Deep Run is seriously lacking in school spirit. I see the lack of energy and enthusiasm not only in the stands at sporting events, but in the hallways and classrooms as well.
Why do people no longer participate in spirit days? Do we not enjoy repping white and blue or dressing up in funny outfits? Spirit days are fun, a chance to break from the routine and show excitement for our school events. They signal energy, but we’ve lost that spark.
And what about class colors for pep rallies? They’ve practically disappeared. Pep rallies should be loud, proud, and electric. Instead, they feel like a chore. When the energy is lacking, it drags everyone down. Pep rallies are our chance to be Wildcats together, to get loud, celebrate each other, and support our teams. If we show up and engage, the atmosphere is unforgettable.
You’d think we’d make up for it out in the stadium, right? Think again.
As a cheerleader, it’s my job to get the student section hyped at games. Even when the team is losing, energy from the stands can make a huge difference. But that’s hard to do when hardly anyone shows up, or when they do, they just stand there silently and sneak back home (or to Cookout) at halftime.
We should be supporting our classmates, not leaving early or skipping altogether. I get that we’re busy, but as a school community, we need to make time for one another.
I recently attended a Godwin football game. What a culture shock! The students were proud to wear their school’s name across their chests, and – get this – they stayed for the entire game.
But it’s not just about football. My coach told me that at her previous school, everyone would buy team shirts and cram shoulder-to-shoulder by the busload to support cheer, volleyball, and lacrosse — even for away games. The stands were packed, and the crowd was electric.
And while we’re at it, let’s talk about school dances. What happened to real dates, real fun, and actually staying at the dance for more than five minutes? We’ve lost sight of what these events are supposed to be about: coming together, dancing, and having fun as a community, not just within our immediate friend groups.
The other day, I looked through old Sentinel publications from the 2010s and was shocked to see that students used to actually attend dances, stay the whole night until the last song was played, and make memories beyond just taking pictures. And don’t even get me started on the Marathon Dance. That looked incredible, the gym being alive for hours on end and smiling through it all. The 2010s seemed like such a golden time to be a Wildcat.
When I compare our school to others now, it’s astonishing to think about what it once was and what it could be again. Not only is spirit just a great way to connect with those around you, but it also makes lasting memories. Don’t look back on your high school days and wish you had just screamed a little louder, gone to that school event that could have introduced you to your best friend, or dressed up for that spirit day that turned an ordinary Friday into a legendary story.
This is our time to make that change. So start small, wear your Deep Run colors on Fridays, show up to the next game with a sign in hand, and dance like nobody’s watching at the next dance. Together, we can turn Deep Run into the roaring powerhouse it is meant to be.
