Lebanon, OR. — Lebanon High School’s campaign to restore Heath Stadium has paid off with a major recognition from T-Mobile’s national Friday Night 5G Lights contest.
While the school did not win the $1 million grand prize, T-Mobile awarded Lebanon High a $100,000 grant “for incredible school spirit and community support,” matching the amount given to last year’s grand prize winner. With the $1,000 earned for applying, $25,000 for being named one of the top 25 schools nationwide, and $5,000 during the competition as part of the $5k Fridays sweepstakes Lebanon’s total now stands at $131,000. All funds will go toward the Heath Stadium grandstands.
“While we didn’t bring home the $1 million grand prize, we absolutely showed what makes Lebanon special,” said Superintendent Jennifer Meckley. “Our students, staff, and community came together to represent not just our school but the entire state of Oregon.”
Principal Craig Swanson said, “Heath Stadium has been a cornerstone of this community since 1957. These funds will help us begin the process of restoring a space that means so much to so many—from football games to graduations.”
Booster club president Doug Phillips described the stadium as “a piece of our community that reaches way beyond football games and graduations.”
Lebanon High was Oregon’s only finalist among more than 2,100 schools that entered the contest. Dierks High School in Arkansas took first place with 1,988,665 votes, while Lebanon finished second with 1,457,848.
“This is such a cool opportunity,” said Swanson. “It’s a really amazing package that this community has completely rallied behind to help us earn that.”
Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction of Albany joined in by painting the stadium in T-Mobile’s magenta color. “It was fun; it was something in our wheelhouse,” said Kris Mannale, the company’s senior business director. “We had the painters. Why not us?”
The Heath Stadium structure has long shown its age. “We haven’t been able to pressure wash it for years because the integrity of the concrete is so fragile that it chips,” Swanson said. “We’ve got open holes in the stadium where you can look down into the bowels of the stadium.”
T-Mobile noted the following in a written statement.
While the Warriors didn’t take home the $1 million grand prize, their creativity, community pride, and all-out hustle elevated this year’s competition to new heights.
The Warriors finished second overall, rallying nearly 1.5 million votes from fans. Their inventive campaign included Lebanon’s magenta pride that captured hearts nationwide, and support from Steelers wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins and country artist Jessie Leigh.
“The spirit and determination the Lebanon Warriors showed throughout this competition truly embody what Friday Night 5G Lights is all about,” said Tracey Nielsen, Director of Market Sales for T-Mobile. “We’re so proud to support schools like Lebanon High that bring their communities together, show incredible creativity, and demonstrate the power of connection — both on and off the field.”
T-Mobile and Lebanon High School plan to host a community celebration on November 14 to honor the school’s achievement and community support.
Editor’s Note: The article originally reported total winnings of $126,000, RNO was contacted by T-Mobile and was notified there was an additional $5,000 that was won by the school, bringing the total winnings to $131,000.
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