As students arrived to school on Monday morning donned in red, white and blue clothing, they prepared for a week of spirit and excitement. 'Merica Monday kicked off the beginning of the annual Spring Fling Week, which took place during the week of March 24-28.
While the week was similar to previous Spring Fling weeks, consisting of a rally, a Powderpuff tournament and a different theme each day, this year’s Spring Fling differed from past years with the addition of an overall theme, encompassing all the days of the week. Students dressed up for the “All Around the World” Week, participating in ‘Merica Monday, Tropical Tuesday, Worldly Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Falcon Friday.
“[The overall theme] increased participation, because the themes were really doable,” junior Spring Fling commissioner Amanda Le said.
In addition to adding an overall theme to the week, the ASB also added a new way for students to receive class points for dressing up. Students were able to post pictures of their costumes on Instagram or Facebook and add a caption with their class hashtag. For every person in the picture, their class earned one point.
“We tried to get the word out and spread the spirit online as well as at school,” said junior spirit commissioner Christina Chin.
According to Le, the hashtags increased participation because it provided motivation for students to participate.
“People are seeing pictures on Instagram and on Facebook of their peers and getting encouraged to dress up,” Le said.
The annual Spring Fling Powderpuff was also a hit this year, with girls coming together to play against other classes.
The juniors emerged victorious during the Tuesday game, where they won 7-0. The seniors played the sophomores on Thursday, winning with a score of 7-0.
During the final game on Thursday night, the juniors beat the seniors with a score of 7-0.
“We came up with a trick play that won the game, and we executed the play perfectly for a touchdown,” junior Dani Bruno said. “The seniors were a tough team, but our hard work paid off and it all worked out for us.”
The week concluded with a rally and a Student vs. Staff basketball game on Friday, in which the students were victorious, as well as the Benefit Fashion Show on Saturday, which raised about $8,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation.
Although Spring Fling Week was a success, the ASB is still looking for more student involvement, according to Chin. The Spirit commission and the Spring Fling commission are both looking to making changes next year to increase student participation.
“I want to have class flags, so the winning class’s flag could be hung somewhere public,” Le said. “That way they will have something to be proud of.”
Overall, Spring Fling week was a chance for students to express their school spirit, and in general, just have fun.
“School spirit unites the school and it makes the tough times more endurable and enjoyable,” Le said.