Grab your boom box, lawn chairs and school spirit because a new trend is beginning. Numerous students are taking part in tailgating before Scituate High football games at the turf. The trend is not full blown as of yet but word is spreading fast and the idea of coming together in the name of school spirit to get pumped for a football game is gaining popularity.

     Tailgating gives the students a positive way to channel their energy for a big football game, not to mention it boosts the confidence of our Sailors knowing they’ve got their school fully backing them. Tailgating also attracts a larger fan base for the Sailors considering the appeal of a home football game is stronger if students have a party atmosphere to draw them to the game in the first place. Senior and captain of the varsity football team Mitchell Drew said, “I think it’s a great idea and it will bring everyone together for the games.”
     Tailgate parties are usually equipped with a grill of some sort which poses some infractions to safety rules of the school and town. Seniors Zach Brazao and Justin Power, the masterminds of the tailgating idea, spoke with Captain Elliot of the Scituate Fire Fighters and asked what procedures students should follow if they wanted to use a grill in the high school parking lot. Elliot responded that propane grills are prohibited but charcoal grills are allowed at the school setting.
     If charcoal grills are unavailable to students then there are always alternatives. Pizza and subs can be just as delicious in the fall air as a hot dogs or hamburgers.

     Music is also standard for tailgate parties and Brazao advocates for boom boxes blasting 70’s music, country, or rap; all genres are welcome in the parking lot. Brazao said, “Come tailgate and go down in history, miss it and be forever forgotten.”

     Some people have reservations concerning students following the rules of conduct. As many adult tailgate parties have alcohol present, this will obviously not be happening on school grounds. The key to making tailgating a successful tradition is the cooperation of the students and an accepted rule that no one should ruin this for the rest of the student body by violating the law or school rules.
      If Scituate can continue to build on this popular idea, then the possibilities are endless. A large outcome in the junior parking lot could mean a larger revenue from the tickets sold at the entrance. In addition, after an administrator’s approval, any of Scituate’s sports teams could hold raffles and fundraisers by walking around the parking lot and connecting with the students and families present.