Gila Ridge earns $25,000 finalist award; voting could bring $250,000

Gila Ridge High School has earned a $25,000 award as one of 40 finalists in T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights competition. The Yuma school is now competing for a $250,000 division prize and a place in the final round.

The company's October 8 announcement places Gila Ridge among ten schools in the West Division. It is the only Arizona school on the published finalist list.

Each finalist receives a $25,000 award and a company-hosted home-game celebration. Gila Ridge's October 9 announcement schedules its celebration for October 23.

Voting in the division round runs through October 25. One winner from each of four divisions will receive $250,000, a Gronk Fitness gym package valued at $90,000, and a student-focused award valued at $5,000.

The four division champions are scheduled to be announced October 29. They will advance to a final vote running October 29 through November 8, with the $1 million grand-prize winner announced November 12.

The official rules permit one vote per verified mobile phone number each day, with one number per voter. Voting is open to eligible U.S. residents age 13 or older; minors need a parent or guardian's consent. No purchase is required. The division-round deadline is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on October 25. Sponsor challenges can also add bonus votes to a school's total.

The possible facility investment would serve people beyond the football program. In the school's announcement, athletic director Johannah Elliott describes Veterans Memorial Stadium as a district facility used for Special Olympics and other community events. She says advancing would allow investment in athletic facilities and equipment.

The announcement does not identify an approved spending plan for the $25,000 or establish that the check has been received. The rules describe the $1 million grand prize as funding for football-field or related stadium improvements, subject to sponsor approval.

Readers can find voting instructions and current competition information on T-Mobile's contest page.