This year, Salida High School’s Student Council (StuCo) has introduced an exciting new initiative called the Fan of the Month program. This program aims to boost school spirit and increase attendance at various high school sports such as football, basketball, and soccer games.
The program’s goal is to reward students who consistently show up to support their teams while embracing the vibrant energy of Salida’s student body. It’s not just about showing up though, participants are expected to fully engage with the spirit of the games by dressing according to the theme set for each event. The themes are meant to encourage creativity, school spirit along with a sense of fun, helping to create a more electric atmosphere at games. Each month, during the craziest and most energetic game of that month, a new winner will be chosen. Students who win the Fan of the Month title must then wait until the following school year to compete again, making each month’s competition fresh and open.
One of the most appealing aspects of the program is the rewards that come with winning. If the Fan of the Month is an upperclassman, they are granted a purple parking spot near the school building. For underclassmen, the reward is the form of free concessions, allowing them to enjoy the games with complimentary snacks and drinks. These incentives add encouragement and excitement to the competition, motivating students to participate and show up not only for the games but for the opportunity to win these unique prizes. This program is a first for Salida High School, and it’s expected to draw larger crowds to the games, filling the stands with even more purple.This creates a stronger sense of community and school pride.
In a recent interview, Izzy Hughes, a member of StuCo, had more insight into the program’s sights. Hughes explained that the Fan of the Month program is a year-long initiative that spans all the seasons fall, winter, spring, and even summer, ensuring that school spirit remains high no matter the time of year.
“It’s a year-long program that continues throughout the fall, winter, spring, and summer,” said Hughes. She went on to explain that StuCo judges participants based on a rubric. “It has been a work in progress as the rubric was challenging to build,” Hughes admitted, highlighting the effort that went into ensuring the program is fair and fun for all involved.
The rubric is designed to measure factors such as attendance, creativity in following the game themes and overall spirit. By setting clear guidelines, StuCo aims to make the competition both engaging and fair, giving every student a chance to win based on their dedication and school pride.
The Fan of the Month program is shaping up to be an exciting addition to Salida High School’s activities. It provides students with a fun and rewarding way to engage with school sports and fosters a deeper connection to their peers and the broader school community. By encouraging students to participate in themed dress-ups, show up to games, and cheer on their teams, the program is sure to bring more energy, excitement, and purple to the stands. This initiative not only celebrates the students who go above and beyond in supporting their school.
With these new programs Salida continues offering students a chance to be recognized for their involvement and enthusiasm. This new tradition is sure to leave a lasting impact on the school’s culture, as students rally together to support their teams, showcase their Spartan pride, and make each sporting event an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking to enjoy the excitement, the Fan of the Month program is a fun and meaningful way to get involved in the school’s vibrant community.