Igniting School Spirit: Bands, Cheerleaders, Mascots and More Enhance Students’ School Experience 

Seattle Public Schools hosted several community meetings on well-resourced schools. Students, staff and community members shared their desires about what they believe students need to learn and thrive. A large part of a well-resourced school is having a safe and welcoming environment. That’s where school spirit comes into play. 

Let’s get a little bit rowdy! 

School is about more than just textbooks and tests. It’s also about creating lasting memories and a sense of belonging. To do that, you need students who are willing to step outside of their comfort zone and participate in school activities. 

Ballard High School

At Ballard High School, Nina Ando is one busy beaver. The junior is involved in student government, Link Crew, lacrosse, choir and is a member of the cheerleading squad. She’s also the school mascot, Bucky the Beaver. For Ando, participating in school activities – especially being the school mascot – deepens her connections and gives her a sense of pride.  

“I can be walking, and they’ll be like, ‘Bucky!’ and I’ll get a high five, or I’ll get a hug, and I’m like, this is awesome because they don’t even know who they’re talking to, but they just know that they love this thing,” Ando said. “It does give me a sense of pride in that I feel like I get to be connected with everyone no matter what and no matter who they are.”  

Roosevelt High School

For students at Roosevelt High School, being in the band means having a built-in community. It’s especially important for Alex Chidiac and Milo Nelson, who both said being in the band is what makes their high school experience enjoyable.  

“Part of my love for this band is it switched from enjoying playing the clarinet to just enjoying the people here,” Nelson said.  

Chidiac said he felt like an outsider because he joined the band. Now, he feels like he has a solid group of people around him. 

“To be a part of a community, it really feels good to me,” he said. “I feel like I belong in something for once.”   

Cleveland STEM and Lincoln High Schools

Cheerleaders play a huge role in keeping school spirit alive. Whether it’s keeping the crowd hype or rallying the teams from the sidelines, cheerleaders have made it their mission to get kids to show their spirit.   

Most freshmen are hesitant when it comes to showing school spirit, but Ava Brittain didn’t waste time getting involved in high school. She knew she wanted to be on the cheerleading squad well before she entered Lincoln.  

“There needs to be people who put themselves out there to do it first,” she said. “That way, everyone’s like, ‘oh, they’re doing it; why don’t I do it too,’ because it really is fun.”  

Isaac Draculan, one of the cheer captains at Cleveland STEM said waiting until senior year to join in the fun may leave you with regrets.  

“Ever since COVID happened, I wish I’d done stuff that I didn’t get to do because of COVID,” Draculan said. “That was definitely a teaching moment to just do it. You’re going to have fun at the end of it, and if you don’t, it’s OK. Try a new thing.”  

There are so many ways for students to show school spirit. Participating in student government, joining clubs … even dressing up for spirit days are great ways to get involved. Students can reach out to their school’s activities coordinator to find out where they can plug in.