Spirit Week is a common tradition that can be found in various elementary, middle, and high schools across the US. Spirit weeks are meant to pump up students and staff, usually before significant events. However, have you ever noticed that not everyone participates?

At Oakdale, they usually hold spirit weeks around the time of Homecoming and Prom. A pep rally usually follows at the end of the week. However, not everyone participates. To explain this, Daniel Grimm, an assistant principal, has to say, “It depends on the day; not all days are applicable to me being able to do my job. It depends on what the theme is and what is going on.” Some of the spirit days are not easy for students and staff to do, especially if you play a sport.

While not everyone may participate in Oakdale, SGA spends time picking themes for the spirit weeks. SGA president Madi Tribbitt expresses, “I get a lot of inspiration from social media and Tik Tok. I also get some feedback from the students. I helped choose what spirit days the other SGA members would vote on.”

Students who take part use these weeks to build school culture and feel like they belong. Tribbitt mentions, “The purpose of Spirit Week is just to bring Oakdale together as a community. It helps everyone get hyped up for homecoming. I think that’s important in our culture.”

They use it for a sense of belonging or to show off their pride. Students who choose not to participate may not do it because they lack supplies or other things. Guidance counselor Christy Polce claims, “I think every year they try to find things that will meet different needs. Not everybody is going to have Barbie stuff or Ken.”

Spirit Week has many enjoyable memories you can make with your friends or yourself! Seeing students and staff come up with creative ways to dress/bring for the themes each day. Some of these moments are why spirit week is exciting for students and staff. It allows them to express creativity and be funny.

Even if students don’t want to participate, it is highly encouraged that they do! They will all be able to make fun and memorable moments at Oakdale.