Who can pass up a week of music, games, and shortened classes? Spirit Week is a student-favorite time of year at KHS, especially for junior Jon Bajraktari; “I look forward to it every year.” Students of all interests have a chance to show their skills whether it be the grade banners, band day, tug-of-war, or quiz bowl.
Spanish teacher Hannah Sappio has been the student council advisor for Spirit Week for 14 years, however her advisory beginnings were uncertain, with her explaining, “I’d never [advised] student council before this, so when Mr. Rosenberg asked me to be a student council advisor I thought ‘ok sure, I’ll figure it out’ so I co-advised with Mr. [Steve] Papendick, so I learned how to do it.” Sappio also says her favorite parts of spirit week are seeing the creativity of students in events such as spirit treats and the class spirit dances.
Spirit Week has been a part of every KHS school year for decades, with Sappio recalling, “Well before my time, but at least the 80s or 90s but probably before, they used to have floats on the old gravel track, and each grade used to perform a skit, like the spirit spot but live.” When asked about the chance of having floats on the track during Spirit Week, Sappio said, “I don’t think Mr. Doty would appreciate cars on the track, and you kids can’t even make floats like they used to. The sophomores had enough trouble with their banner.”
Sappio is always looking to update and change spirit week for the better enjoyment of students and faculty. “We have added a lot more events that incorporate all different types of students, from the spirit donations to the spirit treats, karaoke, something for everyone.” The inclusivity of Spirit Week is one of many reasons all students have something to look forward to during the week.
When asked about potential changes to Spirit Week next year, Sappio said “I think we’re going to modify karaoke because I’m a huge karaoke fan who loves to sing karaoke and the students these days don’t know how to perform karaoke correctly; they pick songs that they can’t handle, you have to do the classics. If you do the classics, everyone will sing along.” Students looking to sing for their grade next should heed this advice for better results.
Unknown to many KHS students, there is actually a New Jersey Association of Student Councils, where KHS presents our Spirit Week to other schools from around the state. Sappio reveals that, “According to the NJASC, we have one of the most intense spirit weeks in all of New Jersey. When we show what we do for Spirit Week, the kids in the convention and the workshops, their mouths drop.” Sappio hopes this fact makes students more grateful for the time and effort put in by spirit week coordinators.
Spirit Week is set to continue next year, but Sappio warns that, “This freshmen class needs to step it up, they’re the future of Spirit Week, and if they want it to die it’s on them.” Spirit Week is for all students to enjoy, so be sure to encourage your peers to participate in Spirit Week activities, big or small.
