Spirit Week promotes inclusion

By Jasmine Grant 

News Writer 

Crete-Monee High School spent a week focusing on Mix It Up Week, which spreads awareness about bullying while giving students a chance to have fun and show their creativity.

Students pose for a photo for Mix-it-Up Week, a week that promoted bullying awareness. Photo by Tavauge Starling.

Each day had a different theme, and students showed up in all kinds of outfits. Some funny, some creative, and some just completely unexpected. The themes weren’t just for show, though. They were meant to help students feel more comfortable trying something new and maybe talking to people they don’t usually talk to.

“I would hope that it brings attention to bullying and gives students who are being bullied a feeling that they’re being acknowledged and that someone cares and wants to help them,”

Mrs. Mikal said. Some teachers and staff took the week seriously by participating in the days and used it as a reminder that school should always feel safe for everyone.

Students I spoke with said the week made it easier for people to feel included. “I think Anti-Bullying Week is a week where certain people can feel that they actually belong, and not feel, you know, out of place,” student Bella Velasco said.

The outfits people came up with helped lighten the mood. For example, one person dressed in a flashy disco suit with rollerblades for Decades Day, which caught many people’s eyes.

Of course, the week still had plenty of fun moments. Many students looked forward to seeing what outfits their friends and even their teachers would wear, especially on Costume Day. Since it was Halloween, many students came dressed in costumes. There were inflatable costumes, superhero outfits, scary masks, and some really funny or over-the-top outfits that made lots of people laugh in the hallways.

“My favorite day was Costume Day and Decades Day, so Friday and Thursday,” Nylah Smith said. “I liked all the outfits people were coming up with.” For some, it was the first time they really felt like they could just be themselves without worrying about what other people thought.

At the end of the week, the message was that kindness shouldn’t stop when the spirit days are over. There are always ways to meet new people by joining clubs, sports, or other school activities.

“Include yourself, whether that be joining a sport or a club, get yourself involved,” Tavauge Starling said.