Lennox and Perry Schools Advance in Stadium Upgrade Contest

On Oct. 8, 2026, Lennox High School in South Dakota and Perry High School in Iowa were named among 40 finalists in a national stadium upgrade competition, receiving $25,000 awards and competing for larger facility improvements.

According to Dakota News Now, Lennox was the only South Dakota school selected as a finalist. According to who13.com, Perry earned its spot from more than 2,500 applicants nationwide.

The two schools are competing against nine other Midwest division finalists for an additional $250,000 in facility upgrades. The overall winner will receive a $1 million stadium upgrade package.

Lennox School District Superintendent Adam Shaw said the finalist recognition will support efforts to improve the district's athletic complex, which is more than 30 years old.

"Being named a Top 40 Finalist through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Under the Lights program is an incredible honor for Lennox School District and our entire community. The $25,000 award is much more than a financial contribution—it is the seed that will help us begin a capital campaign to renovate and revitalize our athletic complex, which is now more than 30 years old. Our community continues to grow, and with that growth comes increasing participation in our athletic programs," said Adam Shaw, Lennox School District Superintendent.

Lennox will receive a hosted game celebration on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, while the district continues its push for athletic complex renovations, according to Dakota News Now.

Perry Schools Activities Director Tina Lutterman said the Iowa school needs improvements to parts of its stadium facilities, including its sound system.

"We have some dated facilities. The sound system at the stadium could definitely use an improvement. Budgets are tight, and we’re always looking for ways to give our students and staff our fans, the best experience possible," said Tina Lutterman, Activities Director at Perry Schools.

Perry's finalist announcement was revealed during a student pep rally, where staff surprised students with the news. Lutterman said the recognition also reflects the community's support and resilience.

"We had some great support in the past. We’ve had some tragedies and some adversity we’ve had to overcome as a district. The resilience that we have is so strong, and we are hoping we can get the state to rally behind us one more time," said Tina Lutterman, Activities Director at Perry Schools.

Voting for the division finalists is scheduled to run through Oct. 25, 2026, with each school seeking support to advance to the next stage of the competition.