NIU President John La Tourette passed out The Presidential Spirit Award to six campus organizations Tuesday.

The awards were given to those who earned the highest number of points in the Homecoming spirit competitions.

“This award is an honor which organizations could achieve by showing their school spirit through participation and involvement,” said Steven Zarch, Homecoming coodinator for Campus Activities Board.

Because of point system restructuring for Homecoming activities, this is the first year spirit awards have been given, Zarch said.

The organizations who received the awards were the Grant Towers residence hall, Phi Sigma Kappa and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternities, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma and Sigma Kappa sororities.

La Tourette said students participating in such events improves the overall atmosphere at NIU. Those involved in extracurricular activities generally have higher grade point averages and higher graduation rates, he said.

More than 30 organizations participated in Homecoming activities to earn points for spirit awards, such as midnight volleyball, yell like hell, canoe races and the talent show, Zarch said.