When students and staff returned in August, a new banner hanging outside the auditorium greeted them with the phrase “Better Together”.
Math teacher Zachary Berman said he wants students to feel comfortable showing their pride and being themselves.
“I think ‘Better Together’ helps everyone get involved and realize that there is pride that is bigger than just themselves,” said Berman. “As a former graduate [class of 2013], the spirit and fun is what motivated me to come back and teach, to give back to the community.”
According to many students and staff, school pride comes in the form of Spirit Week.
“We do a great job with Spirit Week,” said Berman. “It gives people a chance to step outside their comfort zone and enjoy a fun, competitive environment.”
Junior Graham Norton said camaraderie and community create a desirable school community.
“I love school spirit, especially during Spirit Week,” said Norton. “I really like the positive environment it creates and it makes students feel closer to each other.”
Some students said they prefer Spirit Week themes that allow coziness.
“I really like pajama day,” said senior Cooper Broslovsky. “I get to be comfortable in school all day.”
Other students prefer the themes that offer a chance to compete.
“I think color wars is the best,” said senior Elyse Gamache. “It creates a competition between grades to see who can do the best.”
Some people said adding incentives to Spirit Week could increase participation.
“The teachers used to compete for whoever was the best dressed during Spirit Week, and they would receive a prize,” said math teacher Jessica Daoust. “I would like to see that make a comeback.”
Senior and Student Council representative Caitlyn Wilson believes in incentives.
“As a Student Council member, we’ve considered implementing more competition to Spirit Week,” said Wilson. “We noticed with the rock paper scissors game last year that everyone was excited and participated.”
Along with Spirit Week, many students said they enjoy the pep rallies that close out Spirit Week on Friday afternoons.
“I love going to the pep rallies and feeling the energy in the gym,” said sophomore Brayden Valentine.
Even freshmen, yet to experience a Spirit Week, said that the school environment contains more excitement.
“So far, the school has had a lot of energy, and I’ve noticed that everyone seems very excited to be here,” said freshman Colin Sheils. “The pride in high school is a lot better than it was in middle school.”
Wachusett pride is louder than ever. And if the early energy is any indication, “Better Together” feels less like a slogan and more like a challenge everyone’s ready to meet.
