As Lake Highlands opens the door to 2026, no group better captures the excitement of a fresh start than this year’s Bell Boys. Seniors Sammy Rinck, Benjy Wrightsman, Ivan Salgado, and Liam Henning have spent the year energizing the student section, upholding long-standing traditions, and showing up for the neighborhood in true Wildcat style.

Beyond game-day duties, the Bell Boys have been woven into the fabric of the community all semester. Their annual birthday greeting fundraiser had them up before sunrise with donuts and a song for students and parents across Lake Highlands. They greeted shoppers and raffled off a greeting at Market in the Meadow, volunteered at a Forerunner Mentoring event to give hardworking moms a well-deserved break, and visited local elementary schools on game days to welcome students with a smile and a Wildcat cheer. The boys also appeared around the neighborhood—from riding with the bell in the Fourth of July Parade, to hyping fans at the Red Out Tailgate, to preparing to lead this season’s Jingle Ride.

For Sammy, becoming a Bell Boy was about honoring one of Lake Highlands’ oldest traditions. “It’s being a part of something bigger than yourself,” he says. Running out of the Cat Head with the flag during the South Grand Prairie game is a memory he’ll never forget, along with the crowd-favorite Neon pep rally dance. Sammy stays busy with baseball, the Black Cats lacrosse team, choir, Younglife, and the Young Men’s Service League. He loves how Lake Highlands feels like “a small town in a big city.” When he needs a quiet place to focus, you’ll find him at the public library.

Benjy joined the Bell Boys knowing he could channel his love of football and natural energy into leadership. “Being a Bell Boy means representing and leading our class while having fun,” he says. His favorite memory also comes from the Neon pep rally—especially Liam’s unexpected splits that brought down the house. Benjy plays keys for the Espree band and is also involved in the Young Men’s Service League. He appreciates how Lake Highlands “brings all worlds together in one school.” His advice to future Bell Boys: make the most of every moment. His favorite local hangout is Shady’s, especially when live music is playing.

Ivan was drawn in by the warmth of the community. “I wanted to be part of the Bell Boys because of how great the Lake Highlands community treats them,” he shares. The role gave him a deeper connection to the school and the three other seniors alongside him. Whether waving the flag on senior night or keeping spirits high at pep rallies, Ivan loves spreading positivity. His favorite moment is the well-planned—and laugh-filled—Homecoming skit. He balances a part-time job at Chick-fil-A with LH Younglife and appreciates the tradition of generational Wildcats. When he has downtime, he’s usually at Shady’s enjoying good food with friends.

Liam had dreamed of leading the student section for years. “An upstanding member of the community who brings out school spirit from anyone—that’s what a Bell Boy is to me,” he says. He treasures ringing the bell around the neighborhood before home games and remembers rallying the student section during a high-intensity playoff matchup at South Grand Prairie. Through PALS, he mentors younger students, and he says being a Bell Boy has taught him timeliness and pushed him outside his comfort zone—skills he’ll take with him to college. His favorite place to unwind is Flag Pole Hill Park.

Together, Sammy, Benjy, Ivan, and Liam reflect everything Lake Highlands holds dear—tradition, pride, connection, and service. As the neighborhood steps into 2026, the Bell Boys’ enthusiasm reminds us that community spirit isn’t just found on the field. It’s built through early mornings, big moments, and a whole lot of heart.