Empty bottles of nips and vaping devices on the bleachers of Benedict Stadium isn’t the best look for the students of Masuk High School. From the start of the football season, students have observed inappropriate behavior that you would never expect to witness on school property.
On Sept. 9 the Masuk Red Army, a driver of school spirit for all sports throughout the year, made their appearance at the first football game of the season. As Virginia Grabovsky sang the national anthem, Red Army students sang along. A leader of Red Army, senior Greg Nivison, explains, “I think we have to respect the people like parents, teachers, and children that also come to games. Singing during the national anthem was very inappropriate, but at the next game students were much more respectful by taking their hats off and staying quiet.”
Adults noticed the immaturity of students and reported it to school administration. Another one of the Red Army leaders, Nate McCauley added,
“After the first game I think it was very apparent we were not clearly following any of the etiquette when students cheered during the national anthem, swore, and stood in the wrong spots. So I think some of the seniors needed to step up and give the school some guidance.”
What could happen if this misbehavior continues? Rumors have circulated about breathalyzers, suspension, or even the student section being run by administrators. “We’ve proved ourselves that students earn the responsibility and right to go to football games without the feeling of interrogation,” McCauley explained when asked if the school should supply breathalyzers at games.
On Sept. 15, senior members of the Red Army made a post on the @masukredarmy Instagram explaining the do’s and don’ts of attending a Masuk football game. As a group, leaders McCauley, Rose Kealey, Alyssa Iannucci and Nivision led by Masuk teacher Joel Castillo hope to make improvements to the student body. “I think we have really improved our last few games. Through some good work we’ve got a more structured student section that has learned the rights and wrongs.” McCauley stated while Nivison added, “I think some people need to treat the student section to be more of a democracy than a dictatorship.”
During the most recent games, there has been a lot of positive attitude. Freshman Amelia Stephens emphasized, “People are coming together as a whole, and when we do start cheering, it shows how strong the Masuk community is.” Nivison also remarked, “It’s a good time going to these games. As a senior I love to have all these memories and I hope to see the team progress well as the season goes on.”
At the start of the school year, the issue was directed at the upperclassmen, but now underclassmen are seen disobeying the rules. McCauley mentions, “Students have got to be a little bit more aware of what’s going on, and try to be more involved and a part of the group. Doing so we are able to give a much better impression on people.” As a Masuk community, everyone must be more respectful to the game’s audience outside the student section.
Since Sept. 9, Red Army leaders have improved on their leadership skills, and members have shown great advancement in their behavior. With only four games left, hopefully students will carry on with their encouragement to the Masuk Football team.
Masuk Free Press 