Homecoming and Spirit week for Independence High School was the third week of school, but the spirit shared will last an eternity in the anecdotes of those who took part in the festivities. After all, spirit week is designed to, “increase student involvement and spirit. In the past couple years the involvement of students has dwindled in all aspects: student sections, spirit week and just supporting Independence,” observed senior student council president Madelyn Mudra. However, with some motivation and courage, spirit week can be exciting and entertaining!
Starting Monday, IHS students and staff sported a plethora of different jerseys.
Then, Tuesday, they donned white tee shirts and jeans to simulate a stereotypical family “beach picture”. Some participants even brought a pool to school and “had a dip out in the parking lot”, reminisced senior Grady Walchs.
Wednesday was camo day. Although those who adorned a full suit of camo may have hidden in plain sight, it was easy to spot the school spirit Wednesday during lunch, when a group of “invisible” students participated in a cafeteria campfire.
All of the 5A lunch students and staff watched as a spirit-filled group of seniors hustled to set up a ring of camping chairs, a zip-up tent, and a mock fire with rocks and orange construction paper. Even Mr. Janatovich chimed in, serenading the campers with a mini yellow ukulele. It’s safe to say, a jovial and boisterous mood was shared throughout those who watched, participated, and recalled the events of the day.
Unfortunately, Thursday’s theme (“Dress Your Type”), was less popular among the staff and student body. For future reference, “Dress Your Type” refers to dressing in a manner that that person finds attractive. Some chose to dress in an “Adam-sandler”-esque or “gym bro” style, a few wore skirts and crop tops. Nevertheless, the overall participation was minimal, if not nearly absent.
Finally, Friday the theme was “class colors”. Seniors wore pink, juniors purple, sophomores green, and freshmen orange. Like Wednesday, the 5A cafeteria crowd joined in the festivities by decorating in pink balloons and partaking in a raffle to win some pink cotton candy, to support the senior class! Ultimately, this year’s spirit week was filled with delightful surprises.
When asked about why he and his friends felt motivated to go all out for spirit week, Nathan Lu explained that this being their senior year, they wanted to “have fun” because “this is probably one of the last times [they’re] gonna get to do this in [their lives]”, and his friend Tate McGovern added that anybody can do this if they release their nervousness and “put in a little effort”.
Overall, one can say when it comes to spirit week, going the extra mile is worthwhile!
