At Lexington High School, school spirit means more than just cheering from the bleachers. It signifies pride in the school, unity among students, and support for classmates inside and outside the classroom. 

“[It] really sets a vibe for not just the team, but the whole school,” said freshman Helen Curtis, an LHS cheerleader. 

From roaring crowds at Friday night football games to spirit weeks, enthusiasm echoes through LHS. Students, athletes, and coaches all play a role in keeping that energy alive. The impact goes beyond just excitement—it strengthens connections between grades, boosts confidence on the field, and fosters a sense of belonging that endures long after a single game.

School spirit affects players on the field as well. It gives them the encouragement they need to play to their best, while creating bonds between teammates and supporters.

“When people come to games and cheer, it gives me confidence when I’m dribbling, and people are hyping me up from the sidelines,” freshman soccer player Raina Khurram said. “Even other teams join the crowd and hype up the players, which is really motivating.” 

Cheerleaders often embody the heart of that energy.

Curtis, describes her role as more than performing routines: it is about bringing encouragement to everyone in the stands and on the team. 

“Even when the team is losing, we just cheer louder,” Curtis said. “We don’t want people to think we’re not proud of them. We try to get the crowd louder too, to encourage the players.” 

The cheerleaders’ resilience helps keep enthusiasm high, boosts confidence among athletes, and fosters a sense of belonging. This creates a supportive environment to show that school spirit shines brightest during tough moments.