Many displays of Madison spirit were evident in homecoming school activities. The pep rally, homecoming parade and spirit week are all in place for students to show their excitement. 

The Student Government Association (SGA) proposes the themes for spirit week, fliers are posted in every classroom and in the hallways, and SGA posts short clips on social media to engage students in dressing up. However, despite their best efforts to publicize the themes, only a handful reciprocate the endeavor. 

What was once a common form of expression within the student body has tapered out as students now adopt a very similar fashion sense. Some students focus less on individuality and more on practical, comfortable outfits in order to spend less time getting ready. 

“We have so many spirit weeks,” Andrew Foos, the leader of the Joy Committee, a committee that helps create bonds among the teachers, said. “It’s not really special.”

With these factors in mind, there are many options to increase participation for spirit week. Limiting the number of spirit weeks, but increasing advertisement incentive could help convince more students to dress up. There would be more effort put in towards the smaller number of spirit weeks. Like Halloween in the math department, volunteer groups could decorate a hallway according to the Homecoming theme that year, reminding students of the upcoming events. 

“I think a prize like food or an award would incentivise students to show more spirit,” Diana Dombrowski, a member of the Joy Committee, said.

A reward for dressing up, like candy or another treat, could motivate more students to participate. As more students participate, the school will remember the true purpose of spirit week.

“It should be about students and faculty getting together and having a good time and, you know, showing support for the school and our athletic teams,” Foos said.