Tyler Curtis

    Students at Marriotts Ridge High School showed their school pride for fall spirit week. With a wide range of themes, many students explored their personal styles with their elaborately themed outfits.

    Due to school closures on the 21st of September, spirit week started on a Friday, with the theme Pirates vs Princesses. Tuesday’s theme was Groutfit, inspiring students to wear their best all-gray looks, followed by Wednesday’s theme, which was Nantucket, a tribute to the signature preppy style originated from Cape Cod locals. Thursday’s theme was Night in Rio, with each grade getting an individual theme: freshmen dressed in their finest Copacabana beachwear, sophomores in their Amazonian-rainforest-inspired looks, juniors in their flashiest Rio After Dark outfits, and seniors in their sportiest Futebol Fever jerseys. Friday’s theme was the classic “Class Colors,” with each grade repping their signature class shirt in anticipation of the Pep Rally, which inserted itself as a strong show of school spirit with loud cheers.

   “I really like [Spirit Week this year]. It’s very different, versatile, and there’s a lot of different costumes,” senior Noelia Aristy shared, specifically referencing Groutfit Day as a personal favorite. “Everybody has gray; it’s a common color to wear, so everyone can participate. It’s very inclusive and makes me really excited for the Pep Rally.”  

    Many students shared similar sentiments, preferring simpler themes over more elaborate ones that would typically require planning. Though some students are growing to favor simpler themes to ease the complications around creating an outfit, other students have found their inspiration shafted by the simplicity of themes.  

   “Themes like Groutfit may be easy to do, but I don’t think spirit week should be easy; spirit week is about going all-out, and I feel like the themes are definitely limiting my creativity,” senior Lauryn Lindo stated.

   Some students enjoy the challenges associated with spirit week. An obscure theme can give them the opportunity to wear an outfit they normally wouldn’t, inspiring them to step out of their comfort zone. In spite of the spirited participation, others have felt that this year’s spirit week has been lackluster. 

    “I liked the creativity in Pirates vs Princesses, but then it started to go downhill. I don’t care for themes like Groutfit; people wear gray clothes every day. I’m failing to see how that’s a spirit theme,” senior Sienna Abraham similarly expressed. “The themes definitely determine whether or not I’m hyped for the Pep Rally, and, looking at the cafeteria, it looks like a normal day of school. It doesn’t feel special,” she added.

   Although participation may seem lower this year in comparison to years past, those who have been participating have been excitedly showing off their school spirit.

   “It’s unfortunate that other people aren’t having fun [with the themes], because personally I love getting to challenge myself when thinking about what I will wear, and themes help push me out of my comfort zone,” junior Kavana Katte shared, dressed head-to-toe in signature Rio de Janeiro style.

  Opinions are generally divided on this year’s fall spirit themes. Some prefer simple prompts to make getting dressed in the morning easier, while some prefer elaborate themes that challenge their creativity. Regardless, participating students and teachers have been wonderfully celebrating their Marriotts Ridge pride, flaunting their anticipation for the high-energy Pep Rally with their innovative outfits and school spirit.