Weddington’s school spirit is so much more than the simple definition of pride for our school. The Weddington spirit is a shared sense of appreciation, enthusiasm, and respect for the amazing school that we are so blessed to be able to attend. 

What’s the idea of school spirit?

According to a Harvard article published in March of 2022, school spirit is defined as “the core concept that represents a level of community, identity and belonging amongst a student body.” The research was aiming to find the main source of the campus’s dilemma when it comes to the decrease of school spirit. Before this study Harvard Crimson published editorials discussing Harvard’s lack of school spirit in 1994 and 2002. The article went on to say that “school belonging, defined by educational psychologist Carol Goodenow as –the extent to which students feel personally accepted, respected, included, and supported by others in the school social environment-, can have incredible effects”. The article then further explained through surveys, statistics and the opinions of credited minds that school spirit’s importance is undervalued when it comes to the difference it can make in grades, mental outlooks, school life day to day and just overall feeling of welcome in a school. ( https://harvardpolitics.com/harvard-spirit/)

What’s School Spirit to Weddington High?

For sports, it engages students to be more connected to each other through rooting for their school. Motivating the players on the field to keep fighting with pride in front of a crowd made up of fellow students and alumni cheering on their beloved Wildcats. Those moments during the special games (win or lose) where the students get to collectively celebrate each other’s accomplishments, makes for an inclusive school and fulfilling high school experience (that every school strives for). School spirit is something for everyone and that’s why it’s so inclusive in nature. School spirit in Weddington high school is unmatched compared to other schools when it comes to academics, sports, pep-rallys, etc. Which prompts a healthy competitive environment to encourage students to be the best version of themselves in class, on the fields and in the community.

What does School Spirit change about a student’s experience?

When those moments become memories that these students take with them after graduation they will keep the heart of what it means to be a true Weddington Warrior alive.  The fact that you don’t have to be an athlete nor in a club to have school spirit, it’s something that can allow anyone to take part in. This can have a profound effect on a student’s mental health in school by giving them a sense of belonging. Making for a unified school of diverse people who may not all be friends.

What’s the effect of School Spirit from a different perspective?

I wanted to know if I was the only student in our school who noticed this difference that school spirit makes and if there’s someone other than a student who can see it too. I asked Mr. Ellington, my World History teacher and coach of the varsity basketball team, a few questions around the topic, and here’s what he had to say. 

How do you recognize school spirit?

Mr. Ellington- “ I recognize school spirit in the way people care about Weddington High School. Sports genuinely care about other sports and show up to support them. Coaches actively support each other and the student body backs all of its sports teams.”

How does school spirit contribute to the culture of the school?

Mr. Ellington- “The culture of this school is one of hard work, effort, and winning. Winning is a by-product of hard work and effort; when students, administration, and coaches buy into that, it improves the entire school culture. As a result, it plays a role in the classroom where students also expect to be successful.”

What’s the personal impact on a student of schools with high school spirit?

Mr. Ellington- “I think when a student has school spirit it makes their high school experience much better. They participate in clubs and activities more and become an active part of the community. Weddington is the best school in the state and when you love where you are, you have a sense of pride that carries into other areas of your life.”

Do you think school spirit contributes to a student’s success in school?

Mr. Ellington- “Yes, as stated in the previous answer. When students expect greatness as a result of effort and not something being handed to them it shows up in the classroom. School culture creates pride in everything that you do including caring about the classroom as much as the court or field.

School spirit is more than just the simple participation in school pride. It is an experience shared by students that creates unity in a school. Athletes, cheerleaders, teachers, custodians, coaches, the community, the students, and families can take part in it together, giving everyone one thing in common to share. When it comes to Weddington’s school spirit, it’s the one thing that sets us apart from all of the other schools in Union county. When we do school spirit, we do it our way; we do it the Weddington way.