School spirit is something ever-present at West High, which is probably why the Most Spirited superlative is such a coveted title. This year, seniors John Statzer and Aubrey Whitworth claimed the title. But, what does most spirited mean? Both recipients of the superlatives are synonymous with West High’s student section, and are members of West’s school spirit organizations. In fact, Statzer is the leader of AOS, or Ambassadors of Spirit. Whitworth also leads a spirit organization, the West High Women’s Street Team.
Both organizations are prevalent forces in the student section, and help decide on the themes for game day dress ups. Both stated their favorite theme was “Army” in which students dress in camouflage as well as donning Trojan Army shirts, which according to Whitworth was a new spin on the tradition. Whitworth and Statzer will both miss the student section at West. Whitworth stated she would, “...miss getting to cheer on the Trojans with my best friends, and the energy that game days create,” Statzer expressed a similar sentiment, “I'm gonna miss the atmosphere of the games the most.” The tradition of the Trojan Train, a “parade” of students’ cars into Burke-Toney stadium on game day is upheld by spirit organizations like AOS and the Street Team. Both recipients participate in the Trojan Train. Whitworth commented on the tradition, “I always ride in the back of the first truck…” and that “Trojan Train is one of my favorite parts of the games.”
West High is not where their spirit stops, however. Statzer explains, “I show spirit for the Duke Blue Devils the most. They are my favorite college team.” Whitworth also supports college teams, “I love UNC basketball, and I’ll always support the Vols in football.”. In addition to this, they both plan on participating in their college’s student section. Whitworth says, “...I think it’d be super fun, as ETSU has a great school spirit!!” Statzer has similar plans, “I am definitely going to the sporting events, and if there is a student section I will definitely be participating in it”.
One thing is clear about these students. They are passionate about sports in general and specifically at West High.
