During last year’s homecoming pep assembly the freshmen wore gray, the sophomores were in white, the juniors sported black, and the seniors were decked out in red. This year, though, things are going to change. Everyone will be encouraged to wear either red or white, which means one thing: no more color wars, according to Jessica Ogulnik, director of student activities.

Senior Nashiha Alam specifically remembers some of the events that took place last year during the color wars.

“There were stampedes of upperclassmen running through the halls during passing periods. There was sort of a rivalry between the juniors and seniors last year,” she said. (click on link to see video about this event)

This year, the color wars are being called off; the administration is trying to take necessary precautions.

“Last year, school spirit was taken to an ugly level with the riots… It came to a point where class spirit overtook school spirit,” says Ogulnik. “I want seniors to show school spirit in a positive way, so that freshmen may also be encouraged to have the same spirit.”

[singlepic id=686 w=320 h=240 float=right]Some students, however, have been lamenting the loss of the color wars.

In response to Ogulnik’s concern with the riots, junior Stefan Lazarevski says that “certain people might make it dangerous, but if people use common sense, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Rather than having all four grades wear different colors, students will be encouraged to wear either red or white to support Niles West during pep assemblies.

Some seniors, who wore black as juniors, have discussed wearing black again this year to rebel against the change. Senior Milos Jovcic, who is running for Homecoming king, said seniors should wear red to be “role models.”

“I’m going to try to encourage all the seniors to be decked out in red,” he said.

The main goal of this year’s spirit week is to significantly increase the students’ participation, especially on the day of the pep assembly.

“Last year’s seniors did a great job of promoting spirit days, they even had face paint. This year’s seniors need to step up and show the underclassmen how to have school spirit,” says Ogulnik.

According to Ogulnik, it is her job as director of student activities to promote school spirit to a maximum level, as well as keep the students safe.