By Kiana Caranto

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On the week of Sept. 17 to 21, the MHS Class of 2013 ended up with the most spirit points and took home the spirit trophy. Spirit week gave MHS students an opportunity to come together and take pride in being Trojans, and allowed the classes to have some friendly competition during the dress-up days.

“(School spirit) gives our school a chance to bond but also compete in a fun, friendly manner. I saw a lot of encouragement and excitement throughout the week,” said Student Activities Coordinator Janet Ward-Riehle, continuing, “School spirit brings a school together. It’s what helps make a successful homecoming.”

The points were added up and by a close call, the senior class ended up with the most points and won the spirit trophy, awarded at the homecoming game.

The theme for this year’s spirit week was “Trojan Legacy”, first brainstormed by the class councils during the summer. ASMHS worked hard to make sure the 40th anniversary was a success and that the idea of the Trojan Legacy was evident, allowing the students to look back on the past but also visualize the future of MHS. They hoped this year’s theme would allow the students to leave their own legacy.

Much planning took place early on, on behalf of ASMHS. “We started in the summer; deciding on the homecoming theme … selling dance tickets, homecoming court nominations, rehearsal with the court, band and JROTC … counting spirit points. The list goes on and on,” explained Ward.

In addition to preparations, participation was put in by the class councils as well. “Our council stays after school till six o’ clock everyday. We dress up every single day possible,” said Senior Class President Kelly Kuroda.

An outcome of this hard work; spirit week was deemed a success. It gave the school a chance to come together. “We really wanted to try to pull together that school unity,” said ASMHS President Senior Evan Wilson, adding, “It brings together the entire school basically, under one big umbrella.”

Besides impacting the school as a whole, spirit week also gives students individual motivation. “I think school spirit is really important because if you don’t enjoy school, then you’re not going to want to learn. Also, school spirit has a lot to do with academics and just being happy in what you are,” said Kuroda.

This was the second year in a row the seniors took home the spirit trophy. “That feeling when you say your class is the winning class of homecoming is always great. I couldn’t hide my excitement,” said Wilson. Kuroda added, “This is possibly the happiest memory I will have of high school.”

ASMHS hopes for a successful spirit week next year with plans to encourage more participation and possibly provide the students with lunchtime activities.