In recent years, schools have seen a noticeable decline in school spirit. The spirit at school feels quieter, and the student sections seem weak. What used to be high-energy pep rallies no longer always bring the excitement and energy they once did. This could have been impacted by COVID several years ago, which created more isolation and independence outside of school for many students.
Considering this, student leaders believe that although school spirit has been very scarce, it could make or break our school. Alexi Arnell, a junior at Coronado High School and a member of the Student Council’s publicity team, has observed the culture shift from a young age, from attending football games with her mother to now attending her own school games. Arnell says, “I think that there has been a gradual decrease in school spirit since COVID,” noticing the changes students have faced and how these changes have affected their school lives; however, she also believes that spirit isn’t just showing up for a game or dressing up for a spirit day. Confidently, Arnell says, “School spirit is what represents a school – what does it mean to be a cougar?” She challenges students, teachers, and administrators to step up and make a change to prove what it truly means to be a cougar.
Many students have very busy lives, from working busy jobs to playing sports and managing school and family, dressing up, and showing up for school spirit can often feel like a chore. Senior Oliver Freeling, Social Moral Representative, thinks that persuading students to dress up in different ways could make all the difference: “I think rewarding the students to dress up, whether it’s by teachers giving them extra credit or people leading by example and showing that it’s cool to represent.” He also notes that leadership by upperclassmen may be a key factor in convincing younger students that participating is more important than they think.
The more students who proudly show up for a school, the more excitement and cheer all around. School spirit, however, is more than just decorations and games, but it’s what defines a school for who they are.
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Recently, there has been a major decline in school spirit. Despite the hyped-up assemblies where everyone is dressed for Spirit Day, celebrating our school has become a chore. Showing school spirit ranges from attending events to dressing up for spirit days and affects overall enthusiasm. It can even affect athletes, who are more motivated to perform better in front of an audience. Where did the spirit go?
