Your high school’s marching band proudly rings the fight song in your ear as you stand in the student section at your high school’s football game, cheering as loud as you can. The sound of Texas-sized mums jingles cheerfully as you see the colors red, black and silver being worn proudly. Whenever the words “school spirit” come to mind, many people envision loud pep rallies, flipping cheerleaders and dazzling dancers, but what really happens? What actually causes people to generate school spirit and what causes it to decline?

How does school spirit make you feel?

Avrie Melby, 11

“Having spirit makes me feel happy and I really admire school spirit because it is an intricate part of school society.”

Nicolas Bautista, Biology teacher

“I love school spirit. It makes me feel like I have more to look forward to during the day. School spirit is important because it gives us a reason to be here.”

Chloe McKinney, 9

“School spirit makes me feel supported because it is contagious. Whenever people have it, it makes me want to have it too.”

Emma Lambert, 11

“School spirit makes me feel great because I feel like I’m in a place where I belong. When people have the same feeling about their school and interact with each other, it is so beautiful.”

Gregory Shortes, Algebra teacher

“I’ve always loved it here because of the school spirit, making me feel supported.”

Olivia Butler, 10

“School spirit makes me proud to be here and proud to be a Bronco.”

Kristen Strickland, Assistant Principal

“School spirit reminds me of when I was in high school. I love seeing all of the decorations for events like homecoming because they bring me so much joy and remind me why I’m here.”

Addisyn Batdorf, 10

“It makes me feel great because it lets me know that people care about where we are. People are there for each other no matter what, whether it’s football, basketball, band or any other school event.”

Benaiah West, 9

“Spirit makes me feel cool because it’s awesome to see people engage in their community during [spirit weeks].”

Jacqueline Casteel, 10

“It makes me feel excited to go to school events with friends and show support. When I see other people excited and willing to participate in events they enjoy, it makes school better.”