Spirit Week promotes leadership at Houston High

HOUSTON — The class of 2015 has pushed the vibe up in their last four years at Houston High School and are working vigilantly with incoming students to promote positive leadership in and outside of school.

One of the many powerful strides students have taken is actively promoting Spirit Week, which is a simple way to get students to initiate their inner school spirit.

Whether it is duplicating your looks on Twin Day, blending in on Camo Day, supporting your favorite institute of higher education on College Day, or donning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Day; students can obtain high dosages of creativity along with respect for themselves and others while participating in Spirit Week.

“I try to look for somebody who is not afraid to stand and speak up,” says Larry Scott, a Civics and U.S History teacher, who was responding to a question about the kind of characteristics a leader might possess in the classroom.

As a student adviser for the freshmen class, Scott, worries when incoming freshmen do not dress up during Spirit Week, because their influence will “bleed out” across the rest of the school and impact future participation.

For most attending Houston High, Spirit Week is a creative way to promote their inner school spirit.

But, there are some who use it as a way to promote positive leadership. When Devin Reeder, the president of student government, was asked how her leadership class and leadership development as a whole has gone thus far, this is what she had to say:

“Leadership is going great! It gives the students in our school the opportunity to grow and become productive members of society.”

When questioned deeper about the ways she has noticed students taking an active role in promoting leadership roles in and outside of the classroom, Reeder says that she “has noticed that students are learning to work together toward the common goal, which is to have a new generation of leaders graduate from Houston High School.”

Leadership is a class that students can take in high school in an attempt to better themselves in many ways. It demands higher levels of responsibility in order to reach the goals that have been set.

Bob Reid, the class adviser for 2015, was asked why he thinks it is critical for a student to analyze the importance of positive leadership. He said, “I think the importance of leadership is a moment-by-moment practice. Leadership in life often comes without warning and requires fast, positive actions.”

It is vital for a student to want to take the leadership class because most leadership students are known by their actions. Leadership has been known to build self-esteem in students while investing in their future. Leaders are known for their strengths: they work well with others, are optimistic, and can walk the walk. The reward is much greater when the struggle is real.

Vince Lombardi, the coach of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960s, can attest: “Leaders aren’t born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”

In addition to promoting positive leadership and inspiration from the Leadership class, Spirit Week has triggered new uproars of passion for the graduating class.

Reid also was asked about the impact Spirit Week has had on the incoming students, and this is what he had to say: “As far as impact, I believe Spirit Week gives freshman a beginning chance to feel the excitement of class enthusiasm. For upperclassmen, it can help to renew the enthusiasm, which can carry on into their lives.”

As he took notice of students taking on roles of leadership, he also saw the positive impression these students have made when it is being carried on to the student body. He offered this advice, “To observe leaders that are peers is the best way to learn the ways of leadership and how to be a good team player.”

One must quench their thirst for success, and step one is becoming a leader among followers.

Megan Kazarian, 19, is a senior at Houston High School who loves to write.