock, CCSDs executive director of administrative leadership for middle and high schools, leads the district-wide fundraising efforts, which include activities like hat days and penny wars at individual schools as well as gate donations at Senior Series athletic events. Last school years fundraising for St. Jude topped $55,000. Varsity Brands is made up of BSN Sports, Varsity Spirit, and Herff Jones, with products including athletic equipment and uniforms, cheerleading camps and competitions, graduation products, class rings, and yearbooks. Winners will be announced at the companys School Spirit Awards Show in Orlando on May 11.
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