Loud and Proud
School spirit is more important than one might think; it can affect the student’s grades and GPA throughout their high school years. School spirit includes going to pep rallies, sports games (basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, etc.), or even just showing pride in your school by wearing your school apparel.
Just about 1,016 high school students, 315 parents of high school students, and 150 principles were interviewed for research on school spirit by PR Newswire, Varsity Brand. The research conducted that 75% of students who have a great amount of school spirit, excel more in their academic classes.
Some people might ask how school spirit can help your grades in school. School spirit will improve the students’ involvement in school by having pride and getting involved with school activities. By being involved with your school, you will be more encouraged to participate in the classroom and become more aware with what is being taught.
Not only does school spirit affect how the students perform in their high school, but it also affects their way of looking at their future. High-spirited students are more likely than students with low school spirit to expect that they will receive a four-year degree or more (84% vs. 51%). Having the ability to get a degree is important, but being willing and wanting to get a degree is even more important.
Renaissance is something that several schools have, including Licking Valley. The main goal of Renaissance is to bring school spirit and get the students involved in things; also, their goal is to get the students to participate and be excited about going to school. Not only does Renaissance help the students become involved, the members are also benefiting from being in the class. The class teaches the students about responsibility and leadership by making them the role models in the school.
The Renaissance teacher at Licking Valley, Tricia Phelps, says, “I believe that students want to be involved and show school spirit - yet they rely on the approval of what others are doing to determine what they will do- we need to create more opportunities for students to witness good examples of what it means to be involved and support each other in ALLLLLL activities [sic].”
High School has become a popularity contest between everyone and no one wants to feel like they are the one who is out of place or stands out. School spirit will allow everyone to come together as a school despite their differences.
