School Spirit Checkup

Over the years, there has been a significant fluctuation of student involvement revolving school spirit. School spirit revolves around supporting school events such as dances or sports games, wearing school colors, and engaging in school traditions. 

School spirit used to be a cornerstone of student life, with energetic crowds at games, lively homecoming events, and a deep sense of pride that filled every hallway. Here at William Henry Harrison High School, there are various ways to express school spirit. Showing up to sports games, wearing Harrison colors, or going to a band/choir concert are only a few ways to support not only our school, but also our peers. At Harrison, we’re known for having one of the most lively and energetic student-section crowds at each game. The student-section is always full of students dressed to match the theme for every game and ready to cheer on our teams.

One way to gauge school spirit is to ask a group of kids how many of them know the words to our fight song. Would you be able to recite the words?

William Henry Harrison High School Fight Song

Cheer, cheer for Harrison High,

Shout out the echoes up to the sky.

Send our volley cheers on high,

Shake down the thunder from the sky.

Though our foes be great or be small,

The Green and the White will win over all.

And our loyal team will bring

Honor to Harrison High.

Years ago, spirit week used to be the highlight of the month for students. Now, you can hardly tell when it’s spirit week due to the lack of participation amongst students. Many students no longer participate in spirit week due to a combination of social and practical reasons. A lack of school spirit or connection can make events feel irrelevant, while fear of judgment or peer pressure may discourage students from standing out. Repetitive themes also contribute to low enthusiasm. Additionally, busy schedules and shifting priorities mean students often don’t have the time or energy to take part.

Many believe the rise of social media and online interactions may have also contributed to a decline in face-to-face engagement and a decreased sense of community within the school. Our generation of students are often judgmental towards others and view everything that was once communally enjoyed by all students as abnormal. The depletion of school spirit and participation can often be traced back to a disconnect between students and the events meant to engage them. When school activities fail to resonate with a wide range of students or feel repetitive, it leads to apathy and low turnout. Many students feel left out if the focus is too narrow, often centered only around athletics or specific groups.

To bring school spirit back, schools need to create inclusive, engaging opportunities that appeal to everyone. This includes promoting diverse events, celebrating a variety of achievements, and involving students in the planning and execution of activities. When students feel a sense of ownership and connection to their school, participation naturally increases, and school spirit can be revived.