Spirit week unites the school

By Sydney Olden

Editor in Chief

Crete-Monee High School Unites in Color, Character, and Community for Spirit Week

Laughter echoed through the halls, wild outfits caught everyone's attention, and Warrior pride was impossible to miss during Spirit Week at Crete-Monee High School. From retro throwbacks to hilarious character costumes, students and staff came together to celebrate what makes the school community unique

Each day had a different theme, giving students a fun way to show off their style and personality. From vintage outfits on Throwback Day to creative character costumes, people found their own ways to join in. You could feel the excitement in the air—everyone was having a good time and just enjoying being together.

"Yeah, I would say the same thing. We're all coming together, taking pictures and videos, and we're always going to look back on this," said senior Sanna Jones. But Spirit Week was about more than just dressing up. The halls became places for random performances and surprise moments, like a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse that had everyone cracking up.

"This year we've had a lot of funny characters," said senior Diamond Cole. "Especially Mickey Mouse. That one really made everyone laugh."

Underneath the fun was a deeper feeling of unity. Classroom competitions, hallway games, and the pep rally helped build stronger connections between students and staff. Even teachers got in on the action, showing that school spirit doesn't stop at the classroom door.

"Spirit Week is a time where we can just be ourselves and have fun," said student Sydne Maxwell. "You can tell how much people care about making school feel a little more like home."

Not every student dressed up—and that opened the door to some real conversations about making Spirit Week more inclusive.

"How do you think we could encourage more people to participate in Spirit Week?" Sanna was asked.

"Just have fun and show your true self, because no one can make memories for you but yourself," she said.

Even students who didn't go all out with costumes still joined in—cheering for friends, showing support, or just soaking up the energy. Teachers could feel the change, too. The school just felt more alive—students were more into their classes, laughing in the halls, and talking with friends at lunch.

The week finished with a pep rally full of cheers, bright banners, and a ton of school pride. Even the ones who weren't sure about joining in at first couldn't help but get caught up in the energy.

When the final bell rang on Friday, Spirit Week had done more than create fun memories—it made the school feel a little more connected. "This is one of those things we'll remember for a long time," Jones said. "It wasn't just about what we wore—it was about the feeling and the people we shared it with." It was a week full of laughter, school spirit, and moments that reminded everyone what being a Warrior is all about.