In the gym, the football team runs through the gym doors to their chairs. Cheerleaders, Shy-Annes and Color Guard members show off their routines while the other students in the stands are cheering and shouting, showing their school spirit. Well maybe not everyone. 

It’s a high school tradition, dating back decades, to have pep-rallies and dress-up days so students have the opportunity to show their spirit and represent their school. This year we’ve had days such as camo, tie-dye, and scrubs day, as well as dress up days for Homecoming week.

Obviously it’s not necessary for students to participate in school spirit. Some students just don’t have the guts to do it, while others feel they have better things to do. Some just hate the school and its spirit in general, but it seems every year that there are groups of people that take their bad attitude one step farther. 

Recently, the school had a pep-rally that could have gone better. While Vocal Legacy was singing the national anthem, a fight broke out. Not only was that disrespectful to the kids who worked so hard to sing the anthem for everyone, it was disrespectful to the flag and what it represents, as well as to all the students and faculty members who came to the pep-rally to show their school spirit 

Students aren’t doing anything wrong by not participating in school spirit, but each seem to have a worst attitude than the last. The school understands that every student does not want to be a part of all the bustle of the pep-rallies, and is respectful of their choice to sit down when everyone else stands. But those same students need to understand that it doesn’t mean they don’t have to respect the people that do want to participate and enjoy everything their high school years have to offer. 

A lot of students decide, for the sake of their reputation, to be a loner and are too cool for school spirit. Some people even have the mentality that school in general is a waste of time. If they would just give it a chance, those students would see the fun they might have. 

Some time ago, students that did not want to participate in school pep-rallies were able to stay in the Silver Cafeteria while the pep-rally was taking place. Maybe it’s time the school brought that alternative back. 

Students who never stand and cheer at pep-rallies or dress up for spirit days are missing out. The students have a bad attitude chance ruining it for people that have a good time showing off their spirit. High school would be more fun for everyone if students get involved, but if they continue to choose not to participate at the very least, they should remain respectful to these who do.