Multiple studies support the idea that school spirit positively affects the morale of students which can lead to success. According to NFHS, regarding students showing support for their school, high school students with “school spirit” perform better academically, will be more engaged in social and civic matters and will be happier in general than their less spirited peers.
“There was a good representation of school spirit during Homecoming spirit week,” Student Council sponsor Dedrick Williams said. “We’re heading in the right direction, and I want the students to keep it up.”
Although the gym fills with people at pep rallies, students sit rather than stand and participation is low. There’s different games and competitions that anyone can be involved in, and there usually isn’t a lot of cheering or support from the students. The NFHS Article reported principles who completed the survey stated, “Students who are achieving strongly tend to be involved in all aspects of high school. They join clubs, they start clubs, they participate in different events, activities and athletics on site. They get ‘The High School Experience.’”
“I wanted more,” Mr. Williams said. “We used a TikTok mashup to get the kids more involved. I feel that we should teach the kids on how the pep rally environment is.We need more engagement from all students.”
A big part of school spirit is students showing up for games. For example, for football games the student section is usually packed, but very few show up for volleyball. Boosting student attendance to all sporting events can be difficult. An article from Sports Biz discusses strategies for increasing attendance. One suggestion showcases the talent and stories of athletes. Highlighting the stories and achievements of high school athletes can generate interest and emotional connection. Utilizing social media, local news and school publications to showcase the personal journeys of young athletes can evoke community pride and attract a larger audience.
“I feel like the attendance is lower at volleyball games than football games, I feel like we should have a higher attendance,” Maya Richards, 10, said. “When people come to the games to support it helps create intensity and keep our energy as a team up. I do think more attendance would create more school spirit because everyone cheering is getting in the other teams heads helps us win.”
Spirit week, a way students can dress up and have fun during school and to show school spirit representing the spirit week. In the article Making Spirit Week Memorable: Themes, Data, and Tips for Principals Looking to Improve School Culture written by Chris Padilla, he says “I cannot overstate the value of a dynamic spirit week. The data shows participating in Spirit Week translates to real improvements in factors like attendance, test scores, and teacher retention. Beyond the numbers, the shared laughter, memories, and connections formed through creative themed dress-up days have lifelong impacts on students and staff.”
“I enjoy spirit week because it’s fun and I can be creative with my outfits,” Emily Waldrop, 9, said. “As a freshman, coming into high school, I feel a part of our school spirit by participating in spirit week.”
Ms. Allender goes all out for dress up days during spirit. Ms. Allender thinks she helps spread school spirit by dressing up.
“I thought the participation was decent from just staying on the third floor,” Ms. Allender said. “I like going all out so hopefully the kids will see that I am and go big or go home on dressing up for spirit weeks.”
