A strong student section can define the spirit of a high school, becoming a memorable part of the high school experience. Sr. Magaly Lemus recalls, “Last year, there was one football game at Hudsonville that stands out in my memory. It was cold, pouring rain, and the stands were pretty empty, but our student section showed up in full camo, ready for the game. The energy was electric. Despite the weather, we were fired up, shouting chants at the top of our lungs, making every moment count. When the game ended and we won, we leaped over the railings, racing to the track to celebrate. It’s that kind of passion and atmosphere that makes a student section unforgettable. I wish we could bring that atmosphere back every game.”

     Memories like Lemus’s paint a picture of what West Ottawa’s student section once represented—a unity and electric energy that’s become harder to capture in the last 2-3 years. At West Ottawa High School, our student section has the potential to become a vibrant, uniting force of school spirit. However, there’s been a noticeable decline in participation and enthusiasm in the last 2-3 years.

     Taking a closer look at recent changes, it seems that administrative restrictions have taken away some of the traditions that used to bring the crowd together. “I think the restrictions of no baby powder and no speakers or megaphones at our football games were a big problem. Ever since my freshman year, I can remember throwing the baby powder on kickoff, and now we can’t do it at all,” Sr. Brylan McConnell told me.

     However, as students, we must keep in mind the standard we uphold here at West Ottawa. Our P.R.I.D.E. acronym is something we should practice at the games, to show respect and maintain a safe environment for everyone involved. When our actions as a student section cross certain lines, they can be hurtful to players and fans alike.

     At the same time, if we want to build school unity and foster community spirit, the student section should have some freedom to cheer passionately and uniquely. While the current regulations restrict certain loud or messy activities, getting hyped and creating an intense, spirited atmosphere is what the student section is all about. This freedom is part of creating the high-energy environment we all crave at West Ottawa.

     As McConnell pointed out, “I think our student section leaders need to start better chants and encourage people to cheer louder. Possibly not let people sit in the student section if they are not cheering.” Ideas like McConnell’s suggest that student leaders themselves need to be ready to step up and take a more active role in boosting participation.

     Another issue we face is the lack of participation from the younger student body, especially freshmen and sophomores. So, how can we, as a school, encourage school spirit and engagement from younger students?

     Interactive pre-game events could be one solution to draw in underclassmen. Organizing pep rallies or tailgate parties before the games would make games feel like the major events they truly are. A mentorship or buddy system, where seniors or juniors take freshmen and sophomores under their wing, could also help younger students feel included and introduce them to the chants and traditions that keep the student section strong.

     Additionally, to keep things fresh and engaging, we could emphasize a wider variety of themes rather than repeating the same ones. Giving students more creative control over themes would inspire new ideas and encourage everyone to get involved. By allowing student section leaders to organize unique themes for each game and brainstorm different, spirited approaches, we can build an environment that’s vibrant, unified, and something students genuinely want to be part of. Imagine a student section where each game feels like a new experience, a true celebration of our school spirit.

     With more student involvement and creative freedom, West Ottawa’s student section could become a defining part of the school experience. If we can build a culture in the stands that’s supportive, passionate, and spirited, we’re more likely to have a student section that brings the electric energy Lemus described back to every game. With the right spirit, each game could become a place where every student feels a sense of belonging and pride—a place where West Ottawa truly feels like one united community.