Every spirit week, pep-assembly, or sporting event, high school students dress up according to the exciting theme– except Niles West students.

The other day on TikTok I came across a video of a pep rally in Allen, Texas. Their gym was pitch black with the cheerleaders glowing in neon clothes and the students in the bleachers had their phone flashlights on, chanting with the marching band. When I saw this, I immediately compared it to West. Though the games played at the assembly like musical chairs are entertaining, West students lack the spirit that brings life to the assemblies and makes them enjoyable.

As homecoming spirit week goes on, all of my friends have expressed their hatred for the spirit themes and have stated they will not be participating. I agree the spirit themes are slightly boring: twin vibes, class colors, comfy pajamas, team gear and glow out. However, I believe students are what make the themes fun. If everyone is too embarrassed to dress up and go all out for themes, they become pointless. This is exactly what happens at West — students are too embarrassed to have fun with the themes set.

This also comes into play at football games. There are good themes for each game, but the student section never participates. At the West versus Mount Prospect football game, I learned the Prospect student section travels with their football team to every match and cheers them on. I can’t imagine West students doing this as they barely show up to home games.

Football games aren’t the only sporting event that lacks school spirit, in fact it receives the most attention of all sports. At basketball, soccer, volleyball and baseball games the student section is almost non existent other than a West versus North rivalry game. At less popular sports like cross country and wrestling, the only people watching are their family and teammates. Every sport deserves a supportive fan base.

Before coming to high school, I heard about fun spirit themes and sporting events being the highlight of the teenage experience. This excited me, but I quickly was disappointed to find out this is not the truth at West.

Don’t be embarrassed to show some school spirit and make high school fun again. Show up and show out with your best school spirit!