Will school spirit ever get back to what it used to be? Roxbury High School is struggling to find its demand for school pride and spirit. For example only, an estimated, 20% of students got involved during Homecoming Spirit Week. Mrs. Baker, a former class advisor, believes that “times aren’t just as they used to be” and that “high school used to be a lot more fun” with the enthusiasm for RHS spirit. Is this due to a lack of effort or even embarrassment? Is this a common issue for other schools as well?  

Spirit days are made well aware by staff and student council, but then why are students not partaking? The class of 2026’s Vice President, Taylor Schauble, states “People judge spirit day, being involved isn’t embarrassing; it’s what is needed.” getting people to overcome this embarrassment could all be fixed by the class of 2024. When younger students see seniors getting involved, they follow in their footsteps. Mr. Hansen, the head of the student council, believes that “it has been an improvement from following years. Putting a motive such as the Gael Cup is like a carrot on the end to the string.”. 

Laziness is a key factor for why students may be disinterested or uninvolved. Many students exclaim that themes just don’t spark any interest, but if they dislike these themes why not speak to the student council? An anonymous student agreed that laziness is a reason for the lack of spirit. Furthermore, they stated how it’s inconvenient to go out of their way to purchase items that match the theme.

A solution that can be implemented is selling spirtwear as a fundraising. One teacher has done this for Friday Night Lights (FNL) and found it a huge success. Mrs. Burleigh was found selling breast cancer awareness merchandise for students to purchase. She claims that “Everybody likes to be a part of something and it’s also a great cause.”. Additionally, many students expressed their excitement for the pink theme which may increase attendance. 

Many students may counter that at football games students go all out. This is true if you’ve ever been to an RHS football game, but why does this happen? Football games are a staple in high schools all over the United States, which leads to excitement for students. The students and or staff frequently post on Instagram, @roxburyathetic, @roxburyragers, and @roxburyfootball to promote themes and claim that “ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.”

 If this energy were put into other school spirit days involvement would increase dramatically. Junior at RHS, Alexis Oliveira, agrees that “if everyone decided to get more involved, everyone would care a lot more.”. Students need to show the same energy as we would for football games. A sport may bring people together, but being part of the same community should 

This issue needs to be mended as soon as possible. All students must step up their involvement in school spirit because school isn’t entirely about grades, it’s about what you make of your time as a Gael. If school spirit increases, Roxbury will be more enjoyable and students will walk in with smiles. If this rapid decline of school spirit continues, school activities and spirit weeks will be completely abolished.