A Look Into School Spirit

School spirit is a term that you often hear at pep rallies, and it is a concept that has been instilled in us for generations, but school spirit is much more. It can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. School spirit is having high enthusiasm about an institution, expressing a positive attitude, regular attendance at school related activities, supporting their sports, wearing school colors such as team clothing and face paint, and being involved in extracurricular activities. School spirit is often ongoing even after leaving the institution.

Recently, Alfred State has shown a lot of school spirit during the homecoming events. Alfred’s Got Talent is an event held on campus that demonstrates a strong expression of school spirit. Alfred State clubs, organizations and students audition for a talent show. Once they have performed, they are shown positive support through the cheers and screams of the audience. School spirit for an event can often be dampened by the master of ceremony requesting the audience to not cheer or scream during the performance because it can be distracting for the participants. Performing before a large group of your peers can be intimidating. I performed in the talent show with the Japanese Dance Club and the cheers from the audience made me want to perform better, relax, and smile more. Any kind of positive support should be encouraged.

 Another example of school spirit is the spirit bonfire, hence the name. The screams, laughter, and yells at the bonfire and reaction from the fireworks really demonstrated school spirit. Watching such a spectacular fireworks, and sharing the moment with a group of friends really made me feel proud of being a student of Alfred State.

 

Other events that really get people into school spirit are the tailgating party and football game. At homecoming weekend. Alumni, family and friends gather for the excitement. Alfred State’s mascot, Orvis the Pioneer, shows massive quantities of spirit and wanders among the spectators greeting, leading cheers and offering photo opportunities. The roars from the crowd when the home team scores a touchdown are fascinating to participate in and to hear. Even if the football team loses, the crowd, slightly disappointed, still loves being there to enjoy the moment. There was music booths sponsored by college clubs and free ice cream.

 School spirit does not have to be shown just during big events like Homecoming. School spirit can be anywhere and anytime. Every time I put on my Alfred State apparel I think about how much I love Alfred State. This is my senior year so I am taking advantage of many opportunities because I know when the time comes, I will miss it immensely.