the ultimate yearbook experience

Exclusively for Varsity Yearbook customers, your yearbook staff is invited to join us at the National School Spirit Championships at Walt Disney World® Resort — where they’ll go beyond the sidelines to capture your cheer squad, dance team or band as they shine on the national stage.

This is more than a trip. It’s a resume-worthy opportunity to sharpen real-world journalism skills: conducting interviews, snapping action-packed photos and telling the story of school spirit in action.

Ready? Let’s go!

Want to stay in the loop for next year? There’s no commitment — just a simple way to stay connected. Sign up, and we’ll keep you in the loop with all the latest updates and info!

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Capture Your School’s Experience

Your staff will have a front-row seat (literally) to document your school as they compete on the national stage. They’ll have resume-worthy opportunities to practice interviewing, capture action photos and hone journalism skills in real life.

– Visit Walt Disney World® Resort: Bond with your staff at theme parks.
– Interviews: Conduct and document interviews with top athletes and coaches.
– Meet on-air Talent: Interact with on-air personalities and witness on-camera reporting.
– ESPN Media: Get an insider’s look at ESPN’s operations.
– Career Skills: Engage in career discussions with leaders from Varsity Spirit and Varsity Yearbook.

Make history at the first-ever National School Spirit Championships

This unforgettable event brings together the nation’s best at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, UDA National Dance Team Championship and the inaugural National School Band Championship.

Weekend one: Division II 

PRESS PASS ACADEMY WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 29, 2026.

School Size: 1-1,399 students

Weekend two: Division I 

PRESS PASS ACADEMY WILL BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2026.

School Size: 1,400+ students

LEARN MORE ABOUT NSSC →

Frequently Asked Questions

My yearbook staff would like to attend, but my school’s cheer squad, dance team or school band will not be competing. Can we still attend?

Attending yearbook staffs must be a Varsity Yearbook customer.

Varsity Yearbook customers are welcome to attend even if your cheer squad, dance team or band isn’t competing. However, if your school is participating in the championships, it offers a richer, more hands-on experience — giving your staff the opportunity to capture meaningful content of their own team in action.

When should my school travel?

To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving by Wednesday. This gives you time to pick up your name tags and credential cards at your designated check-in location — required for entry into the ESPN Wide World of Sports® complex before Thursday’s Media Prep Day.

For both Division I and Division II weekends, Press Pass Academy kicks off on Thursday morning. Media Prep Day is a can’t-miss experience at the ESPN Wide World of Sports® complex, designed to get your yearbook staff competition-ready. The day includes a behind-the-scenes venue tour, interactive training sessions and a clear overview of rules and expectations — everything they need to hit the ground running for the exciting days ahead.

When and how can my school (cheer/dance/band/yearbook) register?

Registration will open in fall of 2025.

To secure your spot, you’ll need to provide a list of attendees, a rooming request and a per-attendee deposit at the time of registration. We recommend finalizing your payment arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth and timely registration process.

How much will it cost to attend?

Pricing will be released in fall of 2025. 

To view last year’s pricing, click here.

How many students can attend?

There’s no limit to how many students can attend. However, only three photographers are permitted on the floor during your school’s performance. We also ask that you bring one chaperone for every four students.

I’m not a Varsity Yearbook customer. Can I attend?

Press Pass Academy is an experience available exclusively to Varsity Yearbook customers.

Interested in printing with Varsity Yearbook and attending Press Pass Academy? Connect with your local rep here to learn more.

Looking for fundraising opportunities?

Raise money for Press Pass Academy with these easy-to-execute top performing fundraiser partners through Varsity Spirit.

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