SARAH PFANDER
Gargoyle assistant editor
Posted Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007
Opinions

NO OFFENSE, BUT Spirit Week is kind of lame. I know that, with something like this, you get out of it what you put in. So maybe I dislike Spirit Week because I have yet to participate in one of the themes. (In my defense, I don't wear pink, and my only orange shirt was in the laundry Wednesday.)

But at the same time, I can't help but think that the quest for school spirit may be a lost cause.

First of all, at most schools, kids get really into Spirit Week because sports are a really big deal, and supporting the teams is a huge part of their life. Thus, showing their spirit comes naturally.

Also, at public schools, where you can't wear hats or pajamas to school, a Spirit Week offers a fun opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. Yet, at Uni, we can wear hats and pajamas every day. So Spirit Week isn't even that special. (Perhaps we should have Gang Sign Day or Naked Day; those would be new and different.)

In addition, at other schools there are more fun events. A dance at the end of the week often gives students something to look forward to, and a pep rally provides an exciting atmosphere. There is also more incentive to participate at other schools. At Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., they have “Drive Your Tractor to School Day.” Thus, students have the opportunity to show off their cool John Deere equipment.

Yet, at Uni, we have no dance (and even if we did it probably wouldn't be fun). Our school assembly was changed from a funny, engaging faculty basketball game to a volleyball game that is definitely not as cool. Neither of the top two dancers won the dance competition last year, a clear indicator that something is wrong. And finally, we don't have a Friday home basketball game this week, so there is no good time for students to pack it into Kenney Gym.

All in all, I don't necessarily think we should put an end to Spirit Week. It is a good idea and provides something fun for students who participate. But maybe we could breathe a little more life into the whole event. Perhaps a faculty soccer game and an Orthodox Jew Day would provide more entertainment and a wider appeal.

Note: An earlier version of this column was posted Wednesday in the Gargoyle staff blog.

RELATED

— Photos: Spirit Week, Pt. 1: Pink Day!

— Photos: Spirit Week, Pt. 2: Twin Day!

— Photos: Spirit Week, Pt. 3: School Colors Day!

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