High Life / A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : ‘We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do . . . So How About You?’

Nirvana blasts teen-age apathy with its song “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but maybe today’s teens need something more to get excited about.

The Beach Boys sang “Be True to Your School” nearly 30 years ago, but perhaps high school’s hallowed halls can really inspire enthusiasm.

Hot Topics wonders, “How do you show your school spirit?”

“I get perky at pep rallies, no matter how lame they are.”

Stephanie Neutz, 17,

senior, Saint Margaret’s

“By going to all the sporting events, especially the soccer games, and cheering really loudly.”

Matt Reis, 16,

junior, Santa Margarita

“By trying to get others involved in class activities. When we have spirit days--like Harley Day--I go all out with the leather and chains.”

Karen Hernandez, 16,

junior, Sonora

“I wear school colors and go to football games.”

Allison Hastings, 15,

freshman, Laguna Hills

“By winning CIF (in football).”

Mark Ayers, 16,

junior, Los Alamitos

“I wear my letterman’s jacket everywhere, and I try to attend as many school functions as I possibly can with all my friends.”

Mike Lawson, 16,

sophomore, Esperanza

“Using my voice to show school spirit by singing at the varsity basketball games and school assemblies.”

Terron Brooks, 17,

senior, Los Alamitos

“Spending hours after school working on the school paper.”

Minh Nguyen, 16,

junior, Costa Mesa

“By getting involved, having a positive attitude, and supporting my peers.”

Nguyen Ho, 16,

junior, Woodbridge

“I wear Kennedy sweat shirts.”

Cindy Cary, 15,

freshman, Kennedy

“Getting involved is the key. Although I am busy in water polo and swimming, filming other sports for movie production class in my spare time helps me keep busy and show school spirit.”

Stephen Saeong, 17,

senior, Buena Park

“I go to the school games and dances.”

Josh Cormany, 15,

freshman, Marina

“I am school spirit epitomized. Just kidding. I guess I just go to games and cheer.”

Stacey Sweeting, 17,

senior, Laguna Hills

“By participating in many extra-curricular activities like career counseling and journalism that benefit my fellow student members.”

Rony Recinos, 17,

junior, Sonora

“By going to football games and carrying my school bag.”

Rick Anderson, 15,

freshman, Esperanza

“By wearing my class ring and going to games.”

My Thuy Luu, 17,

senior, Costa Mesa

“By painting my face with school colors.”

Rich Harmon, 17,

junior, Los Alamitos

“I go to all the pep rallies and participate greatly by being cheerful.”

Amanda Sidders, 17,

junior, Woodbridge

“By playing sports and being enthusiastic for my teammates.”

Katherine Matus, 17,

senior, Saint Margaret’s

“I still sing the alma mater at the end of the game. Not many people still do this.”

Cynthia Mazzocco, 17,

senior, Buena Park

“By participating in school activities like volleyball and swimming.”

Emily Nuttmann, 16,

junior, Marina

“I go to all the games and cheer for the team.”

Bobby Chade, 14,

freshman, Santa Margarita

“I try to get involved in helping things or activities develop. I am in Leadership (class) and I am able to find ways of getting others involved. I also like to go to school events and cheer for our team.”

Deana Pizarro, 17,

senior, Buena Park

“By participating in school activities.”

Jay Judson, 16,

junior, Sonora

“By going to football games, rooting for our team, being involved with groups and informing my friends about them.”

Carole Lore, 16,

junior, Esperanza

“By playing basketball for the school.”

Jhamara French, 17,

senior, Los Alamitos

“By participating in many school activities, such as sports clubs and yearbook.”

Angela Tonavanik, 17,

senior, Costa Mesa

“By being involved in class council, setting up pep rallies, and supporting our school at sports events.”

Stacey Wong, 16,

sophomore, Woodbridge

“By participating in OCHSA (Orange County High School of the Arts) activities.”

Keri Aldrich, 17,

senior, Los Alamitos

Next Week’s Hot Topic:

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever said or done to butter up (get on the good side of) a teacher?

Responses gathered by Karen Shelley (Buena Park), Edison Leung (Costa Mesa), Jennifer Leuer (Esperanza), Eugenia Jovilett (Kennedy), Nikki Thompson (Laguna Hills), Trisha Ginsburg (Los Alamitos), Gail Altman (Marina), Brooke Lyons (Saint Margaret’s), Kate Elftmann (Santa Margarita), Persephone Gonzalez (Sonora) and Cheherazad Elavia (Woodbridge).