I recently overheard two of my students talking about NH and how we have ‘absolutely no school spirit’. They were making these comments after they returned from an away game at Bel Air High School where they were impressed with the fact that the Bobcat stands had a ‘student section that was packed and enthusiastic.’
These students weren’t being mean when they said we have no school spirit, they were disappointed. And I don’t blame them.
They’re right.
Something is missing at NH.
Maybe it’s enthusiasm. Maybe it’s energy. Maybe it’s pride. Or maybe it’s a little bit of all of these things.
Whatever it is, we need to fix it.
As a student in my HS in Pennsylvania, I can remember the undercurrent of enthusiasm and nervous energy that built up during the weeks leading up to homecoming weekend.
There was no way to escape homecoming fever. And you didn’t want to.
Why not?
Because being a part of my school meant something. It didn’t matter whether you were an athlete, a scholar, a musician or an artist; it didn’t matter if you were a student, an alumnus, or a staff member; all that mattered was that for one week culminating with one huge event, we were a part of celebrating a legacy bigger than our individual interests and talents. It was a legacy born before we arrived in HS and one that continued long after we left. That legacy was a simple one: the pride that came with being a Viking.
When I started teaching at NH 19 years ago, I was hopeful that I would encounter that same kind of enthusiasm and pride from the Hawks in this school.
And for a while it was like reliving my own high school experience at NH. That same sense of energy and enthusiasm was pervasive among ALL our staff and students. Homecoming week was like Christmas morning. Entering the building was like ripping open wrapping paper only to find a most unexpected treasure. The usually bland hallways were transformed overnight into a sea of green and gold streamers; lockers were decorated with signs and words of encouragement; everyone was decked out in spirit gear every day. The pep rally was as noisy as any rock concert and left our ears ringing in the same way.
And then things changed.
I am not sure when and I am certainly not sure why.
But I am sure of one thing: homecoming week and school spirit has lost its luster here.
Sure, there are many who were excited about spirit week and the pep rally.
And lots of people are looking forward to the homecoming festival and game.
But not enough.
It’s hard to build a culture of enthusiasm, energy, and pride when the same group of people show up to all the games, participate in all the events, and engage in all of the extracurricular opportunities.
So this is my challenge to you;
Though homecoming is one opportunity to show a little school spirit, don’t let it be the only opportunity you have to show your pride in being a Hawk.
The year has just started and there are countless opportunities to get involved, to cheer on your peers, and to send the message loud and clear to everyone here and elsewhere that being a student North Harford High School means something.