For years, Quakertown Community High School’s student section has been valued by the students. Nestled within the football field bleachers, it allows students from all grades to get together, have fun and support the school’s team. But what attracts all of these students to the football field on Friday nights? Is it the band? The football? The students? In truth, it’s the unique combination of all these factors that makes the student section an enjoyable place to be.
Essentially, the student section is a social experience. The games serve as a backdrop for teens to hang out with their friends, take pictures and cheer loudly as the Panthers rush down the field. The student section has certainly become a designated party spot for students. With most of the students in one place outside of school, there is more time for socializing and having fun rather than the 5 minutes between classes or at lunch. It’s a space for students to unwind, bond and have fun as groups mingle and build memories with one another.
The themes also add a celebratory aspect to the games. Often students go full-out with sequined skirts, body paint, and fun hairstyles. Whether the theme is neon, white-out, Hawaiian, or camo-themed, students will go full out and put their creative skills to work. This past Friday, Childhood Cancer Awareness night had everyone decked out in gold face paint and plastic beads. Dressing up allows students to express themselves and builds excitement.
Another element of the student section that makes it so appealing is the enthusiastic people leading it, such as the band, cheerleaders and student section leaders. During football games, there’s a lot going on, but these groups have the power to get everyone’s attention. The band’s set of iconic songs that play every game gets everyone singing along and lightens the mood, even if the team just lost a touchdown. The cheerleaders and student section leaders project their voices into the crowd, getting the student body to cheer and participate in chants. Encouraging the football players in their games is made enjoyable by these cheerful groups.
The Quakertown student section is more than just a section of the bleachers, it’s tradition. The school’s unity, spirit and friendship are reflected through this experience. Students come to the games to watch football, but the lasting memories they create go far beyond the game.
