It’s game day in Wantagh. Students, family, and friends dressed in full black and gold pack the stands. Screams of “Let’s go, Wantagh!” fill the air. The song “Run this Town” blares on the speakers as the football team runs onto the field to the delight of the crowd. How would  all this hype make you feel? Junior football player Nick O’Connor says it makes him feel “important.” Kelly Casey, also a junior, says the same of Sportsnite, mentioning the overwhelming amount of cheering and participants dressed full out in black or gold, losing her voice, and getting blisters on her hands from pounding the floor so hard, all in a welcoming, exciting environment. Clearly, the school spirit and popularity of these events is at an all time high.

Now, compare that to the crowd at one of Wantagh’s lacrosse games.

Many students and staff at Wantagh High School have noticed that more mainstream student activities have garnered a lot more attention than others. Senior Meghan Kirk agrees, saying that she and her fellow swim team members lack support from the student body. She feels that it’s “annoying how everyone shows up to the football games and not swim or track meets,” and freshman Sarah Amodio, who is a junior varsity cheerleader, complains that it’s annoying how she and other JV athletes aren’t treated with as much respect as varsity athletes are.

But, it’s not just for sports. Sophomore Gianna Davoult feels very bad that chorus isn’t appreciated, especially all the hard work and rehearsal they put into their concerts, and Carlo Tobia, a senior, is dissapointed that drama is also often overlooked. So, if Wantagh is full of students who are talented in so many other fields, why don’t students choose to support them? Some students blame poor advertising, and suggest that the school make flyers and posters for upcoming events, as well as announce it over the loudspeaker during homeroom, and  many people promote upcoming events for their team or group on social media. Freshman Lyla Buscemi also suggested drawing in crowds using food or prizes. I think that we as students can ask our friends and teachers about any upcoming events, then spread the word throughout the school.

I personally try to support as many things as I can throughout the school year, mainstream or underrated. This year, I started attending girls volleyball games and leading chants with the crowd, and despite how few people showed up, everyone was still very into it. This year, those chants and cheers gave the team the support they needed to become New York state champions for the first time in 17 years, and it is also worth mentioning that there were large crowds of Wantagh students at the semifinals, county championships, and Long Island Championships. The girls were not used to getting so much support from the student body, but it made them feel great. I also am a big supporter of drama and attended both productions as a freshman, leaving dozens of “Kiss the Cast” messages for my friends. I feel that every student is valued and deserves a moment in the spotlight, and it is up to us to give it to them and show our Warrior pride!