12
InFocus
May 21, 2010
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“
I just know when my sisters went here in the early years, almost every person had spirit. ” — freshman Andrew Henke
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Students need to take pride in being a Spartan. 2000 students, 200 faculty members. ” — senior Matt Mason
Diminished student spirit has many roots By Alaina Babb Wired Editor
Throughout the course of her high school career, senior Rachel Pulley has found school spirit lacking an important factor: spirit. “This school isn’t really spirited,” said Pulley. “Some kids have spirit and those are the kids who go all out and dress all crazy and everybody else just doesn’t care.” To Pulley, school spirit should be something that is initiated by students. “School spirit should look like a bunch of people who honestly enjoy coming to school and are proud of it,” said Pulley. “It doesn’t look like a bunch of kids counting down the hours and minutes until 2:20 or whenever school ends that day.” This idea is reciprocated by senior Shane Kozlowski; however, he believes that the reason behind the low spirit comes from people holding a higher position in the district. “The administration has way too many rules and guidelines that keep [students] from expressing it how they want to and how they feel comfortable,”
said Kozlowski. “Things like body and face paint, and chants, or even standing at games shouldn’t be grounds for getting in trouble or getting kicked out of games.” However, according to sophomore Elliot Russo, students are just missing out on good opportunities. “There are plenty of options that are offered to everyone to participate that they should take advantage of,” said Russo. “They can try out for sports or do band or the can go to the assemblies and show spirit.” True, there are many things to do that students can get involved in like 300 Club, spirit days, and coming to cheer on Spartan teams at games. For junior Erica Grogg, students only show real spirit while on the field. “Face it. Some of our teams are horrible,” said Grogg, “so most kids have nothing to get excited about. Personally, I’m only spirited when I run cross-country and most kids feel the same way about their sports. I know I would never come to school with my hair painted blue, but I did that exact thing at one of our meets.”
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I feel like no one really cares about this school. We as a school body are supposed to be unified. ” — senior Elizabeth Eikmann
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School spirit is when students don’t just sit down and complain about school. ”
Teachers believ creates memori By George Yu Copy Editor
Serving as coaches, educators and sponsors, teachers are heavily involved in the school community. They work to encourage school spirit. Math teacher and cheer coach Mrs. Dena Rulo tries to foster school spirit. “It’s important for the students, fans and family to see cheerleaders’ school spirit, sportsmanship and support of the team,” said Mrs. Rulo. Although cheerleaders are in full support of the school, some students are just as active. “There’s a lot of kids that go all out for every game, but most are not involved,” said Mrs. Rulo. “Those that go all out make it worthwhile. Those students are the ones that are appreciative.” Mrs. Rulo sees school spirit having far-reaching benefits. “[Spirited students] are the ones that will have the best
memories in high school,” said Mrs. Rulo. “[They] will be able to carry on the enthusiasm after high school.” The 300 club is another organization that supports our sports teams. This student club is headed by history teacher Tom Whelan. “School spirit should not be led by teachers or administrators. It should be led by students,” said Mr. Whelan. “The students don’t get how important their role is.” According to Mr. Whelan, school spirit has been on the decline ever since the school opened. “When this place opened up for the first time, there were very few people who weren’t wearing blue and silver,” said Mr. Whelan. “This campus has the students, especially the underclassmen, to begin the turnaround that started with last year’s 300 club.” Mr. Whelan observes school spirit outside of common sports. “Spirit is improving in non-traditional sports — hockey, ultimate frisbee, drama, band, and quiz bowl,” said Mr. Whelan, “as well as beating Howell and
“ I see many rushing here fas students be on they w to anot for a sport o many of them going ho
— junior Shawn Moore
— social studies tea Page designed by Brett