Why Mills Should have a School Anthem

Michael Lin Staff Writer

Identity is a significant and challenging component of human culture. As a teenager, it signals the challenge to identify the self and the challenge to discover a group to belong to. It is natural for people to congregate and form a sense of security as well as relatability, and what better way to share said relatability than a single song sung by collective voices? Anthems are representation of common ideals; they are sung to honor dreams, sacrifices, foundations, and individuality. However, some do not share the same dream, does this warrant a need for anthems to be sung by Mills?

Generally speaking, most schools in the US sing the national anthem in respect to our country and those who have fought and continue to fight for it. A few colleges such as USC play anthems in sports events to reach an audience. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mills developed a clap for sports events, but this tradition would soon come to an abrupt halt. According to Leadership and History teacher Ms. Dove, it seems unlikely that the clap will resurface to the light of day hereafter. “The pandemic played some part in it. That was something we have created years prior, and we don’t seem to have enough students or people that have interests in it anymore.”

We suggest that a Mills anthem be chosen from popular songs on Spotify. However, in order to ignite creativity and fun, Mills should consider making parodies that can induce unity and spirit within the campus. Amongst, the spirit that it would induce, it would unite the community. “It should be like a lively song, and not a sad song,” says Daniel Gao (12) a senior from Mills, who suggests a more vivid tune to play each morning, instead of a gut-wrenching, tear-jerking, depression-inducing song to be played through the ever so crooked sound of the Mills speaker. “I think the anthem should be someone yawning since yawning is contagious, and everyone would have no choice but to join,” says another senior who chooses to remain anonymous. Indeed, the sounds of yawns would suffice in bringing together the hundreds of students who endure agonizing excursions with homeworks throughout the dead of the night. Alex Malagon expresses his view, suggesting that “We should have a school anthem because I feel a theme song would bring the community together. You know how “The Office” has a theme song? I’d like that too.” Mr. Hensley adds his opinion; “You know, most schools have a song. Like my old school, they have one. I feel like it would bring some tradition to the school, so yeah, I think there should be one.”

Perhaps what Mills High School can do is hold a vote on what song could become our theme song. Some suggestions could include “OMG” by NewJeans, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, “Baby” by Justin Bieber, “Barbie Girl” by Aqua, and “All Stars” by Smash Mouth. All these iconic songs can be rewritten by students and incorporated during game time.

In my opinion, an anthem would greatly benefit Mills High School as it would do much good to bond all students together and create a nationalistic pride. As faithful members of the Mills community, I think it is our duty show how much we love Mills High School through music.*