Elk Grove High School’s spirit group, known as The Nation, had been searching for its next sponsor.

Math teacher Tom Walloch who previously led the group had stepped down from the position, meaning the spot was open. Staff member Kelly Cortez saw the posting and was initially hesitant to fill Walloch’s shoes.

“I’ve always been involved with spirit groups in high school,” Cortez said. “I loved attending football games, basketball games, and volleyball games. It was always my favorite part about high school.”

So, she applied. Cortez is now in her first football season as the Nation’s sponsor, and she has so far brought some additional energy into the fan section’s presence.

“The first two weeks were a little rough,” Cortez said she admits. “I was just nervous because it’s something new to me. Especially as a young new staff member, I’m still learning the rules of the school, and what we can and can’t do.”

Cortez started by conversing with students about what they wanted out of the group.

“I’ve been really trying to listen to the students’ input, and one of the things they really wanted to do was give back to the community,” Cortez said.

On the Nation’s Pink-Out game in October, for instance, Cortez said that the fan section is going to collaborate with the American Cancer Society during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Cortez said she believes that commitment leads to success. She said she values meeting every week with members of Nation and increasing collaboration time. They have also started their own TikTok and Instagram videos to encourage kids to come out for school events.

“A lot of our Nation leaders are committed to sports, clubs, activities, which is amazing,” Cortez, who is an instructional assistant, said. “So, it’s really nice that I have the flexibility with my schedule to be able to meet with students before school, after school, and during my lunch.”

The Nation’s goals have also continued to grow. Nation is open to all grade levels. Students can join the fan section and come and go as they please as well.

“I want people to know that my goal for Nation this year is to widen the community within the school and to break those negative stereotypes that have been attached to spirit groups, because Nation is for everyone to join,” Cortez said. “Everyone is welcome.”

With these new changes and energies, there is opportunity, Cortez said.

“To me, Nation’s not just a spirit group, but it’s a community of leaders who want to represent Elk Grove High School everywhere they go,” Cortez said. “My goal is for Nation leaders to know that they left a positive legacy behind for others to continue, and I’m very excited to see what the future has in store for Nation as it continues to grow.”