Sarah Cheung

On top of the school gym, the name “Carlmont” alongside its mascot, the Scot, reminds students of the community they belong to. Sophomore Nicole Turk says, “To me, a school community is the camaraderie between all the students and faculty at Carlmont while we live in the moment.”

The typical student recognizes the sound of the cheerleading team at sports games and sees the frantic dash to buy tickets for homecoming. But do these prove the existence of school spirit, or are they merely stereotypical phases done at certain times each year?

At Carlmont High School, ASB coordinates spirit events and rallies the other students in order to make the school a fun place to be at and make their events successful in participation.

ASB president Liam Jocson said, “[We] strive to make Carlmont a welcoming and inclusive community where it is in everyone’s comfort zone to join in on the fun.”

Carlmont is full of diversity, and it is ASB’s job to include all. By getting as many people involved as possible, they hope to make it a more fun and energetic place.

“I think it’s a place where the student body celebrates the school in the form of activities, and it’s a way to come together as a community,” said sophomore Holly Koda.

Some students tend to shy away from participating, and those that are slightly more confident only engage in the school’s biggest spirit events of the year. Understanding the amount of participation Carlmont receives can determine if its students truly have an appreciation for their school.

According to ASB, different events are more popular than others, but Carlmont students still provide the same amount of enthusiasm each year.

Jocson said, “I believe homecoming week is the most important event of the year. Usually, after homecoming, a lot of people have a greater appreciation for Carlmont because of all the inclusive activities, which is what ASB’s main goal is.”

Depending on the individual, a person may be inspired by different experiences in high school and seeing how other students react to spirit events. Some feel that spirit is initiated even earlier than homecoming week.

Sophomore Nicole Turk, a commissioner for Reach Out, said, “Freshman orientation is an important event because it is most people’s first impression of high school. We try to expose them to as much school spirit as we can early on so they are able to continue that spirit to the later incoming students.”

However, one may ask if that spirit carries on throughout the year with just as much energy as it started with. 

Jocson said, “Although homecoming week is only one week, you can still see many students participating in alternative events, such as blood drives and canned food drives. We try to have as many different activities throughout the year so students stay engaged and enjoy the school.”

Despite many activities scattered through the year, the overall spirit level can depend on what types of students are attracted to the activities that are offered.

Turk said, “My commission, which focuses on the English Language Learners and Social Academic Communications programs, definitely helps boost the spirit of more introverted students at Carlmont and of students who usually wouldn’t get involved. I also think that the longer you are at Carlmont, the more comfortable you get in regards to participating in school events.”

Some feel that the best events are those that make a difference.

Koda said, “Sometimes, I think [ASB] would get more support if they’d do more serious matters that people can relate to. I honestly don’t really pay attention unless it’s to support a good cause that can benefit others or show support for people who are struggling.”

These events tend to be more subtle in terms of outgoingness but can still speak loudly for those who are interested in helping a cause. Students who find this appealing might participate in them more because they are not necessarily as extroverted.

Koda said, “I don’t think there’s a difference between those who participate and those who don’t. They’re comfortable with who they are and they’re just choosing to express themselves in ways they see fit for who they are.”

ASB’s goals in the present and for the future are to integrate as many different types of students as possible into various forms of showing spirit.

“We are always looking to incorporate more students into our activities,” said Jocson.

By doing this, they hope to increase levels of participation, but more importantly, to exercise pride for their school and make Carlmont a more enjoyable community to be a part of. By advocating for activities such as joining Screamin’ Scots, donating to food drives, and wearing spirit gear on Fridays, ASB works to encourage Carlmont students in being enthusiastic and making the school unique and fun.

Jocson said, “I strongly believe that Carlmont is one of the most spirited schools in the Bay Area. Go Scots!”