By Sydney Kane

Sentry Staff Reporter

Ever since it’s creation two years ago, the Hype Squad has made the Yorktown student section one of the best in the region. The group has been behind the radical color-outs, the large and loud student section at football games and the overwhelming and very spirited decorations in the atrium these past couple of weeks.

The Hype Squad is an open group of students who frequently get together to try to pump up the school for upcoming varsity games.

The program’s co-president, senior Andrew Loranger, said that the squad’s main purpose is to “promote unity in our student section at the big sporting events, to promote school spirit, and to help make Yorktown have the best student section in the area.”

It certainly has done its duty these past two years, especially with the help of its sponsor, special education teacher Meagan Cummings. However, it has changed drastically this year – and for the better.

“I really want to put a dent in Yorktown. We want them to be like, ‘Wow, I wish I could be part of the class of 2015.’ Next year has a lot to live up to,” said senior co-president James Mountain.

Loranger wants to take it a step forward and make it into something the underclassmen never can live up to.

“It’s our last year and I don’t think there’s ever been a class like 2015,” said Loranger.

Senior squad member Kate O’Neil said “the relationship between the administration and the Hype Squad have taken a turn for the better this past year. There’s a lot more communication. We’re open to many people. Andrew did a lot this year to include freshmen; he sent out flyers to all the freshmen English classes and was able to get them all involved. We even sold 124 t-shirts this year, which is 70 more than last year. Underclassmen will need to step it up.”

During a normal meeting, the members plan for the upcoming games and big events. They talk about what they will all wear, what time they will meet to decorate the school, who needs to bring what and other things.  A lot of time and effort are put into everything, from decorating to planning to preparing food.

“We get all the supplies. We make all the banners and we get here at about 8:30…We like to get as many people out there as possible. That’s the biggest difference between this year and last year, I think, the inclusivity. We tell literally everyone… to come out… Last year you didn’t see that. You saw a group of a few seniors doing everything. I’ve had people text me who are new to the school saying ‘when can I help, how can I help, what can I bring, I want to get involved,’ and it’s awesome,” said Loranger.

O’Neil loves decorating the atrium because she gets to have fun with both new and old friends.

“We try to bring music so we can get pumped up…I think one of the main points for decorating the atrium is to include everyone. I’ve met so many people through decorating the atrium, especially underclassmen, that I would have never met had they not come out,” said O’Neil.

Everything the program stands for makes all three agree that everyone should be part of it. However, students who are not in the Hype Squad can still be involved in school spirit.

“Come to the games, participate in the spirit and dress out in the color-outs. It gives you an energy rush to be in with the fans and the excitement,” said O’Neil.

Mountain thinks that a huge change to this year is the unity of it.

“Prior to the class of 2015, it was just the senior section. Now it’s the student section. We decided to make it for everyone to come together, and I think we’re more ready than ever…Sit in the stands, go along with the cheers…because we are all Patriots,” said Mountain.

“If you attend Yorktown, then you should be in the hype squad. It isn’t an exclusive club, it’s our student section. Everyone should be in it if they like their school. If you don’t want to go here, then fine, don’t be in it…High school’s going to go by a lot faster and a lot more fun if you enjoy it. So instead of pouting that you’re here, why don’t you embrace it? Join hype squad, go out to the games, and sit in the stands. Once you start cheering, you’re going to start bleeding blue,” said Loranger.

Photo Courtesy of Adam Olsen