Lyons Township High Turbocharging School Spirit

LA GRANGE, IL – In a couple of ways, Lyons Township High School plans to pump school spirit into more athletic events.

One focus is the superfan section at games, which falls under the Lions Den club.

The administration is recommending the school hire a second adult sponsor for a $1,506 annual stipend.

With the second person, the school hopes to expand into different events, going beyond the traditional ones such as football and basketball. That would include girls and boys sports in all three seasons, officials said.

"Some of their meetings have had more than 100 students," Principal Jennifer Tyrrell told the school board this week.

The school is also proposing a second sideline cheerleading coach for winter, costing $8,561 a year. This, too, would expand the presence of cheerleaders at events, according to a memo.

Currently, the varsity cheerleaders support all varsity home games and selected away games. Their sophomore counterparts do the same for their level. Both groups cheer at Special Olympics events at the school.

In other proposals, the school is seeking a stipend for a sponsor for Sobremesa, which centers on Spanish language learning and cultural connections. The price tag is $1,506. The group would move from a pilot to club status.

Also, a $1,506 sponsor stipend is being requested for the school's chapter of FFA, formerly Future Farmers of America. FFA is not only about agriculture but other fields, including science and business.

The group was previously paid for with grants, but that money is no longer available.

"This club has consistent interest and impact," said Ed Piotrowski, the school's human resources director.

Sobremesa and FFA have 27 and nine members, respectively, he said.

The school board is expected to vote on the stipends later this month.