Homecoming: an opportunity to increase SHS spirit

Homecoming, on the outside merely a celebration, presents a great battle between two opposing forces: apathy and school spirit. 

Opinions on Homecoming vary. Some may think Homecoming brings classes together, providing a memorable bonding experience, while others believe it is a complete waste of time.

Sophomore Luke Salin counts himself among those who love Homecoming.

“Along with big sports games, I think that Homecoming is one of the times our school is the most pumped,” said Salin. “But Homecoming would be so much better with more people.”

 According to Salin, people don’t participate in Homecoming because of their jam-packed schedules or because they don’t like decorating and performing in front of others.

Every year, though, some students who have never participated before dive into the experience. This year, junior Jackie An did just that.

“Since I'm an upperclassman now, I was less nervous about dancing in front of the entire school,” An said. “Also, a lot of my friends wanted to do it, so it was something we all did together.”

On the other hand, students like junior Samuel Junqua have a slightly different outlook on Homecoming, saying that it is a memorable experience but that students with busy schedules should not feel pressured to participate.

“I don't think it's for everybody, but I think it can be a good chance to build and express school spirit,” Junqua said. “It can sometimes bring people together.”

Salin, however, believes the school should continue to make efforts to increase its school spirit and participation in Homecoming and as well in sports games. 

Salin said that compared to many other local schools, SHS is less spirited. However, it should be driven to become one of the most spirited schools around— or at least more spirited than rival Los Gatos.

“It’s fun, since you get to hang out with your friends. It’s also stressful, but the good kind of stress that bonds classmates with each other,” Salin said. “And there’s nothing better than the feeling after it’s all over.”