Is school spirit what it used to be? Many students and teachers have started to notice a change. The excitement that once filled high schools before games, dances, or spirit rallies doesn’t feel as strong anymore. Articles like The Death of School Spirit at B-CC, Declining School Spirit Concerns Staff and Students, and Is School Spirit Dwindling? all report similar issues: students aren’t as involved in their schools as they were. Social media, stress, and busy schedules seem to be taking over the time and energy students used to put into supporting school events. What used to be a fun, energizing experience now feels a little dull.

Liam Radd (‘26), the treasurer of the student council at de Toledo High School, said that school spirit is “not looking too great in the grades under the senior class.” He said that while his own grade is more spirited, the younger grades don’t seem to care as much. His favorite school spirit memory was the first day of senior year, when students came together and truly showed excitement for school. This shows that spirit isn’t completely lost, it just depends on how much effort students put in. 

The senior class president at de Toledo, Rose Weisner (‘26) agreed that students today seem “less connected because school spirit has become less of a priority for the underclassmen.” She said that traditions and events like Shabbaton, the school retreat, help keep school spirit alive. Rose also mentioned that spirit has inspired other students and school events, not just teachers or sports teams. School spirit can’t be forced by the school, it has to come from the students themselves. When students care about their community and participate, the whole school feels more connected.

Ms. Averbach, a teacher and head of student council at de Toledo High School, gave  a positive perspective on school spirit. She said it’s about “showing up for each other” and creating positive experiences at school. She believes boosting school spirit starts within each student and comes from appreciating what the school already offers instead of focusing on what’s missing. Her advice to students who want to be more involved is to “make the time for it, and show up mentally and physically.”

Maybe school spirit isn’t gone, it might just be waiting for more students to step up, get involved, and care again.