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By Lena Pearson

For the Clemmons Courier

When thinking about high school, I’m sure everyone can agree that it’s not like the movies. Considering the lack of impromptu dance numbers performed daily in the cafeteria, it’s understandable that the reality of high school compared to television is underwhelming. Although many of the expectations in movies are unrealistic, there’s still one way to make the most of the high school experience: school spirit.

At the beginning of my freshman year, I was met with much unfamiliarity on West’s large campus, not having a clue in the world about how high school operated. After having moved states only a couple of months before beginning my time at West, I felt no sense of connection or relatability to the community around me. For the students who spent their whole lives in the WS/FCS school system, it was common to dream of growing up to become a West Forsyth Titan. Initially, I did not understand this desire, as I saw high school as a “get in and get out” kind of situation, with academics being my main focus. However, it wasn’t until I witnessed the student’s significant amount of Titan Pride that my perspective changed.

Whether students are in the stands at a sports game or in the audience of a drama production, it’s abundantly clear that the Titans take pride in their school. It is encouraged to have the best possible student turnout at sporting or club events in order for Titans to positively represent West and support their peers. West’s large student population allows for a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, giving every student the opportunity to become involved. School spirit can be found in nearly every corner of campus, and it’s as easy as simply attending club meetings or dressing according to theme for Friday night football. School pride is of utmost importance for the Titans, as they make an effort to support each other and engage in activities to best represent West’s values of unity and togetherness.

Despite my initial hesitance, I’ve found that showing school spirit is the most effective way to feel connected to the faces around campus. Having pride for the school you attend creates a shared culture between students from all areas of interest, allowing for everyone to feel a sense of involvement and belonging. Showing up for your peers is key in forming a welcoming, strong, and unified school environment. After all, it takes a village.