School spirit is to create a sense of community and familiarity in school. Skyline’s spirit is regarded by many students as low and is only prevalent in the upper-grade levels. To increase this, ASB is working on creating events and activities that will help Skyline boost its school spirit and create a more supportive environment for all.

According to a recent study by the National Federation of State High School Associations, schools with high levels of school spirit have higher graduation rates and better academic performance. 

“School spirit is an important part of any school, and Skyline High School is no exception,” Kirsi Varsa, a counselor, said. “When students feel connected to their school and peers, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning and succeed academically.”

However, for many students at Skyline High School, the demands of the International Baccalaureate program can make it difficult to participate in extracurricular activities and feel connected to the school community. 

“I feel as though by being overwhelmed with IB work I am sometimes stressed and under pressure which I am not in the right frame of mind during assemblies and at times don’t feel like going to games would be the best use of my time,’ Arya Somu, an IB diploma student said.

To address this issue ASB is working to create more opportunities for students to get involved and show their school spirit. 

“We’re planning more events, like spirit weeks, to help students feel connected and engaged,” Joanna Turner, The ASB secretary of 2024 said. 

According to a survey from Varsity brands, a positive relationship exists between school spirit and various aspects of student life. The majority of principals report that students with high levels of school spirit are more confident (91%), are more likely to be leaders (90%), are happier (88%), are more active in their communities (87%), and are more fulfilled (73%). Additionally, 92% of principals agree that high school spirit is tied to high student achievement.

Students with high levels of school spirit perform above average academically (75%), significantly more than those with low school spirit (42%). Furthermore, high-spirited students have higher GPAs than their low-school-spirit peers (3.5 vs. 3.2) and are more likely to expect that they will receive a four-year degree or more (84% vs. 51%). Parents who say their child has a lot of school spirit are also more likely to describe their child as responsible (78%), ambitious (70%), motivated (72%), and a leader (61%), among other positive attributes.

“Promoting inclusivity and diversity is another key aspect of boosting school spirit,” Turner said. “When students feel like they are valued and respected for who they are, they are more likely to feel proud of their school and motivated to succeed.”

In the end, the goal of boosting school spirit is to create a positive and supportive school culture that benefits everyone. Students should feel like they are part of a community and have the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.

As we work together to promote school spirit at Skyline High School, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our community. 

“School spirit is not just about cheering for the home team,” Varsa said. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging and pride that can inspire students to achieve great things.”

As the famous American philosopher John Dewey once said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” By investing in school spirit and creating a positive school culture, we can help students at Skyline High School and beyond prepare for a fulfilling and successful life, both inside and outside the classroom.

So let us come together as a community and embrace the power of school spirit. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.