Awards & Recognition
Purpose
The Best in Show Competition recognizes the department that creates the most creative, engaging, and memorable Live Mascot Calendar feature while celebrating The Citadel’s traditions, programs, and community spirit.
All departments participating in the Live Mascot Calendar Sponsorship Program are automatically entered into the competition.
Judging Criteria
Photos will be evaluated based on:
- Creativity
- Citadel Spirit
- Department Representation
- Visual Appeal
- Mascot Appeal
Voting Process
Following publication of the calendar, all sponsored photos will be shared for community voting.
Eligible voters may include:
- Cadets
- Faculty and Staff
- Alumni
- Parents
- Friends of the Live Mascot Program
Each participant may cast one vote. The photo receiving the most votes will be named the year’s Best in Show winner.
Award
- The Official Best in Show Ribbon
- Certificate of Recognition
- Recognition through Live Mascot Program communications, Dog News, and social media
- One year of campus bragging rights
Award Presentation
The Best in Show Ribbon and Certificate will be presented directly to the winning department during a brief in-office recognition presentation.
The presentation may include:
- Department leadership
- Department staff members
- Representatives of the Live Mascot Program
- The current Live Mascot (subject to availability)
A photo of the presentation will be shared through Dog News, social media, and other Live Mascot Program communications.
Recognition in Future Calendars
The winning department may be recognized in the following year’s calendar with a notation such as:
2027 Best in Show Winner
Sponsored by Facilities & Engineering
This recognition helps establish Best in Show as an ongoing tradition of the Live Mascot Calendar Program.
Program Philosophy
The goal of the competition is not simply to select a winner.
It is to encourage departments across campus to showcase their programs, celebrate The Citadel’s traditions, support the Live Mascot Program, and create memorable calendar moments that the entire Citadel community can enjoy.
Have fun. Be creative. Let the mascot steal the spotlight.