Largo High School and the Varsity Brands IMPACT Program Work Together to Boost Sport, Spirit & Achievement

October 7, 2016

Holiday, Florida – Varsity Brands, which is comprised of  BSN  SPORTS, Herff Jones and Varsity Spirit, has partnered with Largo High School, in Pinellas County, Florida on a rebranding initiative for their new campus.

Largo High School first teamed up with the Varsity Brands IMPACT Program in February of 2016. Dr. Brad Finkbiner, the school’s principal, wanted to bring the rich traditions of Largo High School to the new facility being constructed. He assembled a committee of students, faculty, community members and administrators to ensure that the branding efforts truly reflected the culture of Largo High School.

Working with VIP Branding through the IMPACT Program, this committee helped design a new and refreshed brand that would build excitement and pride for their new facility among students, faculty and alumni, and the greater Largo community. Through its partnership with Varsity Brands, Largo High School unveiled a refreshed school brand and logo throughout their new facility, which successfully opened this year.

“We know that a dynamic brand can create excitement among the student body, faculty and parents of a school, and in the community in general. With Largo HS, we had the opportunity to help develop their brand on a new campus,” says Helen Price, Executive Director of VIP Branding. “Helping schools develop that brand is what we do best. It is part of our business culture, as is our belief that strong school spirit can help create better futures for students.”

“Working with [the VIP Branding team] was such a professional experience. The artists knew how to keep traditions strong, while updating the look of our mascot all at the same time,” said Dr. Finkbiner. “We are so happy with the final result and cannot wait to have it all over our new beautiful campus.  Thank you to Varsity Brands and VIP Branding.”

Varsity Brands launched the IMPACT Program in 2014 to foster pride in schools by encouraging participation, recognizing achievement, and building community and school spirit.

By collaborating with educators, coaches and students, Varsity Brands representatives use the resources of the IMPACT Program to partner with the school to provide solutions to meet the unique needs of each school. VIP Branding helps schools ensure that their brand appears consistently throughout their campus, from exterior signage to mascot appearance in murals, yearbooks, newsletters and beyond. Ultimately, the goal is to improve student engagement and community involvement through an identity so that all stakeholders feel pride and ownership.

Varsity Brands’ mission is to elevate student experiences and getting everyone involved on campus.  The company recently conducted research that illustrates a direct correlation between school spirit, community and school involvement, academic achievement and self-confidence.  According to a Harris Poll and subsequent White Paper published in 2014, 92% of principals agree that high school spirit is tied to high academic achievement, 90% of students with high levels of school spirit are more likely to be leaders, and that students with higher levels of school spirit perform above average academically.