This year, Gibson Southern is introducing Titan Up!, a club all about boosting school spirit and enthusiasm within the student body. Athletics secretary and cheerleading coach Melissa Matsel is the sponsor of Titan Up!, with the help of senior leaders Ryan Spink and Kynlee Reeves and junior leaders Brayden Campbell and Gracelynn Dilbeck.
“The purpose of Titan Up! is to keep the spirit at the games positive and upbeat to make everybody feel like they are involved,” Matsel said. “We want to make everyone feel like they have a say in how we decorate [the] school or plan spirit days.”
Showing school spirit means attending events, wearing school colors, cheering and encouraging others, supporting classmates and showing Gibson Southern pride. Even before Titan Up!, Spink was heavily involved in showing school spirit.
“School spirit is a part of my life, being able to be a voice, having a chance to be heard and having influence on other students,” Spink said. “It’s second nature at this point.”
Spink is not the only one who feels this way. Campbell also wants to get the student body involved to show school spirit.
“I have always been a part of school spirit days and wanted to get more people involved, so becoming a leader was an easy decision for me,” Campbell said.
Becoming part of the Titan Up! club will help students develop leadership skills, teamwork and social skills.
“If you stand in the student section during any game, whether it’s football, softball or soccer, you are already showing school spirit, so why not be a part of Titan Up!?” Matsel said.
Joining Titan Up is simple and open to anyone who wants to make a difference at Gibson Southern. All it takes is a membership fee of $5, enthusiasm and a willingness to support classmates. There are no meetings to attend; members will be added to a GroupMe to stay updated on the events Titan Up! is planning.
Getting involved in Titan Up! gives students a chance to connect with others across different grades and friend groups while also building a tradition of pride that future Titans can continue. As the year goes on, decorations will fill the halls, locker rooms and student sections; these are just a few ways Titan Up! is leaving its mark around the school.
According to its leaders, Titan Up! is more than just cheering in the students’ section. It is about showing pride, encouraging unity and building memories that will last for years beyond graduation.
