Oregon — Lebanon High School is Oregon’s only finalist in T-Mobile’s nationwide Friday Night 5G Lights competition, a contest that awards a $1 million stadium upgrade to one high school. Yet, while other states’ leaders are rallying behind their finalists, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has remained silent.
The contrast is especially clear in Arkansas, where Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders publicly congratulated Dierks High School, that state’s finalist, and encouraged residents to vote. Sanders’ endorsement was shared widely across social media, helping boost Dierks’ national visibility.
Congratulations Dierks High School on making Top 25 in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights Competition!From now until Oct. 24th, vote for Dierks below so they can win $1 million for their school.Go Outlaws!https://t.co/rxq68uieAhpic.twitter.com/orSBHAnQyd
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) October 9, 2025
Lebanon supporters, meanwhile, have expressed the need for updates to the stadium. On social media, local advocates noted, “Man that stadium needs to get fixed. I went to a football game there and the seats to rotted out. It’s really sad it needs help.” Others made comments showing their substantial disapproval of the response from the Governor’s Office and lack of support to raise awareness…