School pride has been a huge part of my life. Coming from an athletic and academic centered family, high school pride took form in many ways: I went all out for every football game’s theme and studied weekend nights to ensure good grades. So, when I was given the opportunity to become a pivotal member of my senior year’s homecoming, I jumped on the opportunity. The competition to become a “Woodchuck” (the student spirit leaders who build our flashiest of traditions, the Homecoming Eve bonfire) was fierce, having most of the seniors applying. I was ecstatic to be chosen for the position, and immediately felt the more pride for my school than I ever had before. But the pressure for the best bonfire was kept piling on, with the last three years being cancelled because of Covid and rain and this year’s Homecoming being our school’s centennial celebration. After spending hours spray painting the wooden slates with school spirit and heaving them onto the ever-growing mountain of wood, the bonfire was finally ready. My fellow Woodchucks and I rallied the students during our centennial homecoming pep rally through mini games and chants, hyping them up for the main event of the night. Then, after the sun finally disappeared, we ran down the hill from our gym towards the blazing fire, leading thousands of students behind us. As I watched our masterpiece burst into flames, I knew all the scraps and splinters were worth it.