We have the Superfans. We have the Talent Show. We have the proms. We even have a fun Pep Rally. But we can do better. Here are the top 3 spirited things thatStaplesHigh Schoolshould do more of:
1. Host more Spirit Weeks. We only have one Spirit Week all year, which is the week of Halloween. That’s it?! As evidenced by multiple sports teams who have different themes every game, Staples students like dressing up to school. We enjoy getting colorful and ridiculous.
Last year, there was a contest among the teachers for who had the ugliest T-Shirt. It was beautiful; the idea was ingenious and even the teachers got a huge kick out of it. And yet those sorts of fun events are seldom organized by students. Sure, we have the Lunchertainment series, but we only do that on occasional Fridays. We can do BETTER. We should host more costume contests outside of Halloween. It’s time to be creative with what we wear. It’s always funny and enjoyable. Let’s take advantage of our lax dress code.
2) Undervalued Organizations at Staples. While the sports games are usually well-attended, there are other organizations that don’t have – but should earn – the same attention. For example, girls’ sports are always considered inferior to guys’ sports. Why? I’d rather see a bunch of girls get physical than a bunch of guys. They’re just as competitive and just as exciting. It makes no sense why we don’t understand that.
We also need to do something about our lack of tailgating. We never tailgate. Do we even know what that is? Maybe it’s a Southern thing, but we have to start to try and bring it up the coast.
And that’s not all we can do to make our spirit better. From an a capella group to a radio station, a Best Buddies Ball to a debate team, Staples is filled with interesting and exciting activities.
Where’s their spotlight?
Does the occasional announcement from Mr. Dodig over the loudspeaker qualify as congratulations? I think not!
3) Basic Spirit Qualifications. Most people don’t know that Staples has an alma mater, entitled, “Hail Staples.” It’s actually a solid song. Alma maters may be old-fashioned, but they’re a traditional and important component of Staples culture.
Additionally, at many other institutions, the teachers and students eat together at lunch and socialize more often. The last time I saw a student join a teacher at the lunch table was last January, and he was relentlessly arguing about his grade in the class. He then proceeded to spill his soup on the teacher’s tie. Where’s the class? Where’s the compassion?
Now, maybe we’re just too busy for it. Maybe we’re too focused on academics and getting into a good college. Maybe we’re too focused on that report card, or that scholarship. Maybe we prefer to concentrate on ourselves and not our peers. But if we don’t soak in all that this remarkable, diverse high school has to offer, we might miss it entirely.
To read an opposing position, click here.
