Vibrant waves of energy and cheer ring out onto the football field at Newsom Stadium on a warm Friday night, where teacher Chana Jayme hobbles on one leg while leading the Maroon Platoon spirit group.

“I wanted to be there for the kids, because if I’m not there I wouldn’t feel like I was doing my part,” Jayme said.

Due to the premature loss of cartilage between her femur and hip, she had to have arthroscopic surgery, which used microfracture techniques to regrow cartilage between the femur and hip.

“I just wasn’t able to walk on my bad hip anymore,” Jayme said.

She said it was one of the most painful experiences she has ever had.

“This came right in after the painful time of having my tonsils out,” she said. “Then, I couldn’t drink (or) eat, and it hurt longer (before) than this time.”

Despite having to walk around on crutches, Jayme was not in pain.

“My hip hurt before surgery, but after most of the pain was gone,” she said.

It was difficult for Jayme to adapt to her injury.

“The first two weeks of school were the hardest, as I was supposed to have my foot elevated and couldn’t be walking around but I can’t just stop,” she said. “All my students stepped up and contributed too. I’m grateful to have so many great students looking out for me.”

Although she wasn’t able to walk, Jayme didn’t fail to inspire students.

“Her charisma in the classroom and on the field (every) Friday is so captivating that it doesn’t even seem like she’s hurt,” junior Marc Johnson said. “She is so supportive and she’s always been there for me,”

Despite the situation, she managed to make it to every football game to lead her squad.

“Things are a little different with her injury because we have to keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn’t fall and help her out more,” Maroon Platoon Manager Tania Garcia said.

Recently back on two feet, she said that she learned a lot about the kids.

“My students are amazing,” Jayme said. “There’s no negative feelings toward my injury and there was always a student there to help me whenever I needed the help. I’m grateful to have so much support.”