Students at Marriotts Ridge High School celebrated spirit week and participated in a pep rally recently, which was held the week of September 26. For these annual celebrations, MRHS class council organized a list of themes as a part of spirit week to bring students together and honor their friendship. Spirit week has grown to be a cherished tradition at the school, helping to develop a sense of unity and excitement within the student body.
“You have something to look forward to where everyone dresses up… it’s a really cute tradition at the school which brings everyone together since people socialize together,” freshman Leah Rosenburg expressed.
During spirit week, there is a modified flex time bell schedule to accommodate break games between the second and third periods. This year’s break games were Minute to Win It on Tuesday, Mummy Wrap and bowling on Wednesday, and ping pong for freshmen and sophomores with volleyball for juniors and seniors on Thursday. This year, due to schools throughout Howard County being closed on September 25th, spirit week was split into two different parts, beginning on Friday, the 22nd of September, and continuing on Tuesday, the 26th. Spirit week had a wide variety of themes this year, starting on Friday with Despicable Me Day, continuing with angels and devils, Barbie Movie Day, medieval day, class shirt day and ending with the pep rally.  “Spirit week is a good way to get students excited for homecoming because for freshmen, they’re new to this school and whole environment, [and] if they don’t really know what homecoming is, it’s a way to hype them up,” junior Risha Thomas said.
Spirit week acts as the glue that holds students all together at school which is significant, particularly for new freshmen. Starting high school can be intimidating, but spirit week acts as a huge welcome celebration that makes everyone feel like they belong. No matter the age, whether freshman or senior, spirit week is for everyone. This demonstrates that Marriotts Ridge is one big community tied together through friendships. When it is over, students are fired up and prepared for homecoming, which is an enjoyable welcoming celebration and brings the entire school together.
“I enjoyed the tug of war [during the pep rally] because I liked cheering up my fellow sophomores. It’s a good way for students to show how they care about one another,” sophomore Kelsey Manlove mentioned.
Unity is evident at the school during spirit week since students gather together and demonstrate support. The tug of war at the pep rally wonderfully illustrates the class’s relationships. This demonstrates both the genuine care for one another and the school spirit among the shouts and chants. Spirit week’s celebrations serve as a reminder that education is more than just academics, it’s also about creating a caring community in the school.
Spirit week is a great way to change things up from the typical school day. It’s like getting a rush of excitement in the middle of our routine. This yearly tradition promotes friendships among students as it breaks up the routine of the classroom. Spirit week is more than simply an escape from the norm; it also serves as a representation of our school’s dedication to making learning pleasurable with its engaging themes, spirited competitions and pep rallies. Students are reminded that even minor adjustments to the school’s routine can significantly enhance and boost the environment at the school.
Overall, Marriotts Ridge is proud of this yearly tradition to bring students together. The unity and excitement create a strong bond between students and teachers alike in the educational community.