I always look forward to Friday football after a long week, but no one else seems to feel the same. Football season should be the peak of school spirit, but after the last couple games, it doesn’t feel that way. 

When I was in middle school, I couldn’t wait to become part of the student section. I would watch my older sister get ready for her football games every Friday and talk about how exciting the crowd was. But when I entered Upper School, the crowd did not live up to my expectations. Instead of packed stands and loud cheering, I was met with empty seats and minimal school spirit. 

On Friday nights, Brinkmann Field is rarely packed, with a majority of students only attending homecoming and the opening game. For every other game, rows of bleachers are left empty. Greenhill’s lack of student support steals from us what is an unforgettable tradition almost everywhere else in Texas: the spirit of football season. 

For me, high school is more than just grades; it’s also about making once-in-a-lifetime memories with my classmates. But when the bleachers remain empty, I am unable to create unforgettable moments with my friends.  

A loud crowd motivates players and cheerleaders, and more than that, shows our school pride. When the stands are quiet, we let the team down and the school. While we may not win every time, games are more than just the final score. Energy must come from us, not the scoreboard.  

Football season only lasts two months of our fast-paced Upper School journey. And if we want Friday nights to actually mean something, we all have to work together to make the change. Every person in the stands makes a difference. If more people show up, there will actually be a sense of school spirit and unity. 

So, on Friday night, show up to the game and sting ’em.