School spirit could be facing a downward slide–well, maybe not fully, but it is just not what it used to be. Rocky has a lot of energy for the Lobo Way, but nobody dresses in Lobo gear for $5 Friday. And as years go by, school spirit seems to be fading.

School spirit varied depending on the elementary or middle school you went to, but the schools planned out spirit weeks, assemblies, and mini celebrations. Middle and high schools have slogans and catch phrases used around the school–things like, ‘Go ‘Bos or cheers.

But is that really school spirit or just tradition? What is school spirit and how do we know if it’s ending or just beginning in a different way?

“School spirit means a lot to me because I care a lot about this place, and I think that showcasing that spirit to all athletics, music, whatever it may be, it’s super important for culture,” teacher and Spirit Leader sponsor Cole Anderson says. “If you’re looking at it from a standpoint of just this year, I think maybe the argument could be made that it has gone down quite a bit.”

Anderson believes school spirit is important, and agrees that school spirit has been declining, but the question continues to be why?

Fewer students wear Rocky gear each Friday and there is less enthusiasm each time it’s shown on video announcements. .

High school is a very stressful time with getting homework, assignments, and activities to do. Are students just too busy?

“I think with clubs, sports, etcetera, you have more people going more directions,” social studies teacher Mrs. Cox says. “It’s not as important for us to be cohesive and that, unfortunately, hurts us.”

Teens feel this academic pressure, burn out, and mental health struggle. It could also be a result of post-covid life and how it affected school spirit and still does! Students just feel disconnected.

But school spirit really is important.

According to varsitybrands.com, school spirit connects to student achievement. Over half of students (58%) who report having high levels of school spirit receive a graduate or bachelor’s degree.

“Students with higher levels of school spirit perform better academically, are more civically engaged, and are happier in general than their less-spirited peers, according to research released today by Varsity Brands.”

Rose Kensora, senior class president, says there was a lot of spirit during a basketball game against Windsor. “Everyone was so engaged and high spirited.”

Games against close rivals always garner larger crowds and more show of school spirit.

“There were a lot of people that showed up,” Rose says. “It was like an amazing crowd and everyone was very engaged.”

But school spirit doesn’t have to be just showing up to games and dressing up. It can also show up in support for students who perform in plays, singing, or musical ensembles. Showing up for other people is a very important way to be a community and keep this spirit alive.

“I show school spirit by sharing my work with the Rocky community,” yearbook photographer Layne Mahaffey says.

Having pride in your school creates community and brings people together. It sets the tone for students and helps them see each other as a team working together instead of apathy that sets in and creates division.

School spirit brings together a stronger community and encourages a welcoming environment. Whether it’s classmates, friends, or teachers, showing up to an event is the key to making school spirit be more alive.

What can your role be in continuing the Lobo Way and increasing school spirit?