Spirit is in the heart of Ocean Lakes, and getting involved is crucial. Dressing up or participating in hall decoration during spirit week is just one way to raise morale at school.

A month ago, during September’s spirit week, a group of four students came to school as the main characters from the popular franchise, Winnie The Pooh, by dressing up as Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh himself.

Not only did the costumes put a smile on students’ faces, it also strengthened social connections.

“Me and my friends are very involved in our school, and we are always pumped up to do spirit weeks. We like making the outfits together and having fun at school,” junior and class of 2027 Vice President Naima Khan said.

Spirit days also provide an opportunity to build new friendships. 

Seeing someone decked out in whatever the chosen theme is makes it easier to go up to people and introduce themselves. Making friends isn’t the easiest thing to do; however, it is easier to bond with someone when there are silly costumes and themes involved. 

That’s what makes the dolphin family so special.

“Spirit week brings out the best of me and so many others,” sophomore Kaylee Egan said.

Spirit days also take the stress and seriousness away from the typical school day. They offer a chance for students to express their creativity through costumes. It makes school brighter and more interesting, giving folks the opportunity to create lasting memories with their peers.

“Spirit weeks are important because they implement excitement into our schedules while helping our school community to bond and connect with each other,” senior and SCA President Robinson Chen said. “Personally, seeing my friends or even students I’ve never interacted with before wearing silly costumes brightens my day.”