Students and teachers are what hold our school together. One essential element for a thriving school is school spirit; without it, the school struggles to thrive. In this article, you will hear perspectives from three students and one teacher on the importance of school spirit.
Adrian G. was asked, “What school events do you attend and why?” He responded, “I attend the football games because I love the environment.” This speaks volumes, as football games are among the most attended school events. The intensity of the sport requires a lot of preparation and hard work. School spirit is prominently displayed at these games, with students encouraging one another to come out and support.
Anaiah Charles, a dancer at Pasco High, was interviewed and asked, “What does school spirit mean to the community?” She stated, “I think it means a lot to the community when they see a lot of young people coming together and getting hyped for their school.” Anaiah also mentioned the decline in students’ passion for various activities at school, which seems to have lessened over time.
RJ Lopez expressed, “I think if more people in our school started to participate, it would be pretty cool to see everyone come together.” Similarly, teacher Andrew Callaway observed, “Over the past two years, I’ve seen school spirit decline a little bit.” He pointed out that during Spirit Week, not many students participate in the themed dress-up days, nor do they engage during themed events at sporting games. However, Callaway has noticed that every Friday, school spirit shines through when students wear their uniforms and show off their purple Pasco pride.
Speaking for the Class of 2026, I believe that school spirit has become more digital and driven by social media. We should consider bringing back regular pep rallies and in-person events for our students. Nowadays, much communication and support happen through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, as students spend a significant amount of time on their phones. Additionally, there has been a greater focus on inclusivity, making school spirit about bringing everyone together. It’s now easier than ever to support and cheer for fellow students online.
