Divisions from the prior day were forgotten. The tense atmosphere that once existed between the grades as a result of the fierce competition that is Spirit Week was dissipated. As the day right after Class T-shirt day, in which students are divided based on their grades, Blazer Day ended the hectic Spirit Week with unity. Students, no matter their age or gender, were clad in Blazer apparel and joined under one common thread- North High.
Years prior, Blazer Day and Pep Rally would occur on the same day, namely, Friday, the day before Homecoming. By ending Spirit Week with the pre-Homecoming Pep Rally, students were able to channel the increasing belongingness they felt to North High throughout the week into cheering for the sports teams. In return, the athletes would become encouraged and even more motivated to play and win their Homecoming matches, most of which were North vs. South rivalry games, the next day. This year the Pep Rally was postponed to Oct. 13 due to inclement weather. Many North High students were shocked and saddened to hear the news.
Senior badminton player Adrian Shiu said, “As part of the badminton team, my teammates and I are disappointed that the pep rally was canceled.” He continued, “But it’s still inspiring to see so many of my peers clad in blazer colors.”
Although the Pep Rally was canceled, Blazer Day continued its annual tradition of invoking school spirit among teachers and students alike. People decked out in Blazer apparel could be seen in classrooms throughout the school.
Junior Ashley Liu said, “It unites the school.”
Blazer Day also marked the end of the competition-filled Spirit Week. Students were nervous to hear the results of their hard work. Each person wanted to officially see their grade reign supreme and they could only hope that their grade’s performance during the Pie Eating Contest, Tug of War, Hallway Battle, and Quiz Bowl was enough to propel them to victory.
Although Spirit Week was a fun addition to the otherwise stressful school atmosphere, it was not without criticism. Many students reached a consensus that the events felt unoriginal or repetitive and seniors especially felt that new ideas should be implemented after having gone through Spirit Week three times before.
Senior Nicole Yeroushalmi said, “I think it is great to have events to bring our school together as a community.” She added, “Perhaps in the future having different events such as ‘Anything but a Water Bottle Day’ or ‘Anything but a Backpack Day’ like South High had would be a great idea.”
Nevertheless, Blazer Day marked the end of a fun-filled Spirit Week. Although the Pep Rally will not be occurring until later this month, students and teachers continued to bond over their shared joy. North High is and always will be a family.
