By: Ashwini Bandi and Addison Cox

   On September 26th, the school erupted with color, noise, and competition—spirit week had officially begun. For the next five days, students dove into an unforgettable week of competitive break games, spirit week outfits, football, and creative hallway decorating.  

   With brand new spirit days planned for this school year, Class Council and SGA were busy with preparations months before spirit week. 

  “Many months of our planning have finally come to an end,” junior Aanya Contractor said. “This year’s SGA created so many new prizes to make spirit week even more fun, including trophies, wrestling belts, and t-shirts! We were so happy to see so much participation and cannot wait for the spring.” 

   New spirit day themes gave students plenty of opportunities to get creative. From “Anything but a Backpack” to the widely loved “Movie Genres” day, hallways were filled with outfits that showed off students’ creativity and class spirit. “I loved movie genres. I think it really gave each grade the chance to shine,” junior Saryu Kothuri said. Junior Wamika Kayal agreed, saying, “The themes were really good, a lot better than past years.” 

   The spirited atmosphere of spirit week, however, extended well beyond the students, finding some of its most enthusiastic participants among the faculty, particularly among the math department. Notoriously known for being spirit week enthusiasts, the teachers thoroughly enjoyed this year’s themes. “Usually Mr. Flynn and I dress up together,” Ms. Roberts said.

   In between classes, break games kept the energy alive. Students competed fiercely in activities that gave them a chance to show off their grade pride. “Break games feel like a nice break from the routine of school. I look forward to them. It gets us into the spirit of Homecoming week,” junior Sanjana Vooturi said. The Lip Sync Battle, introduced this year, quickly became a crowd favorite with the seniors emerging victorious. Many students hope the event will return in the future.

   Hallway decorating added another layer of competition as each grade worked late into the evenings to transform their walls. Students showcased their creativity together during hallway decorating, giving them a chance to bond. “It was a very enjoyable team bonding activity and I got to get close with the people in my class,” sophomore Esra Musa said.

      The week’s energy culminated with the pep rally, as students filled the stands to support the performers and show off their school spirit. The marching band and color guard gave an outstanding performance, followed by games like musical chairs and limbo featuring representatives from each grade. The POMS and dance teams dazzled with energetic routines they had been preparing for weeks. “We come in early in the morning to rehearse for the pep rally… It’s been a lot coming in so early and practicing so much, but I know it will be really worth it,” said POMS member and junior Mahi Tejay. In the end, the seniors came out on top, earning a spirited victory to close out the week. 

   Although Spirit Week officially ended Friday, the excitement carried over to Monday with the Powderpuff game, a Homecoming tradition where junior and senior girls face off in flag football. 

   With new favorites like the Lip Sync Battle and old traditions like Powderpuff, this year’s Spirit Week left lasting memories for students and staff alike.