If you were to stroll into Edison High School’s most recent pep rally, you might have been struck by the deafening silence that filled the football field. No, this wasn’t some avant-garde performance art piece. This was supposed to be a display of school pride and enthusiasm, but the crowd’s energy resembled that of which you would find in a library more than a celebration of school spirit.
Despite their best efforts to energize the stadium, the athletes, cheerleaders, and the marching band seemed to be standing in front of practically invisible audiences. The atmosphere felt so flat that you could almost feel the apathy from the bleachers.
And it doesn’t stop there. Spirit Weeks, which traditionally are supposed to fill the halls with themed outfits and friendly competition, are now lucky to see a handful of students participate. Where did our school spirit go?
Spirit Weeks used to be an opportunity for students to break away from their daily routines and have fun. Pajama Day, Decade Day, and Class Colors were more than just theme days; they were mini-events bringing the whole school together. But lately, participation has been, to put lightly, underwhelming. Instead of creativity flooding the hallways, most students simply ignore the theme. Is it laziness? Rebellion? Why have these once-cherished traditions gone up in smoke?
One theory is the growing sense of student burnout. In a world where academic pressure, extracurricular obligations, and personal commitments constantly demand attention, participating in school spirit seems like one more thing to worry about. Why bother decorating yourself in neon for 80s Day when you’ve got three tests and a project due tomorrow?
Despite the gloomy outlook, reviving enthusiasm isn’t impossible. It just takes a renewed focus on making these events meaningful for everyone, starting with the relevance of these events to students’ interests. Many students do care, just not about what’s currently being offered. Let’s face it—some of the themes don’t resonate with today’s students. We all have limited energy, and when Spirit Week or another event feels disconnected from our interests or lives, it’s easy to see why we’d rather spend that energy elsewhere.
Sometimes, a little incentive can go a long way. Offering real rewards, such as fun prizes people can buy using a point system, could motivate students to show up and participate. Enjoyable competition with meaningful outcomes gives students a reason to get involved beyond just “showing school spirit,” building that sense of community and friendly rivalry that seems to be missing lately.
At the end of the day, school spirit isn’t just about a pep rally or wearing funny outfits. It’s about fostering a sense of community and pride in the place we all spend so much time. Edison High is not only a school but a place that holds memories of friendships being formed and lessons being learned. But we need to work together to ensure that spirit doesn’t become a thing of the past.
