Introduction
Boom boom, clap. Boom boom, clap. The sounds of students’ shoes pounding into the bleachers reverberate across the field. As the Panthers kickoff to start the game, students, parents and staff hold their breath in anticipation. Filling the stands with cheers and a sense of pride, the Panther PIT leaders, seniors at Newbury Park High School, focus on creating a feeling of school spirit.
The spirit of the PIT feeds into the community as people from Newbury Park come to support the student body. From the coordinated outfits, to the rehearsed chants NPHS can join as one. Every student voice becomes heard cheering from the side line to support Varsity Football. When Varsity football wins, their victory is unanimous. The energy gets the student body riled for upcoming events as they know that the PIT is a place of belonging.
Whether dressed in neon, camo or all black, the PIT leaders always go all out to support the Panthers’ attack. For Maya Beilke, senior, preparation for games involves poster making, planning out chants, outfits and decorations that can embody each theme. However, keeping energy up involves more methods than one. “[I keep everyone hyped by] definitely, cheering for defense and trying to keep them motivated to get back,” Beilke said.
PIT leaders Cambria Brown, Owen Gaida, Zander Wilson and Maggie Winnick pose for a picture while repping their black and gold for the first game on Aug. 21. This year, Gaida hopes to encourage the team to continue winning home games similar to the game against Muir on Sept. 18. “I wanted to be a PIT leader to help the school spirit,” Gaida said.
The stands roar as Newbury Park scores a touchdown against Hart High School on Aug. 28. Beilke raises her hand to cheer along with her fellow PIT leaders. “I have to create a culture where everybody wants to come, and everybody’s enjoying all the games and stays the entire game to cheer on our football team and encourage them,” Beilke said.
Capturing the energy of Friday Night Lights is not contained to the stadium. Instead, the memories begin before kickoff, bringing intensity and school spirit to the game from the ASG-led tailgates. PIT leader Taylor Black, senior, emphasizes the memories made at the tailgate on Aug. 28. “I would definitely say going to the tailgate and watching everyone show their school spirit, taking pictures [and] having fun,” Black said.
Friday Night Lights is not solely football, but is the community that is built cheering for the Panthers to win. Beilke encourages students to join ASG, highlighting the close-knit friendships developed under the bright lights that strengthen student engagement.“[I would encourage someone to be a PIT leader because] it’s very fun, and we all are very close now and have made relationships with new people this year,” Beilke said.
Conclusion
School spirit ignites when the PIT leaders unite a community of students through encouragement. In the PIT, cheering for the Panthers creates a supportive environment where every student can feel as though they belong. The PIT is a place that provides high energy and inclusivity that every student can partake in. Leaders Cambria Brown, Millie Wells, Maya Beilke, Owen Gaida, Zander Wilson, Maggie Winnick and Taylor Black allow students to be involved with the school and to step out of their comfort zones, developing new relationships with peers that a classroom may not foster. “[The PIT is] definitely fun, super rowdy, always loud. Just having fun, cheering, making sure everyone’s involved, no matter what grade,” Black said.
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