Features

If you were in Downtown Berkeley last week, you may have seen Berkeley High School students dressed in red and gold clothing or as celebrities and said to yourself “What’s going on?”  

Every year, Berkeley High School (BHS) students of all ages and grades come together and unite to celebrate one thing: school spirit. The week was widely successful, despite the last-minute commotion with the departure of the student activities director. 

“I think it’s been wonderful,” commented BHS Principal Jim Slemp. “Students have used great judgment. It was perfect from my point of view.”  

To prevent disorderly conduct which plagued the celebration in past years, BHS Vice Principal Pasquale Scuderi, prior to the events, sent out an e-mail detailing the guidelines for the week: 

1) Any student engaged in hazing, vandalism, or physical or verbal abuse of another student will be suspended. 

2) Students found intoxicated or in possession of any illegal or controlled substance will be suspended. 

3) Students inappropriately dressed will be sent home (too revealing, drug imagery, profane slogans, etc.). 

4) No boom boxes or sound systems may be used without administrative clearance. 

5) The staff encourages all students to enjoy spirit week and to celebrate in a safe and positive manner.  

Some students had a different take on the student conduct during the week, in sharp contrast to Slemp. 

“I don’t think it’s a huge issue,” said an anonymous junior, “but I felt a little unsafe when there were some kids around me drinking and getting high. The halls smelled like alcohol and marijuana.” 

For the past month, student government helped plan activities for the week and voted to establish the theme for each day. The days were: Superheros & Villains Day (Monday), Celebrity Day (Tuesday), Western Day (Wednesday), 80’s Day for seniors and Pajama Day for all other classes (Thursday), and Red & Gold Day (Friday). 

“We decided on the days collectively as a group,” said Connie Chan, BHS junior and ASB Club Commissioner. “After Ms. McKnight-Johnson left, the seniors in leadership changed the days, going against the vote of all of leadership. Thursday was intended to be Celebrity Day for underclassmen and Tuesday was supposed to be Tropical Day. They didn’t want to be upstaged by underclassmen.” 

Many students were dissatisfied with the themes, which were very different from previous years. However, students still found a way to celebrate regardless of the lackluster themes.  

“I didn’t think they were particularly good,” said Ilan Gonzalez, BHS junior, “especially Celebrity Day. They were very unimaginative in my opinion.” 

Some students even made their own days. For example, some underclassmen who attended Willard Middle School dressed up in Willard paraphernalia on Thursday. Some seniors dressed up as hicks on Western Day. 

Before Slemp’s arrival, spirit week had been cancelled due to a combination of disorganization and unorderly behavior. Slemp felt that it was important to happen again. 

“I tried to make it happen again,” remarked Slemp,”because it was very important for the students. Mostly all students in all different social groups were involved in their own way [this year]. That was what was really cool.” 

As exemplified in previous years, Red & Gold Day had the biggest student showing. After school, an optional spirit rally, held in the Donahue Gym, provided most of the excitement for the week. 

During the rally, each class elected a Homecoming King, Queen, Dutchess, and Duke to represent them. Additionally, each class choreographed a unique dance to urge on their class to show school spirit. 

“The rally went really well,” said Maddie Tien, BHS sophmore. “It was so much fun. Everyone was really spirited and all the dances were amazing. Best day all year.” 

Many students in the class of 2009 were upset that their class’ dance performance was disqualified, alleging that the class of 2010 “stole” their dance. 

“The freshmen stole our dance and won’t admit it,” said Geoff Mahley, BHS sophomore. “Because of that, we got disqualified too. This is a perfect example of how immature this year’s freshmen are.” 

All in all, despite the minor complications, the overall attitude of the students was positive, and they are hoping that the [BHS] administration will continue the celebrations next year.  

“I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the students to participate during the week” said BHS senior Peter Angell. “I hope that the administration will continue Spirit Week in the future.”