School spirit is the blood of any good school’s foundation. Don’t believe it? Well for starters, polls show that students with more support for their school perform better academically and socially. It is the school’s responsibility to support and represent our school in any way we can. Whether it’s by participating in spirit days, cheering at events or simply just showing up to the football games. It all counts. 

Now the main question is, how can one represent our school?

Having pride at school fosters a sense of community with peers, teachers and administrators, ultimately strengthening the overall quality of the school. 

“School spirit is what makes us feel like we belong and also connects each of us to each other,” the principal of Woodbridge High, Linzi Gorzycki said. 

Aarushi Mehta, the Associated Student Body (ASB) Spirit Commissioner shares her opinion. “[Students] can feel more involved in the schools by attending several different types of events, especially clubs. Clubs are divided into so many different categories that it feels like students can find their own fit and still be so involved in the school at the same time,” Mehta said. She also hopes to spread it to just get out there. The most important things to remember are to follow your interests, 

stay true to your passions and just be yourself. 

Now I know you’ve heard the cliché phrase “just be yourself” about a million times by now, but it really is one of the most helpful things to keep in mind. Staying true to yourself and your passions creates a more comfortable atmosphere for everybody, which is essentially a huge contributing factor to a healthy school community. School spirit is so impactful because it allows students to feel a sense of pride and gain a sense of confidence.

“I became the boys sports commissioner because I wanted to recognize athletes who worked really hard. Also, I wanted to try to improve and increase school spirit in football games, games of the week (GOWS), and make better school tournaments,” boys’ sports commissioner Ethan Yu said. Getting involved not only builds the school community, but relationships with teachers and peers as well. 

Students can use their developed confidence socially and academically, which is displayed by the results of polls taken across the nation. Data has shown how students with school spirit are happier in general compared to their less spirited peers and it also showed how students can apply their skills and involvement outside of school as well.

Talking specifically about Woodbridge High, admin has decided to take things a step further and connect with major companies like Trader Joe’s and Starbucks to represent Woodbridge High. Gorzycki reached out to Starbucks and requested them to make a “Warrior Drink” in hopes to make students feel more interested and comfortable at Woodbridge and everything it offers.

“I want everybody to feel connected and also seen beyond our school site, but also within our community,” Gorzycki said. By applying the shared love for Starbucks throughout the school, Gorzycki was able to expand Woodbridge High’s community and attract more students to represent their school. 

25 years from now, what do you want to remember about high school? It sure can’t be all the tests and homework, but rather the energy and excitement from events, like the school dances or Friday night football games. The crowd cheering as a touchdown is scored, the loud chants in the student section or even just dancing with your friends during homecoming all associate with the thrill of school spirit. Woodbridge wouldn’t be Woodbridge without student involvement, so prove you’re a true Warrior and represent red and gold!