Remember the electric energy of a pep rally? The adrenaline of chanting alongside your classmates, the pride that surged as your team’s colors waved high? For many, those moments were the heartbeat of school life. But somewhere along the way, the magic of school spirit can fade. So, how do we reignite it and make sure every generation feels the same connection and pride?
School spirit is more than just cheering at games or wearing matching shirts. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, pride, and unity that transcends the classroom. Yet, in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, keeping these traditions alive can feel like a challenge. If your school’s spirit feels more like a faint flicker than a roaring fire, don’t worry. The solution lies in rediscovering and revamping timeless traditions that unite students, staff, and alumni alike. You’ve got to make school spirit normal again! Let’s dive into ten school spirit traditions that never go out of style and explore how to bring them back to life.
1. Pep Rallies That Rock
Nothing ignites excitement like a high-energy pep rally. The key? Make it a showstopper. Blend classic chants and cheers with modern elements like light shows, dance-offs, or even surprise guest appearances. Don’t forget to involve teachers and staff for some friendly competition—think tug-of-war or a lip-sync battle. When everyone participates, the energy becomes contagious.
Objection Handling: “What if students think pep rallies are outdated?” Modernize them! Use popular music, trending themes, or TikTok-inspired skits to grab their attention.
Tip: Orchestrate your pep really by practicing the night before. Think about it, we practice sports, we rehearse for musical theater, weddings, and graduations. Why not pep rallies? You can even make the practice a decoration party. How? Invite pep rally participants to your practice and include all your key spirit groups on campus. Ask everyone to bring a snack item like chips or cookies. When students arrive, give them a decorating task to complete by a set time and then practice your pep assembly. Coach the participants on how to bring energy to your rally.
2. Spirit Weeks with a Twist
Themed dress-up days are the norm but don’t recycle the same tired ideas every year. Mix things up with themes like “Decades Day,” “Anything But a Backpack Day,” or “Dress as Your Favorite Meme.” Make it fun and relevant to today’s culture, and watch participation soar. Include a social media challenge for each day, so students can show off their creativity online.
Tip: Sometimes barriers (time, money, etc) for students to participate in spirit days. You can combat this by gathering themed items to give away before school each day. Let everyone know you will have a limited number of items each day and that is it first come, first served.
3. Homecoming Royalty for All
Homecoming courts are a beloved tradition, but sometimes they need to be invigorated? Expand the categories to include “Most Spirited,” “Best Team Player,” or “Kindness Champion.” This way, the celebration recognizes a broader spectrum of contributions to the school community.
4. The Power of the Alma Mater
Every school has its anthem, but when was the last time students really sang it with pride? Bring it back at key moments like graduation, assemblies, and sporting events. Add a modern touch by recording a professional version or creating a TikTok challenge to showcase school pride.
Tip: I work with a lot of schools and, at a majority of them, most students have no idea what their alma mater is. You have to practice and promote your alma mater so students know it and have confidence in performing it together. Teach and practice your alma mater at orientations, mobile pep rallies, pep rallies, graduation, etc.
5. Big Games, Bigger Traditions
Whether it’s football, basketball, or soccer, big games are prime opportunities for showcasing school spirit. Create unique experiences like a dance party between halves or quarters, make a giant sign that covers your students section and rip it up, organize a chant with your student section, band, spirit squads, and parents. Introduce a signature chant or hand gesture unique to your school that fans can rally behind.
Objection Handling: “What about students who aren’t into sports?” Get clubs involved! Have art students design banners or theater kids lead cheers. Everyone can contribute in their own way.
6. Legacy Walls
Celebrate your school’s history with a legacy wall showcasing alumni achievements, sports victories, and memorable milestones. This physical tribute not only honors the past but inspires current students to leave their mark. When you add to the wall, make the event special with a ceremony and make certain to publicize it.
7. Spirit Gear Glam Up
A standard student section shirt is a must but what happens when you glam up your spirit gear? Work with students to design trendy, wearable merch like hoodies, jeans, or even custom sneakers. Use limited editions or seasonal drops to create excitement.
Tip: Want something unique and different? Check out www.gamebibs.com
8. Traditions for Giving Back
Turn school spirit into community spirit by organizing service projects like food drives, park clean-ups, or charity events. You can even make it a school beautification project. Make it competitive between grades or clubs to boost participation and pride. Focus on students leaving their school a better place than they found it.
Tip: Highlight these efforts on social media to showcase your school’s positive impact.
9. Alumni Comebacks
Invite alumni to share their stories, coach teams, or lead workshops. Hosting an alumni game or panel creates a bridge between past and present, showing students they’re part of something bigger.
10. Lip Dub
Who doesn’t love a lip sync video? The power of a lip dub lies in giving your campus a collective experience that transcends groups and cliques. HERE is a great example of a lip dub.
Reviving school spirit doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. It’s about reimagining timeless traditions to resonate with today’s students while honoring the legacy of those who came before them. It’s about creating norms on campus. Start small, get creative, and involve your entire school community. Before you know it, you’ll have a school buzzing with pride and unity—and memories that truly stand the test of time.
So, what tradition will you bring back first? Let’s revive the magic together!
