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 now don’t always bring the excitement and energy that they used to. 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 student council publicity member, has watched the culture shift from a young age. From going to football games with her mother, to now going to 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 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 admin to step up and make a change to prove what being a cougar truly means.
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 bigger 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.
