Hibriten, South Caldwell win $5,000 through T-Mobile program

Two Caldwell County high schools have received $5,000 each through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights program and remain eligible for larger prizes, including a $1 million football field upgrade.

Hibriten High School in Lenoir and South Caldwell High School in Hudson were among the first 300 schools nationwide selected as $5K Fridays winners in this year’s competition.

The awards may be used for needs such as helmets, uniforms, weight room equipment, or team travel.

Now in its third year, Friday Night 5G Lights supports high school football programs in communities with populations of fewer than 150,000. T-Mobile plans to award more than $8.4 million through the program this year.

A panel of judges will choose 40 regional finalists, each of which will receive an additional $25,000 and a T-Mobile-hosted home game celebration. Four division champions will receive $250,000 each, a fitness center, and a $5,000 student leadership award. One school ultimately will receive a $1 million football field upgrade.

Schools will be evaluated on community impact, need, creativity, school pride, social media participation, and community engagement.

Applications remain open through Sept. 18. Public voting for the finalists will run from Oct. 8-25, followed by voting for the final four schools from Oct. 29-Nov. 8. The grand prize winner is scheduled to be announced Nov. 12.

— AKC