Leading up to the Thanksgiving game, numerous efforts are made in order to raise Spartan spirit. Wacky Races, Spirit Week, and The Fall Pep Rally are the main events that fill a jam-packed November, creating an environment with only positive vibes!

Spirit week started on Wednesday, November 16th, and ended on Wednesday, November 23rd. As a way to spark off Spirit Week, the Steinert tradition of Wacky Races took place. Competition filled the Steinert gymnasium on November 17th at 6:30 P.M. Valiant efforts were made by each grade level, however the seniors prevailed with the massive win. The night was filled with nothing but fun, and the atmosphere radiated pride. Mrs. Caruso, head of the Student Government Association, a club that promotes school spirit, Steinert P.R.I.D.E, and Spartan unity, described spirit week as a “fun, helpful, and spirited time”. She explained the importance of getting involved in this significant week stating, “I think participation in Spirit Week gives people an opportunity to see how their actions can impact a group. In my opinion, the more people that participate, the more fun Spirit Week feels! I love seeing the varying degrees of participation. Even if someone doesn’t go ‘all out’ they can still help their class get points by participating in a way that they feel comfortable with.” Themes of spirit week this year consisted of: pajama day, class color day, Adam Sandler/swap day, sports day, *almost* anything but a backpack day, and Steinert spirit day. By the end of the week, the seniors (big surprise) won!

Spirit week leads up to The Fall Pep Rally and then the Thanksgiving game, on November 23, 2022. This year’s pep rally was Steinert’s first “normal” pep rally since 2019. The global pandemic caused a lapse in the traditional pep rally. In 2020 there was no pep rally, while in 2021 there was a modification, allowing the event to occur outside. While it was a noble attempt to recreate that feeling with the outdoor pep rally nothing compares to the traditional one in the gym. During the event, fall sports teams, cheerleaders, the Steinert Marching Unit, the Steinert P.R.I.D.E. Dance Team, and the Steinert Step Team all are celebrated. Performances by these students left the crowd in awe. It was an important moment when these groups got recognition and the ability to be seen by the entire student body on one stage. These students worked hard and consistently, and this day allowed for them to show and celebrate their achievements and talents.

Spirit week is also used as a way to get involved in the school community. Mrs. Caruso highlighted that idea, explaining that, “Steinert has so much to offer if you make the choice to embrace all the opportunities of being a high school student at Steinert.” She backed up her statement with the perfect explanation. “I had a very positive high school experience here at Steinert and that is due in large part to getting involved in many different sports and clubs as well as attending many different events, games, and performances.” Being in the position she is in as the SGA advisor, she is fully capable of creating a similar, and even better experience for current Spartans. “I feel very grateful that I have the opportunity to help facilitate high school memories through events that had a positive impact on me many, many moons ago when I was a student at Steinert.” She offers this advice to students, “I encourage Spartans to try to get involved with many different clubs and see what they enjoy. I strongly suggest that they try to attend games and performances to cheer on their fellow Spartans. You only get to be a high school student for a small amount of time. Do your best to be mindful and soak in the moments and experiences.”