If our student sections had a pulse, it would be a flatline.

As a senior here at Randall High School, I have seen the “eras” of our student sections. I have seen them be the loudest they could be, then turned around to watch them be so incredibly quiet I could hear a cricket on the field. As of the last two years, we’ve slowly gotten quieter and we need to step up our game.

We have a huge opportunity to show more school spirit, and it’s easier than you think. You’ve seen the themes promoted on social media and around school. They aren’t just suggestions, they are a call to action. Getting involved isn’t hard at all. Our first game is a red, white, and blue theme, and let’s be honest, you’re in Texas – a Fourth of July shirt is probably in your closet. Don’t be afraid to put it on and stand out. Showing up in our school colors or dressing up for a theme is a simple way to create a show of unity, making our student section feel powerful and connected.

Dressing according to the theme is a great start, but it’s only half the job. A real student section needs its voice to back up its look. I know you can be loud; I’ve heard you all during lunch. That’s the energy we need to bring to the stands. Our cheers, our chants, that noise is what can change the game. We need to be loud enough to give our team a real home-field advantage.

I fully understand that we haven’t even had a football game yet, but that doesn’t mean anything. I’ve gone to Randall football games and seen our student sections and most of the time they’re just sad. We need better student sections because school spirit is about more than just a game. It’s about belonging. It’s about creating a shared experience that gives us memories to look back on. It’s about learning to be part of something bigger than yourself.

When we sit in silence, we’re not just failing our team; we’re robbing ourselves of the very best part of being a student. We need to trade our flatline for a roar, our boring beige for our school colors, and our apathy for an unapologetic, unified passion. 

Raiders, let’s make the first home game of the season one to remember.