As the end of the school year and graduation draws closer, Fossil’s current spirit leaders are preparing to pass the flags over to the next group of seniors. Applications to become a spirit leader in the 26-27 school year are now open to current juniors looking to boost school spirit at Fossil.

Spirit leaders play many roles, especially at athletic games, where they organize cheers, lead the student section, and help keep spirit in the crowd. Senior spirit leader Grace Ayer said this holds more responsibility than just cheering.

“You obviously help run cheers at games and stuff, but then also, just like, holding up school spirit in a way,” Ayer said. “And, you’re really just like the face of not only the senior class in a way, but also school spirit.”

Many spirit leaders say the position requires confidence and ability to step into a leadership role. Senior Megan Meier, spirit leader for the 25-26 school year, says the experience can be challenging, especially at first.

“I would say it is fun, it is hard work. You have to really want to do it. You want to be able to put yourself out there,” Meier said.

Even though there are challenges, the role becomes rewarding once the student section gets involved. 

“I think my favorite moment at one of the games, the student section was just really reciprocating the cheers that we were starting,” Meier said. “And everybody was having a really great time, and it just felt like a really positive student section, and there’s a great experience.”

Senior Byron Anderson encourages interested juniors to apply if they even have any questions about it.

“Oh, I think that if you have any questions about it, you should just apply anyway. It’s a really fun experience. And the staff really guides you through the entire process,” Anderson said.

With applications now open, current Spirit Leaders hope the next group of seniors will step up to continue building a positive community at Fossil.