Princeville’s Magenta Journey: Our FN5GL Story

This journey all started way back on August 6th, with our very first post on social media announcing that Princeville High School was entering the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights (FN5GL) contest. We didn’t know then just how big it would become — or how much pride, teamwork, and spirit our town would show.

At first, our goal was simple: post, repost, and  share. In Week 3, we won $5,000, and on August 29th, T-Mobile came to PHS and presented us with a check. That day sparked even more excitement — suddenly, this wasn’t just a contest, it was a mission.

Then, on September 25th, everything changed again. We found out we made the Top 25 schools in the entire United States, out of more than 2,100 schools entered and earned the full $25,000 prize. Even more exciting — we were the only school in Illinois to do it. We celebrated with a huge district-wide assembly with all PCUSD 326 students, and the energy in that gym was off the charts.

On October 3rd, during our Homecoming football game sponsored by T-Mobile, we were officially presented our $25,000 check on the field. Seeing that check under the Friday night lights, surrounded by our fans, band, cheerleaders, and community, was a moment we’ll never forget.

Earning a spot in the Top 25 meant we now had a chance to win $1 million for our stadium— and that’s when Princeville truly turned magenta. Students, teachers, parents, alumni, and local businesses worked nonstop to help us get votes. Houses were covered in pink lights, tractors and buildings turned magenta, signs went up all over town,over 25 Rangers decorated in pink for the hoco parade, and farmers even cut giant T’s into their fields to show support. When Princeville sets a goal, we go all out.

We shared posts, made videos, asked everyone we knew, and spread the word everywhere we could — and it worked, because support came pouring in. We received help and shout-outs from:

• Big high schools in our area
  
  

• Colleges across Illinois
  
  

• Peoria sports teams
  
  

• Radio stations & news stations
  
  

• Some local politicians
  
  

• Local businesses and community groups
  
  

• Theo Von
  
  

• Fergie Jenkins, Hall of Fame Chicago Cubs legend
  
  

Our story traveled far beyond our small town.

In the end, Princeville finished 12th in the nation with 193,019 votes, earning a total of $30,000 from T-Mobile ($5,000 from Week 3 + $25,000 for Top 25). For a school with around 185 students in a town of just over 1,600 people, that is an incredible achievement.

Yes, the million-dollar prize would've been amazing. But here’s what we did win:

• The state of Illinois talking about us
  
  

• A surge of hometown pride
  
  

• Students, staff, families, and alumni united
  
  

• Memories we’ll talk about for years
  
  

• Proof that a small town can make a HUGE impact

We didn’t lose — we made history.

Thank You, Princeville

To every student who posted.
Every parent who shared and voted.
Every business who showed love.
Every teammate, teacher, neighbor, and mascot who stood with us—thank you.

We didn’t just compete.
We showed the country who Princeville is.

We are heart.
We are hustle.
We are community.
We are the Princes.

And if you think this story ends here — just wait.  This is only the beginning.

One Town. One Team. One Heart. And a million reasons to be Proud