The Decline in School Spirit is Hurting Student Life

Walking into Senior Sunrise, I see the familiar cliques of my classmates, each group isolated with little effort to socialize beyond their circles. Not even senior year, a time meant for sealing in our last childhood memories, can bring our classmates together. On the right, a nearly empty bagel stand waits for the few who eventually form a half-hearted line. On the left, the “Senior Class of ’25” poster serves as the backdrop for the misleading Instagram pictures that will later portray the event as far more lively than it truly was, an overall dismal display of a seemingly fun senior activity. 

Walking around school is a completely different experience from what I once imagined my future in high school to be like. As an elementary school kid, I vividly remember romanticizing the idea of being in high school. From the stories I heard and what I observed from older peers, along with the striking imagery seen on Disney Channel shows, I envisioned the best parts of high school as school dances, football games, and the overall classic American high school experience. Growing up watching classic coming-of-age movies filled with eager students, calling the reality disappointing would be an understatement. 

It’s not just a one-off event of a dud Senior Sunrise; this is a trend I’ve noticed across a variety of events, one that has only contributed to the decline of overall school spirit throughout high school. In recent years, we’ve had to cancel the beginning-of-the-year Luau, and this might be the last year our school hosts a homecoming dance due to low numbers. The once electric energy at Valencia High appears to be fading, and student sections at sporting events are steadily thinning. Take Homecoming Spirit Week, for example: participation is bleak, and even football games, arguably some of the most well-attended events, see only a handful of students remaining after about two quarters. 

Enthusiasm has been at a steady decline over the past few years, and this is especially evident during moments where our school spirit should shine. Valencia has a dedicated Associated Student Body that paints posters for rallies and coordinates spirit events, from organized spirit weeks to decorating the hallways. Even so, the vibrant energy is largely absent. Few students share in the spirit week fun. There’s no dressing up as twins for “Twin Day” or showing up for themes like “Soccer Moms vs. BBQ Dads”. Everyone used to be creative and dynamic in their participation, but involvement has dwindled. 

The minimal amount of participation that could be observed amounted to sheer ease. Most people wore pink on Wednesday and repped their class colors on Friday, frankly, out of convenience. Student sections have thinned to the point of becoming bare, except on occasion.  Students are known to come to the “big” games, like our homecoming game or playing against rival schools such as West Ranch or Hart. Those are the times when the student section is loud and proud. Not everyone can attend every game, but the student section is often on the smaller side unless we are playing against a couple of particular schools. 

Hope is not lost. To improve, students need motivation to dress up and participate. Most students feel silly or embarrassed to dress up if no one else does. School spirit starts with consistency. Energy comes from the top down; when upperclassmen don’t seem excited, it’s harder for underclassmen to care. School spirit is built gradually, and small incentives by the school could revive the fun in participating. When older students and faculty model excitement for school events, they can inspire others to join in.