The first day of school, homecoming, and prom are just some of the most memorable days of a student’s high school career. The people that organize them, those who attend, and the events that take place have always been what contributes to their experiences, but how have those factors changed over the years? Did we always have a Links day? What about senior skip day? Spirit weeks? Anna Manning, communications teacher, entered the high school as a student in 2001 and reflected on how things once were.
“[On] my first day of school, I remember thinking, ‘This is big and so real, but I just have to do it,’” said Manning. “We didn’t have a Links day either. We were almost thrown in like fish. There was a back to school night like we have now, but you just kind of found your locker and walked your schedule.”
Today, this looks a little different. For Camden Strickland, 11, Links day was an important part of their adjustment to their new surroundings.
“My first day of school was not fun, but I do remember Links day being something that I appreciate more now than I did back then,” said Strickland. “I give a lot of credit to those eight hours of being in a group of strangers because I got the chance to meet some people that I probably wouldn’t have ever talked to otherwise.”
With spirit days, Manning notes that participation was nearly universal, meaning that many students either dressed up for themes or attended football games and pep rallies.
“With the student body being smaller, it sure felt like everybody participated in spirit days,” said Manning. “The whole student body was only about 450 kids, so spirit days were kind of a big deal. We even had our own version of senior jeans, except they were shoes that were decorated and passed down.”
Spirit days have also proved to be subject to change and not just with the themes. Student participation, decorations, and the energy altogether have threatened to decrease as the years have gone by.
“I feel like spirit days aren’t a huge deal anymore,” said Strickland. “When I think of spirit days, I think of posters all over the walls and stuff, but now it seems that students just stick with the ‘easy’ themes like pajama day.”
Although this lack of energy and crowds do apply to other events, both Manning and Strickland find that prom remains a night to remember. Manning recalled a common theme within the attire at prom, specifically girls wearing “very tight and slinky” dresses made of satin, complete with high slits or low cuts. Strickland notes that this has not changed much, as similar styles appear today.
Other traditions, like homecoming, have also stood the test of time.
“Homecoming is exactly the same,” said Manning. “And if anything, that is why I love it so much.”
Some days, however, have faded over the years.
“We had a real senior skip day because attendance was not digital,” said Manning. “When enough people didn’t show up to school, they weren’t really able to manage to call everybody’s parents and get them in trouble. Whereas now, students kind of just have a ‘my adults called me out’ day.”
Manning also reflected back on their high school experience and decided on one part of it that today’s students might not fully get to enjoy.
“I wish students were able to know what it feels like to get together with all their friends their senior year — no phones, no real connection to the outside world — and just soak up all that time together,” said Manning. “Simply a moment where nobody’s taking pictures or live streaming, and everything is just so real and everyone’s completely present in the moment.”
For Strickland, making the most of the time in high school means embracing opportunities.
“My advice for students is to join the things you want to join, even if you have the slightest urge to do so,” said Strickland. “2 years later, you’ll be sitting in class watching people leave early for their sport, or go to a home game and realize you shouldn’t be in the stands and rather on the field. Take those opportunities, and enjoy your 4 years.”
