The student section comes alive at night! As soon as the Viking horn blares and the band bumps, it’s gonna be a good game. Everyone cheers as the players storm the field. Purple and Gold fog fills the air as everyone chants in unison. Friday night football isn’t something to miss at Lake Stevens High School.
Seniority in the student section for football games is a thing, and LSHS takes this tradition seriously. Seniors attending the high school definitely don’t take this privilege for granted; many students crowd near the gates over an hour before the game starts just to be up close and personal to the field. This sets an unspoken rule for the upcoming sophomores, ensuring they are aware of the school tradition.
Before students reach high school, Sophomores are likely already familiar with the expectations in the student section at LSHS football games. Typically, students in Lake Stevens start attending games by eighth grade.
However, this year, the line between grades has started to blur. Underclassmen have begun to cut and move to the front of the student section, disrupting the long-standing order that has defined our school spirit for years.
The reason the student section is so popular — and why students are excited to be in the front during their senior year — is that it is closer to the game and the cheerleaders. Beyond that — student section is at the core of school spirit. Whether it’s starting the chants, setting the energy for the crowd, or simply being closer to the action of the players, the seniors lead the way.
Some of these chants the cheerleaders perform are actually in grade order of the section, Sophomores, Juniors, and lastly Seniors. This is one reason why seniors being in the very front matters, so it matches up with the chats.
“I think when we were younger, we had to wait our turn, and with the cheers that we have, they need to be in a class order. So putting seniors in the front and then juniors and then sophomores just makes sense.” Emerson Cummins said.
Seniors often express their annoyance when the underclassmen cut to the front of the student section, since as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, we wait, knowing the front of the section will be an exciting part of senior year.
This year, many seniors have complained how disappointing and disrespectful it is that the underclassmen this year haven’t been following this tradition. Seniors have waited years for the privilege, so it is found rather annoying.
“Because we were respectful throughout all our years and didn’t try to bump to the front and disrespect, like the grade older,” senior Kynnadi Hanks said.
Seniority in the student section isn’t about thinking seniors are “better” than everyone else. It’s about earning one’s place and leadership.
Seniors each year have been there to experience the tough losses, late nights, and spend time to find outfits for each game’s theme. Seniors show up ready to support the Vikings and build the atmosphere that makes our school spirit special.
“I think school spirit is important because we’re like showing our support to the school, and just like showing up, being there, and through thick and thin, you know,” Kynnadi Hanks said.
Traditions like this are what make our school and the Lake Stevens community special. They remind us that spirit isn’t only about showing up; it’s about understanding what it means to belong to something bigger than yourself. When underclassmen disregard this, it doesn’t merely disrupt seating; it undermines a shared sense of unity and respect.
Don’t be discouraged, sophomores. Keep bringing the spirit and energy, and until senior year, respect the process, respect the tradition, and remember the front is reserved for seniors.
Your time will come soon enough.
