When scrolling on TikTok, there seems to be a trend of high school students throughout the country boasting about how amazing their student sections are and how fun their school days are. These videos represent active participation and signify how students want to go to school because they enjoy the environment. Walking around North there seems to be a theme as well — sulking students and a lack of school spirit.
North students are most upbeat about being in the parking lot at 3:05 sharp, accounting for the three-second bell delay. Many students cannot wait for the day to end, reflecting their lack of enthusiasm regarding school. However, this lack isn’t only present during school hours. During social events like sports and dances, students still appear to be lacking in school spirit. A spectator from a visiting team genuinely would have difficulty navigating where the Norsemen Tide is located. They would see a minimum of three students cheering and the rest seated high in the bleachers scrolling on their phones. There is no doubt that North is lacking in school spirit.
Under the stresses of balancing classes and extracurriculars, students can feel trapped in an environment that triggers anxiety more than enthusiasm. This isn’t something the school can control, but they are well aware that stress affects everyone differently. The school tries to combat this stigma and provides students with different methods to cope with their anxieties. Regardless of such opportunities as sporting events, school dances, and pep assemblies, North still has a prevalent absence of school spirit.
These events are designed to be stress-free, and fun and allow an outlet for students to make meaningful memories without worry. At events like these, how are school spirits still low? Everyone worries too much about being judged or making the socially approved move. Because of this, students act quietly in the stands to avoid judgment. Students should take the opportunity the school provides to express themselves and support their team. Since when has school spirit been deemed cringy and being lame deemed the new cool?
Having school spirit is not embarrassing nor should be looked down upon. In order to raise and restore school spirit, students should approach school events and days with less nerves and an open mind. High school is the time to make memories and not judge others fulfilling this. School spirit is important as it makes an environment more fun and unites the student body inside and outside of the classroom. We only have one shot at the high school experience. Students should rise above and not care what everyone thinks of them. Not caring what people think and making the most out of a high school experience is the key to raising school spirit.
