Boosting school spirit

Danette Goulet

COSTA MESA -- After Estancia High School’s football victory over rival

Costa Mesa last Friday put them in possession of the coveted “bell,” many

thought school spirit could soar no higher.

But Estancia fans plan to change that tonight with their first annual

homecoming tailgate party at the Adams entrance of OCC.

Cars will cover 300 square feet of the parking lot, leaving room for fans

to cook, eat, cheer and watch the Eagle cheerleaders and band perform.

More than 30 teachers and just as many Estancia sports stars past and

present will join the party.

Estancia’s year-old Eagle Pride Foundation planned the event and invited

1,900 alumni dating back to 1966. Invitations also went out to students

and parents across Estancia’s school zone.

“We want kindergartners in the area to know that they are going to go to

Estancia one day,” said George Cote, an Estancia parent and foundation

member. “That’s why we planned this -- to enhance pride in our part of

the world.”

Foundation members had been looking for a way to introduce themselves to

the community, said Chuck Cassity, founder and president of the

foundation. And the tailgate party was the perfect event.

Despite the foundation’s plan that the event be about community spirit

and not money, its $1,200 bank account had already increased by $150

through a donation from an alumnus, Cote said.

Pom-poms and pendants will be on sale for all alumni, students, parents,

teachers and fans to help raise the excitement level.

Student energy is already up around campus, said Mayra Caldera, senior

class vice president.

“It’s really fun. There were a lot of people at last week’s game,” she

said. “You get the people really revved up and the community can bond.”

And it’s not just the students, says senior Travis Chandler. The parents

can’t stop talking about it either.

Last week the Eagles upset Costa Mesa, 34-14, to improve their Pacific

Coast League record to 1-0. Tonight they battle Laguna Beach, which is

0-1 in the league but historically puts up a good fight.

FYI

Admission to the tailgate party is free for Estancia students and

pre-high school students with parents. No alcohol is allowed at the

event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Fans and parents get $2 off admission to

the game with an Eagle Pride flier.