Wayland High School: Orange, Black, Football, and Pride. All these distinctive elements are out in full force at the Friday night football games. The crowds attracted to these games are not only student fans, but are also parents, siblings, community, and band members. However, these weekly football games are some of the very few events that rouse school pride. I believe that Wayland should have more than one weekly event that inspires school spirit and pride. One solution to this could be the establishment of a spirit week.

Most private schools, and even public schools such as Wellesley High and Sharon High, have spirit week. Spirit week is one week out of the year, where each day is a different way for a school to come together by doing organized activities such as dressing up, playing games, or class competitions. For example, on dress up day, students (and teachers!) could wear pajamas, dress up in 80’s clothes, or come disguised as different Disney characters.

In addition, one day could be class competition day, where each class could be assigned different colors to wear or could do different activities, and the winning class could receive a prize.

Student Kathryn Washek commented, “Spirit week would be so fun! All other schools have them, so why can’t we? Winter Week might as well be spirit week.” All these aspects of dressing up and class competitions would be designed to promote school unity and Wayland High School pride and spirit.

When presented with the idea of a spirit week, Mr. Tutwiler responded enthusiastically. “Anything that can be fun and pull our school together like a community sounds good to me…so two thumbs up from this way.” Mr. Tutwiler explained that his previous school held a spirit week during the football season. These spirit weeks brought the entire school together. Tutwiler commented that he would love to see something similar enacted at WHS.

Most importantly, the success of a spirit week would hinge on the student body’s willingness and enthusiasm to take part in the psychs and activities.

If the school does decide to establish a spirit week, it shouldn’t be a hassle or annoyance for people to dress up. Also, spirit week shouldn’t be designed only for upperclassman. The point would be for the whole school to be united, instead of just one grade.

If people really want to make spirit week happen, we need to encourage everyone to participate enthusiastically. Mr. Tutwiler suggested taking the idea to Student Council. Therefore, if you agree that spirit week should be a part of Wayland High School, speak up!