As a freshman at Blind Brook High School, I believe that school spirit is one of the most important parts of the high school experience. Having school spirit can create a positive school culture, welcoming and uniting students. In doing so, a sense of belonging in a larger community is created, which correlates with boosts in academic performance. After being a part of the Men’s Varsity Soccer Team, I have experienced firsthand the importance of school spirit. Being involved with the team helped me see how school spirit creates a sense of community. When students show up to games and cheer for their classmates and support their school, it creates a positive environment where everyone feels connected. Blind Brook 9th grader Will Hirsh stated, “I believe that school spirit can empower students to show up and be part of the school community. It isn’t just important in high school, but college too. Take a look at some of the biggest rivalries in college football or the student sections for basketball games. They show how students being proud and showing off their school makes a huge impact.” School spirit has the power to motivate students to get involved and feel connected to their community. Just like the excitement of a crowd at a sports game, school spirit can lift everyone’s mood. Hirsh’s quote points out that school pride is relevant in all stages of schooling, demonstrating how school spirit is timeless, as are its effects on students.
In addition to building a community, school spirit contributes to the overall morale and atmosphere. Studies show that students are more satisfied and motivated when they feel positively toward their school. When a school has a strong spirit, the students tend to participate more and teachers feel more encouraged, enhancing the academic environment. These favorable surroundings affect classroom behavior as well as involvement in clubs and sports. Getting involved in extracurriculars gives students a stronger sense of purpose and motivates them to stay focused in both their academics and social life. School spirit teaches students to respect their peers, teachers, and the school as a whole, while encouraging them to be proud of their achievements and celebrate the successes of their peers. Overall, school spirit helps create an encouraging school environment that supports learning and helps students build strong relationships.