WASHBURN COUNTY — Birchwood School in Washburn County was named a T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights $5K Fridays winner in week 4 - the midway point - of the company’s national program built around high school football and community pride. These funds are theirs to allocate how they see fit, whether it's supporting their academics, athletes, or the broader school community.
Now in its third season, Friday Night 5G Lights will award more than $8.4 million in prizes to high schools in towns with under 150,000 people. This means that Birchwood stands to win $25,000 if selected as one of the program’s 40 Division Finalists; $250,000 if voted one of four Division Champions; and the ultimate grand prize - a full football field transformation valued at $1 million.
It is one of 17 schools in Wisconsin to win $5K so far this year, and more high schools in the area are encouraged to apply. Last year, New Auburn High School north of Eau Claire was a finalist and won $25K through the program.
QUICK FACTS
- School officials can apply now at FridayNight5GLights.com through Sept. 18, and every applicant is automatically entered into weekly $5K Fridays giveaways.
- Entries should include a short story or essay explaining why the school deserves a transformation.
- 1,000 schools will receive $5,000, with winners being announced weekly throughout the submission period as part of $5K Fridays.
- 40 Division Finalists will each receive $25,000 plus a T-Mobile Home Game Celebration.
- Public voting runs Oct. 8 – 25, with the public able to cast one vote per person per day.
- Four Division Champions will each receive $250,000, a Gronk Fitness gym (valued at $90K) and a $5,000 student leadership award.
- The grand prize winner will receive a $1 million grand prize football stadium upgrade - announced on Nov. 12
Last Update: Aug 31, 2026 11:15 am CDT
