In an effort to increase school pride and participation, spirit weeks have become a long-standing tradition among many schools. Spirit Week provides an opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zone and get creative with each of their takes on spirit days. Our school, Quartz Hill High School, holds spirit weeks for many different reasons, sometimes for holidays and most other times because of rallies and assemblies. The two main organizations on our campus that are involved in creating these weeks are ASB and Link Crew. But what makes spirit weeks so popular, and what is the incentive and appeal for students to participate?
One personal reason that I find Spirit Week so appealing is that I see it as a break from the regular weekly routine of classes. In addition to the release of creativity, it allows students to express it. It also provides a means of entertainment and excitement. A senior and link crew member at Quartz Hill High School, Lucia Lopez, expresses the same opinion, “ I like to participate when it is a fun theme, and I think that it is funny to see what everyone else is doing and what they also bring to participate in each of the spirit weeks.”
Spirit Week also provides a bonding opportunity between classmates and peers; it allows for new friendships to be made while also strengthening the bonds of preexisting relationships. Another Link Crew Leader and senior at Quartz Hill, Mary Mckirtchin, has the same opinion when it comes to spirit weeks and friendships, “ I love to participate in spirit weeks because it gives us a reason to dress up super fun and match with our friends.” Whether you are actually dressing up, participating in the games that come with the rallies and the assemblies, or just cheering on your friends on Spirit Week, it is a great opportunity to build close-knit friendships and learn to build your teamwork skills.
From my perspective, Spirit Week is much more than just a few days of themed outfits. I feel that it is an essential component of the school experience, and it provides chances and encourages students to show school pride. It also fosters social connections and gives a well-needed break, as well as a slight distraction from the stress that comes with the daily hard work students put into their academics. During a time when students are constantly balancing their school work, friendships, and personal lives, Spirit Week supplies a valuable opportunity to have fun and build memories with your friends.
