By MICHELLE ADAMS / Community Columnist

Clad in orange and blue T-shirts, with bulldog paw prints painted on their faces, waving shakers, chanting cheers, and applauding their team’s every move toward the goal line—this is the Pep Club of the Montevallo High School student body.
Recently formed under the guidance of MHS Basketball Coach Greg Dickinson and Athletic Director Trey Simpson, more than 70 students joined the “Dawg Pound” to bring more school spirit to athletic events.
“The Pep Club was formed to provide another opportunity for students to be involved in after school activities,” Dickinson said. “Their support for our numerous athletic teams will help generate excitement about our athletic programs and build more pride toward Montevallo High School.”
Student members of the Pep Club paid a $20 membership fee, and received two T-shirts, a reduced ticket price for entrance to athletic events and bus transportation to away games. Their presence at recent football games is already making an impact.
“To have over 30 students in the stands at a recent away game is invaluable,” Simpson said.  “Our side, as visitors, would normally have been almost bare, but the Pep Club was there to cheer on our players, and make Montevallo proud. The Bulldogs came out with the win, so in addition to making great plays, we had loud support cheering on our team.”
The Pep Club also brings more attention to our various athletic programs.
“We are excited in the direction our athletic department is moving,” Dickinson said. “Since last spring, there has been increased interest in our programs and considerable upgrades to our facilities. We are appreciative of the community support we receive, and the popularity of our Pep Club is further evidence of that.”
Students, energized and enthusiastic for game day, have responded well to the establishment of the Pep Club.
“I like to be peppy and cheerful, and bring cheer to others,” senior Pep Club member Delaney Lowery said.  “We are proud of our school and believe we can accomplish anything.  I think the Pep Club supports our fellow classmates, and you never know who is missing a supporter in the stands.  We can be that support, that voice for a player who may not have someone there to cheer him on.”