Spirit Week kicked off with an explosion of color. lasting from Oct. 11 until Oct. 18. The seniors dominated the scoreboard, ending with 31,800 points. The juniors followed with 23,500 points while the sophomores and freshmen tied for third, each earning 21,200 points.

Day 1

Spirit Week started with a best-dressed competition at brunch and a rally in the Big Gym. Classes competed in Hungry Hungry Hippos and a class dance-off.

Senior Oliver Chancellor said his grade’s wins solidified his confidence in the senior class.

“We brought in the strategy; we brought in the heart; we brought in the hard work, and it paid off,” Chancellor said. “It’s senior year, our time to shine, our year to win.”

Before Spirit Week, senior and Spirit Commissioner Tyler Kramer said he

was hoping to see a lot of school spirit.

“I’m excited for the night rally,” Kramer said. “I think that’s going to be super fun. We’re hoping that we can bring something that’ll be really enjoyable.”

Sophomore class president Katie Kim said she was excited to see ASB’s hard work pay off.

“(Planning Spirit Week took) weeks and months and even spilled into last year,” Kim said. “I’m really proud of my class, especially from what I saw today, and I’m ready to bring it.”

Day 2

Students participated in a best-dressed event at brunch, a rally in the Viking Stadium at lunch and a neon-themed Night Rally. At the lunch rally, classes competed in water games and a donut-eating challenge; the Night Rally featured dance performances, tug-of-war and capture the flag.

Sophomore and ASB Treasurer Paul Wang said ASB decided to go all out on Spirit Week this year.

“We’re spending the most money ever on Spirit Week,” Wang said. “We’re projected to hit over $20,000 for this week’s events.”

Freshman Myra Dang said she was excited to experience Spirit Week for the first time and see her friends dressed up at the first Night Rally since the pandemic.

“(The Night Rally) is super fun,” Dang said. “The night adds to the atmosphere of the rally.”

Junior and Social Commissioner Jessica Wong also said she hoped students would support their class by helping build their floats.

“Float building has been going well — a lot of people have been showing up,” Wong said. “I’m most excited for the floats at the very end of Spirit Week.”

Day 3

In an unlikely upset, the freshmen beat the seniors in the lunch rally relay on Wednesday. The juniors won the Best Dressed competition at brunch.

Senior Samuel Janik said he thinks the seniors did well in terms of spirit despite losing to the freshmen in the games.

“In past years we haven’t had much spirit, but I think the final year is bringing us together,” Janik said.

Sophomore Lorelei Kardwell said she was happy with the greater participation from her grade compared to last year.

“Just because we were freshmen you think it’s a little bit embarrassing to dress up, but now we’re realizing it’s super fun,” Kardwell said.

Kardwell also said the teacher dance was fun to watch.

“It’s really cool to see them put so much time and effort into learning the dance for us,” Kardwell said.

Junior Simone Batra said she thought the fun activities at Spirit Week were a helpful way to create class-to-class cohesion.

“The school really gets together,” Batra said. “School can be stressful, but it’s really important that we all recognize that we have to have fun at some point, and I think it’s good that we’re all getting into Spirit Week.”

Day 4

After placing third in the rapids relay and winning the Snake IO game during the lunch rally, the freshmen won Day 4 of Spirit Week.

Freshman Anisha Shetty said she was proud of how her class performed.

“We’re pretty spirited, honestly, compared to other freshman classes when they were our age,” Shetty said.

Junior Daniela Palafox said Generations Day stood out as a highlight of the week.

“Generations — I think it’s the best,” Palafox said, “We can differentiate every grade and (make the) most creative costumes.”

Senior Jai Wadhwani said he was especially looking forward to the final day.

“I’m excited for tomorrow — the homecoming game and the senior dance — because we haven’t won the homecoming game since I’ve been here, so hopefully we can change that this year,” Wadhwani said on Thursday of Spirit Week.

Sophomore Jack January said he hoped the homecoming game would unite classes after a competitive week.

“I’m also most excited for the football game (during) homecoming because everybody gets to pop out,” January said. “It’s not like Spirit Week, where they’re all against each other. Everybody’s together during the football game, and I think it’s super fun.”

Day 5

Day 5 featured a best-dressed competition at brunch, an after-school rally in the Viking Stadium and the homecoming game. During the after-school rally, students showcased their class dances and paraded their floats on the track.

Senior Amelia Finnis said performing in the class dance was a great way to end her final Spirit Week.

“It’s just really fun to get out there and do it for the last time,” Finnis said. “You’re not going to do it again, so you go all out.”

Junior Delilah Kaplinsky said hearing the crowd cheer and dancing alongside her classmates was electrifying.

“There was so much going on,” Kaplinsky said. “But there was so much energy I couldn’t stop laughing. I know we didn’t look in sync, but in our hearts, we were.”

Kramer said the end of Spirit Week was bittersweet.

“For the most part, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Kramer said. “I’m happy it happened but sad that it’s now over.”