The bang of drums, the gleam of crimson, the screams of excitement coming from all students, this is what makes Coral Gables Senior High School pep rallies come to life. School spirit is nothing new to the Cavaliers and they are eager to join in all the enjoyable activities planned each month. Not only are there pep rallies, but there are multiple spirit days, countless sports games, several journalistic publications and endless clubs to join at Gables. There is something for anyone looking to get involved. The sense of school spirit seems to be almost contagious from student to student, as the pride felt among the Cavaliers is evident throughout the campus.
While some may say that spirit detracts from academic focus, the opposite is actually true. Having a sense of school pride helps to pique students’ interest in studies, because a connection to the school instills a desire to improve with hard work. When students have something to work toward, they are more likely to put their best efforts forward. Achieving outstanding academics then results in more school spirit, extracurricular activities and student bonding opportunities. It is apparent that the purpose of school spirit goes far beyond simply having fun, as its effects have a profound impact on learning and growing. When the campus is a more enjoyable place to be, academic performance increases and social skills flourish along with it.
“Because Gables has so many academies, it is easy to meet people outside of your own group. The pep rallies and activities throughout the school year really help to bring us together because we get the opportunity to see students that we usually do not run in to often. The class treat days that we have also help to lift spirits when we need it most. Overall, I think spirit is really crucial for the environment on campus and it helps to create a feeling of unity between all students,” senior Samantha Sears said.
At first glance, the many groups of friends scattered across the Gables campus can be intimidating, especially for a newcomer. Not knowing where to go, it can be challenging to find a comfortable spot to sit down and make conversation. However, this common problem has an easy fix and it is the organizing of school-spirited activities. When there is a common ground among students, the traditions, colors and cheers of the celebration help to create a bond of identity. Differences are no longer prominent and instead, everyone is a Cavalier at heart. When students feel connected to their peers, they are protected from feeling isolated, which contributes to an overall improved mental health and higher sense of self-satisfaction.
“School spirit is very important because it helps to distinguish us from other schools and to foster an identity among the students. This is evident in the fact that many years from now, you have high school reunions, but not college reunions. That is because high school is a very memorable experience for a lot of people and having spirit allows you to differentiate yourself and your community from other schools in the area,” senior Aidan Remedios said.
With more social and academically balanced students, it also comes as no surprise that an increase in school safety is related to spirit. Students who feel pride in their school are less likely to engage in disruptive behavior, as they want to keep the school’s reputation intact. Understanding that they set an example for others, students at Gables tend to stay far away from violence. The implementation of a supportive camaraderie is prioritized and students, teachers and faculty work diligently to foster a peaceful environment.
“School pride is important because it shows how much students value and care about their school. Personally I feel like Gables has a lot of spirit and even the little things, such as the phrase ‘Always remember, Go Cavs!’ really does make our school unique from others. Our pride also continues to give us more opportunities during the school year and as a collective all students appreciate our campus. We have so many different sports, clubs and pep rallies that anyone can be involved in, which makes Gables a more positive environment,” senior Lauren Amador said.
Stepping into Gables, freshmen do not initially know what to expect. The thousands of students and countless faculty and staff can be frightening at first glance, but the sense of teamwork and connection which permeate the campus soon overcomes their fears. The endless opportunities for participation awaiting those seeking to get involved can be seen everywhere.
Though the main focus is naturally on academics, school life would not be the same without the experiences that bring joy and excitement to students’ days. At Gables, high school has become much more than merely a place to learn, but it has become a second home for anyone who walks through its doors.
“School spirit has definitely encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone. Attending sports games and prep rallies has helped me enjoy my time in high school and I love looking forward to a treat day or going to cross country meet. Even the football games and volleyball matches are exciting for students to attend. I have gotten to meet so many new people because of the opportunities Gables offers and I have also grown closer with my friends. It is nice to know that I can do so much more here than simply just learn,” senior Lucia Astorga said.
