From the moment students enter the high school until they graduate, school spirit and pony pride have always held a special place in each student’s heart. But as each new class arrives, long-standing traditions may no longer feel as exciting or meaningful as they once did.  To keep the pony culture strong, it is time to take more student criticism and ideas to refresh and add on to current traditions so every future generation feels as welcomed as previous classes did.

Students tend to perform better academically when they have a strong sense of pride, support and a feeling of belonging in their school community. This is something that teachers can quickly notice in the classroom.

Learning how to support peers “can be developed in the classroom as well and has very positive impacts on learning,” Brady Hannigan, social studies teacher and basketball coach, said. Emphasizing how school spirit connects directly to academic growth.

The Connecticut Association of Schools explained that when students feel connected to their school, they are more motivated to work hard, participate and succeed both inside and outside the classroom. A  strong sense of school spirit boosts social connections and contributes to students’ overall happiness.

School spirit is not limited to academics. A positive attitude in the stands brings energy to student sections and that energy transfers directly to the field or court. A lively and an enthusiastic crowd not only improves the experience for fans but also provides a valuable boost to the students competing.

At the girls varsity volleyball final, for example, a “super electric and intense” feeling was spreading throughout the gym, even during a tough loss, senior superfan Indi Capelle said.

All Things RCL II stated that supporting classmates helps create an atmosphere full of excitement and joy. This sense of community makes each event something to look forward to and transforms ordinary school days into meaningful experiences.

Student council members also play a major role in encouraging school spirit. When spirit-building efforts come from students rather than staff, they carry more influence and feel more authentic. Student-led traditions give students ownership and make the activities more widely enjoyed across grades.

“We try ourselves to like execute school spirit by like participating in every single one and like being at every single event so everybody else wants to be in the events as well,” Gabby Johnson, junior student and student council member, said.

This spirit unites students, teachers and staff under a shared identity, strengthening relationships, building a sense of belonging and giving students pride in representing their school.

However, even the strongest traditions fade over time. Repetition can dull excitement, which is why refreshing old activities and introducing new ones is essential to keeping students engaged.

“Getting more polls on what students want to do, or like surveys and like more pep rallies and more like things that unify the whole school,” Johnson said.

Honor Society notes that fresh ideas are especially powerful when they come directly from students. Education Week adds that student-led creativity brings renewed energy to a school community and keeps traditions relevant to each generation.

The key to keeping school spirit alive is allowing students to take control. When students are trusted to decide, plan and create traditions, they feel more connected to their school and each other. Allowing new ideas to come from the students keeps activities exciting and relevant to their interests. Encouraging creativity and participation ensures that everyone can find their place in the school community. Ultimately, school spirit should be something created by students, for students. Guaranteeing that Pony Pride continues to grow for years and generations to come.