Every September, the school commemorates the start of a new year with Spirit Week. This year, Spirit Week took place from Monday, September 16 to Friday the 20th. During the week, students and staff dress up in matching themes each day. This event acts as a way to promote pride and community in anticipation of Homecoming.
On Monday, students and staff were encouraged to stay comfy in their pajamas for Pajama Day. Throughout the halls you could find people in onesies, slippers and even teachers in fluffy pajama pants! Social Studies teacher Mr. Tavella said that seeing teachers outside of their regular outfits is beneficial for our school, “…it allows students to see their teachers in a more casual light, [they can] see that we are not business all the time and we can show our personalities a little bit.”
Tuesday was full of peace and love as the theme was Decades Day. Outfits ranged from the carefree style of the sixties to the Y2K style of the early 2000’s. Students really enjoy decades’ day since they can dress up in their favorite vintage fashion. Senior Elizabeth Brownyard said, “I feel like a lot of the outfits this year were more creative than past years,” Brownyard said. “I think everyone looked more stylish, especially on Decades day.”
Wednesday welcomed students with Celebrity Day, the halls were flooded with people dressed as their favorite famous figures ranging from Billie Eilish to Rihanna. Wednesday’s theme, “….was super cool because a lot of people went all out with their costumes which was really fun to see,” junior Emily Ruggiere said. “I think Spirit Week gives our school a sense of unity and shows that we all make up this school together,” Ruggiere said. “It turns a regular week into something fun.”
On Thursday, everyone was seeing double as friends and faculty dressed up as one another for Twin Day. Sophomore Riley Shoemaker agreed that Twin Day is a great way for friends to get together and have some fun, “…it’s kind of weird to match on a random day, but Twin Day gave us a fun reason to.”
Friday was Bay Shore Pride Day which acted as the perfect transition into the Homecoming football game the next day. Bay Shore Pride Day gave students and staff the ability to show off their pride for our district and town. Everyone was dressed in maroon and white in anticipation of the Pep Rally which was happening that same day. “I really liked the last day being school spirit because it hyped everyone up for the Pep Rally,” Shoemaker said. “It definitely made our school feel whole.”
Many students agree that this day is important for our entire school, “ [Bay Shore Pride] isn’t only significant for sports, but for our school as a whole,” said Brownyard.
It’s clear that everyone appreciates Spirit Week and it’s an integral part of our school.Teachers especially can see the effect of Spirit week. “It gives everyone a chance to express school pride, show creativity, and bond through shared activities, creating a more positive and inclusive school culture,” Tavella said.
