The marching band plays another touchdown tag and blue paint covers every cheek and hand. Somewhere in the middle of that blur of sound and color is senior Gigi Cartagena. As Orange County Student Sections’ spirit coordinator, Cartagena radiates so much pure school spirit that she could bleed white, silver and navy blue. 

OCSS, an organization that celebrates school spirit across Orange County, hosts invigorating challenges, visits schools and spotlights the most spirited student sections on their social media platforms, primarily during football and basketball seasons. Cartagena is part of “hype squad,” one of the many leadership roles that makes sure every game feels electric. 

“As a spirit coordinator, you’ve not only gotta have a ton of energy but you also have to have contagious energy, which is the exact type of vibe she brings anywhere she goes,” coworker Jaden Shim said. “She’s always positive and has a massive smile on her face which helps everyone else on the team around her get their job done easier.”

Since July, Cartagena’s been channeling that same enthusiasm, working with other ASBs and hyping up football games on OCSS’ social media. With her phone in hand, she has become a familiar face in student sections all season long. While this role seems second nature now, her journey with OCSS began just a year earlier. 

“I first heard about OCSS through a friend who was a part of it my junior year, she encouraged me to apply,” Cartagena said. “After seeing all the memories she made, and the work experience she gained, I knew I had to apply”.

Now, her Friday nights kick off around 5:45 p.m. to record pregame footage and pictures of the student section. One of her most memorable experiences was at Costa Mesa High School, due to their invigorating school spirit and the student section’s intense energy. 

Cartagena says it can be challenging to make it to every football game because of schoolwork, distance and other outside factors.

“However, it is so much fun and rewarding to be a part of something bigger,” Cartagena said. 

With the football season coming to a close, Cartagena has no plans to let school spirit fade. Her team is currently planning fundraisers and events to keep students engaged. 

“Overall, I have learned that it is really important to be able to work with a diverse group of people and how important it is to have fun and build connections wherever you go and with whoever you meet,” Cartagena said.