MANCHESTER – West High School’s football program has been named a finalist for T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest. As a finalist, West football will receive $25,000 and is in the running for the $2 million grand prize.
The Blue Knights are among 16 finalists nationwide, chosen from thousands of entrants seeking the big prize to support their football program. The winner will be chosen based on the total number of “likes” on West’s official video for the contest. You can watch, like and share the video at https://www.instagram.com/p/DA6IPzVOS1v/. You can cast your vote through November 12.
"We are honored to be selected as a top 16 finalist,” said West Coach Andrew Provencher, who submitted the application for the contest. “It's a privilege to showcase our tremendous student athletes and community to the entire nation."
West’s football program has seen strong growth in recent years and has started this season 4-1. West Principal Richard Dichard said that growth is visible not just on the field, but in the support from fans at each game. He hopes the entire community will rally around the program to land the big prize.
“These are the kinds of things that cultivate the positive culture and community we want for our schools and students,” Dichard said. “We hope as many people as possible in our community and beyond support us. This would be a game changer for us.”
The community will have the opportunity to celebrate along with the team at its home game versus Hanover on Friday, November 1. That game starts at 6:30 pm and tickets can be purchased at the gate. The District’s Athletic Director Christine Pariseau-Telge said that Manchester’s history has shown how sports teams can bring the community together, and that’s exactly what the Blue Knights are doing.
“Our small town knows how a strong football program can lead the way, change young lives and impact our community,” Pariseau-Telge said. “This is exactly what West football is doing every day, both in and out of season. West football is inspiring our community to be better and do better. We hope the nation votes for West!”
Mayor Jay Ruais, who joined with other elected officials to help West celebrate on Thursday morning, said West’s growth means a lot to the community, and a grand prize win would mean even more.
“High school sports bring communities together for the excitement of the games and the pride that teams generate, and West High is no exception,” Ruais said. “The turnaround of the Blue Knights football program under the leadership of Coach Provencher has been amazing. Winning the grand prize for the school would just make for a perfect season. I’m so proud of what the football team has accomplished and look forward to their future successes. Go West!“
Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel said the entire District is behind West and hopes that the community will join in.
"We are thrilled that T-Mobile has chosen West High School for this recognition, and we are excited about what it means for Coach Provencher and the team,” Chmiel said. “To be selected out of thousands of schools nationwide, it speaks to the quality of the program and the people behind it. We thank T-Mobile for its support of our amazing student athletes, and we ask for your support of West for the grand prize."
You can find more information on T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest, and see daily updates of voting, at https://www.fridaynight5glights.com/.