Spirit Week at Ward Melville High School, held in anticipation of the Homecoming game and pep rally, serves as an essential opportunity to cultivate school pride and community enthusiasm. Events like “Twin Day” and “On Wednesdays We Wear Pink,” inspired by the iconic 2000s movie Mean Girls, aim to foster school pride, but the highlight of the week has traditionally been “Senior Chick Day,” where senior girls create personalized t-shirts for their close friends. Despite the significance of Spirit Week, participation has been alarmingly low in recent years, with many students being disengaged from even the more popular, aforementioned, traditions.
Spirit Week is about more than just themed clothing; it plays a crucial role in fostering school unity. According to a survey by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), 88% of students believe that school spirit activities contribute to a positive school environment. Additionally, research by Varsity Brand indicates that students who participate in school spirit week activities are over 40% more likely to report higher grades and feel more connected to their school community. These engagements help promote inclusion by providing a sense of belonging to a group, which can help reduce bullying and improve overall student well-being.
One disappointment this year was the administration’s decision to veto “Anything But a Backpack Day,” a fan favorite in previous years, where students creatively brought their school supplies in unusual items such as wagons and shopping bags. This decision eliminated a fun way for students to express creativity and individuality, which likely would have furthered excitement around the week. In order to increase participation, schools need to attract students by introducing new, creative events while maintaining beloved traditions. For example, introducing more interactive experiences like faculty-student competitions or adding a “Class Clash” day where different grades face off in challenges can raise interest, encouraging involvement from a wider range of students.
While school spirit often appears to be dismissed as “embarrassing” by some students, it shines brightly when facing rival sports teams and other districts. Why is school spirit deemed embarrassing in daily life, yet shines when competing against others? The challenge lies in transforming that competitive energy into a celebration of school pride that everyone can embrace.
