As the two-year anniversary of my first glorious Battle of the Bulldogs approaches, I’ve been reminiscing about the storm of sweaty maroon that swept our middle school gym. However, reflecting on my first year at Conestoga, I’m ashamed to say that our ’Stoga school spirit is lackluster, if not completely nonexistent.
To those who didn’t previously boast the TEMS Bulldog title, Battle of the Bulldogs was a beloved June tradition for the upperclassmen of TEMS. A daylong battle for superiority between seventh grade (maroon) and eighth grade (gray) would rage in the humid gym to determine the victor of field games, chants and spirit. Anyone present that day can recall the chaos of gray and maroon that painted the hallways. The annual Pink Day’s rosy hues and whiffs of hairspray chemicals would waft through the hallways as bracelet-covered arms reached for donuts to support breast cancer research.
But now, during our spirit days or pep rallies, I struggle to find that same level of dedication. My friends never wear a jersey on Jersey Day, nor do they take note of the occasional color wars events. Not only is our interest in small acts of spirit faltering, but so is the number of these hosted events. Are we losing our sense of community while falling into a trend of social assimilation?
Conestoga is undeniably an academically focused school, so it’s reasonable to get caught up in the whirl of adolescence – juggling part-time jobs, music rehearsals, sports practices and more is no easy feat. It’s fair to say some spirit days are more applicable to your interests than others or that it’s possible to simply forget sometimes. But, small actions such as wearing a colored shirt shouldn’t take away from your greater priorities or ability to succeed. There’s a deeper reason at hand.
When I asked a classmate why they didn’t wear a shirt for color wars, they said it was because none of their friends brought it up or were participating. Aha! The issue wasn’t time or interest, but rather the prospect of being visible without social cover. Spirit days are designed to be a form of social gathering that can unite a school to an impenetrable degree. Yet, it seems that we are so entrapped in the fear of judgment, that instead of having a school community connected through camaraderie, our coalition is through indifference.
Having fun shouldn’t threaten your social status or friend groups. And if it does, we should break through the social barrier of being a constant follower. We’re trained to walk in a single file – follow the syllabus, follow your sibling’s footsteps, follow your friend’s social media. But a duckling at any point can simply choose to lead those behind it to a bigger, or in this case, more spirited pond.
So don’t be afraid to participate in spirit days or school community events. Taking part in whimsical activities to have fun with your classmates isn’t embarrassing; it’s admirable. Now, I won’t go too far to say that you have to start wearing sparkly tutus again, but please do consider embarking on the little moments that bring our school together.
Grace Lu can be reached at [email protected].
