The HERD: Fostering the Heartbeat of School Spirit

Last year, the previous head of the HERD, Layne Morris appointed George Leness and Ally Haines to be this year's heads. I followed them around to profile them on their efforts to lead and expand the HERD.

Each of them brings their own unique set of tools to form a dynamic duo. George, who plays goalie for the Varsity Soccer Team, is a super fan. You could spend 3 hours getting caught in one of his rants on the Patriots (you can catch his monthly column on the Patriots later in the paper).  Ally, the captain of the Girl’s Soccer team, is a stellar athlete who knows firsthand the importance of support on the sidelines.  

George and Ally wasted no time getting the HERD involved with our fall athletic games this year. Together they both led rowdy fan sections for the under the lights games with dual microphones, and there was an unnamed student running up and down the sidelines in the iconic zebra costume. 

The football game was also a spectacle. The atmosphere was electric, and players couldn't help but feel an extra surge of adrenaline as they played their hearts out for the HERD.  Under the Friday night football lights, Boys’ Football championed their way to their first win in two years against St. Marks, in a 25-7 win. The following night, the Herd showed out again under the twilight sky of the Girls’ soccer match, where they brought a similar level of intense energy and support.

Rather than focusing solely on one sport, the HERD now plans to rotate its attention, featuring different teams each week. “A big struggle for fans during the winter is an overlapping of games,” George noted.  “Basketball never watches hockey, and hockey never watches basketball.”  That being said, the “game of the week” system seems to remove many of these major frustrations.  “We have optimized our rotation so that every team has their moment in the limelight,” George proudly remarked.  This approach guarantees that all levels of hockey, basketball, wrestling, and other teams will all have their moments to shine in the spotlight. 

Even with such a massive presence in Middlesex athletics, The HERD's vision extends far beyond sports. George and Ally are determined to see the HERD evolve into an integral part of the entire school community, moving beyond the boundaries of athletics. Arts, for instance, offer a perfect avenue for the HERD's expansion. By cheering on the performers at school concerts, musicals, and art exhibitions, the HERD can provide the same enthusiastic support that athletes receive. Students involved in extracurricular activities like debate, robotics, or drama could benefit greatly from the HERD's presence, boosting their confidence and morale.  “Our biggest goal for this year,” observes Ally, “is to transform the image of the HERD from being just about athletics, into something bigger.”

As George and Ally work tirelessly to propel the HERD into greater heights of excellence, they are carving a legacy that extends well beyond their time at our school. Their dedication to fostering school spirit, their commitment to inclusivity, and their expansive vision for the HERD's role in the community are inspiring.  With George and Ally at the helm, there's no doubt that the HERD will continue to be the driving force behind our school's spirit, both on and off the field.

Danny Cai