Pep rallies, spirit weeks, class color days, field days. No matter what the school event is, it always feels like there are not enough people participating. Those who dress up and go all out for spirit themes feel out of place, but why isn’t it the other way around?
During pep rallies, everyone always seems bored. People barely cheer or support our sports teams, but if people agreed to let events be fun instead of playing on their phones the whole time or ignoring what was happening, these events could be so much better for everyone. Often, field days, school-wide events, and sports games aren’t fun because of a lack of participation from the student body. It’s hard to be the only one enthusiastic about your school, but if every person makes just a little bit more effort, it makes it easier for everyone to show their school spirit.
Right now, we’re living in a digital age, with work concentrated on computers, and constant connection to anywhere in the world through a little box just about every person carries around in their pocket. It’s good, but with it comes many bad things, like being easily distracted and unable to focus for too long. These distractions contribute in part to the large lack of interest during pep rallies, because other entertainment is so easily accessible. Get a break from technology and enjoy the entertainment right in front of you! When there’s a school-wide game going on, like the rock, paper, scissors tournament held last year, take a chance to put the phone down while you’re walking to class, talk to your peers, and make some friends! We only have so many highschool events left, whether you’re a freshman or a senior, the videos on your phone can wait.
It’s important to feel like you’re a part of a community: at home, in activities, and especially at school. School spirit can help a lot with this, it lets you connect with other people through the common idea of supporting your school and ultimately interact with people you might not otherwise talk to.
Not to mention – people who participate in school events also prove to have better grades. A survey done by the National Association of Secondary School Principals stated that 75% of students who self-identify as having “school spirit” perform above average in their classes.
So I encourage you to do this: the next time there’s a pep rally, cheer as loud as you can. The next time there’s a spirit week, dress up for every day. The next time you get the opportunity to show school pride, do it because it will make it more fun for you and your peers, and we aren’t in high school forever.
