SALISBURY — It’s official — Salisbury High School is moving on to the finals.

T-Mobile recently announced that Salisbury High School is one of 16 schools across the country and the only school in North Carolina to receive a $25,000 grant as part of the company’s “T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights” competition which launched in early August.

More than 1,700 high schools nationwide entered the contest, including 66 high schools across North Carolina.

The $25,000 award will help Salisbury High School upgrade the current lighting system on the field, so it is safe and welcoming for all who use it, whether for athletic competitions, community gatherings or youth programs.

“The chance at a stadium upgrade through T-Mobile is a great opportunity to continue the excellence of Salisbury athletics,” Head Football Coach Clayton Trivett said. “This upgrade would not only benefit our athletes, but our community as well. So, let’s like — share — and make this happen Hornet fans.”

It comes at a great time for Salisbury High School, which is on the cusp of a major milestone.

“To win this stadium makeover from T-Mobile would be the perfect birthday present given that our school will celebrate its 100th birthday in June,” Principal Marvin Moore said. “This gift will be extremely appreciated and much needed by all in our community.”

Winning is nothing new at Salisbury.

“Salisbury High School has an elite history of winning,” Athletic Director Derek Butler said. “The chance to enhance our stadium to match our level of play is one we do not want to miss. Our students and community deserve a stadium to match our culture.”

Rowan-Salisbury School System Superintendent Dr. Kelly Withers is excited about what the grant means to the school and community at large.

“A stadium upgrade would allow Salisbury High School’s stadium to match the excellence their athletes embody,” Withers said. “It would be an investment not only in the students but in the community as a whole.” 

Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander seconded that thought.

“Just to think of the bursting pride for our school to win the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Grant would be a dream come true for our alumni, our citizens, and our fans who follow our amazing scholars, athletes, coaches, parents, staff and principal,” Alexander said. “We are so proud.”

The school and T-Mobile will hold a special celebration at the home football game at the high school, located at 500 Lincolnton Road, Salisbury, on Friday, Oct. 18, with games, giveaways and free food at the concession stand. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 7:30 p.m. A check presentation / ceremony will take place during halftime.

Salisbury High School and the other finalists now move onto the final face-off, where people across the country will help decide which deserving high school will win the $2 million grand prize to upgrade its high school football field. The grand prize includes a $100,000 grant for the school, weight room from GronkFitness.com, new teched-out scoreboard, consultation with football field experience experts, 5G network upgrades package and an epic tailgate party celebration with live music and a 5G-powered halftime drone show. The grand prize winner will be announced in December.