As the new year begins, fresh seniors are stepping into their new shoes. After a great display of leadership and school spirit from the seniors who graduated in June, there is pressure within the Class of 2015 to maintain this tradition and possibly make a better showing.
“I went all out every single day during Spirit Week last year, but never got into it any of the years before that,” explains senior Tyler Simeone, “I have no idea why.”
And now that the bar has been set, it feels as if it needs to be reached again or exceeded.
However, considering last years’ Senior Prank, there are some concerns of good judgment as far as “spirit” is concerned. The mock tailgate which took place a week before finals last year in the senior lot caused a lot of controversy. Seniors skipped classes and refused to return to the building even after requests from Principal Greg Robertson.
“The whole concept really wasn’t an issue, but when students wouldn’t return to class, it was just unjustifiable,” says Coach Kevin Lynott, long-time Madison physical education teacher, soccer coach, and director of the Senior Talent Show. “Along with that, I’d add that it wasn’t very creative from my point of view. If you’re going to do a ‘prank,’ then carry out something with greater preparation to make sure it’s worth a laugh.”
“My standpoint is that I am in full support of all initiatives to demonstrate or raise school spirit, but it needs to be done productively,” Principal Greg Robertson asserts. “It negatively impeded instruction which is something I will never condone.”
“If students cut class, they should be gone from school. Either you’re here or not,” Jen Freeman, Madison’s AP Environmental Science teacher, emphasizes. “I had students trying to come in five minutes before the bell.”
Showing school spirit is a really great way to form bonds with the peers all around you, but it seems the best part is that teachers get involved as well, which is what made the senior lot tailgate—more of a seniors-only spirit demonstration than a prank—distinctly unpleasant.
“The barbecue could have involved teachers who were retiring as a sort of send-off celebration or something along those lines. The pep rallies brought teachers and students together,” explains English teacher Janice Nellins. “It just wasn’t very thoughtful and sort of an in-your-face move to have something like that on school grounds.”
“I’ve spoken with the senior leadership to make sure that this simply doesn’t happen again. There was just nothing beneficial about it,” maintains Principal Robertson. “But we’re looking forward to some great spirit in 2015.”
The first pep rally is scheduled for October 10th. Last year’s rallies included a senior mosh pit, surprise “prom-posals”, dance-offs, and live band performances.
Senior Georgia Turvey is a member of Student Council, the group that designs and runs Spirit Week events with the help of Science Department veteran Suzanne Monkemeier.
“I can’t give away any details just yet,” Turvey says. “But this years’ Spirit Week and rallies are going to blow last years’ out of the water.”
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