As Hingham High School nears vacation, the final week is meant to be full of spirit. Starting Monday with PJ Day after the weekend, Grinch vs. Santa on Tuesday, Hanukkah Day on Wednesday, ugly holiday sweater Thursday, and candy cane day on Friday. Each theme is fun and easy, making it possible for all to participate. Yet, has Hingham lost its spirit?
Many at Hingham High School love participating in the fun themes, showing their spirit, and enjoying wearing something different for a week. However, there is a large majority who either forget about spirit week, don’t have the time or resources, or simply don’t want to participate.
Senior class president Emily Kiernan believes that spirit week is fun and engaging, yet feels it is always the same groups participating. She notes that she and her friends love going all out, but will look around in classes and see only a few people who participated. She understands the high school culture and knows that most students feel embarrassed, but wishes the school could have a bit more spirit. Personally, I agree with Emily, especially after watching old clips of the Friday show and seeing everyone’s crazy costumes and the high energy. It raises the question of what has changed over time that people not want to keep participating.
Others I have talked to, like sophomores Jimmy Magner and George Clow, say they simply forget that spirit week is happening until they arrive at school. They explain that mornings can be busy, especially when they wake up late, and they don’t have time to think about wearing a different outfit. They don’t blame the school, as there is plenty of promotion through announcements and Student Council; it is simply something outside of their normal routine.
Junior Kaylie Fabrizio has a similar stance to Emily, exclaiming, “I think over the years the school spirit has declined especially when it comes to dressing up but hopefully we can bring it back soon”. There is no fault in the lack of participation, just a hope that spirit returns so the week can be fun for everyone.
Lastly, after talking to junior Charlie Harris, he shared that he likes the concept of spirit week but sometimes feels the extra effort isn’t worth it, especially since many of his friends don’t participate. He also mentioned that he doesn’t own many Christmas-themed clothes, and for days such as ugly Christmas sweater day, it can be difficult to join in.
All in all, spirit week still has many participants, yet as the years continue, it seems to be slowly losing popularity, begging the question of whether spirit will cease altogether.
