The difference between what high school was, and what high school now is, brings a saddening realization that “school spirit” has become transparent. Welcome to the judgmental age of high school. With people so worried about what they are perceived as, school spirit has fallen into a no longer relevant category. High school was fast paced, memorable and crazy. Now a days it has maintained the fast pace, but lacks everything else. Some students lead their student body with pride and spirit, but do they realize what can be done? Or do they simply make sure what is being done keeps getting done. As a distinguished high school, we as students and faculty need to bring back the hulatious rallies, creative traditions, and the feeling of involvement. When we get every student to feel like they are contributing toward our high schools success, that is when we have truly become distinguished.
Ask anybody over 35 what their alma mater is. Most will sing a short song praising their high school. Some will just think back to school rallies and football games, and then smile. Everyone knows or at one time knew their alma mater. It meant something to a student. It was a symbol of respect and admiration of the school they attended. We need to be reminded what it means to not just go to high school, but to be a part of our high school.
Tom Oakley and Andrew Elia are both former Pitman graduates. They left a mark on PHS which will forever be embedded on our graduating class’s brochure. The words which represent our school’s pride and excellence with a musical tone are only seen on the back of a brochure once a year. It’s not read or even mentioned. The Alma Mater of Pitman High School exists. And it’s hard to find a student who knew that.
“Hail to thee PitmanHigh School.
Yours our hearts shall be.
To your good we pledge our service
And our loyalty.
As your loyal sons and daughters
Strive we to excel.
In our work and Pride and honor
Thus your praise to tell.”
Do we dare question our current predicament? Or ignore the significant evolution of high school. Which class of students will rise to the occasion? Ignoring others to help others means, not caring about what your peers think about you and set the example for others to follow your bravery and leadership. It’s time to take back our pride, but it takes all of us. Teachers, students and all faculty need to work together to make this difference. This bond we have is close, but we need to be inseparable. Let us stand as one; our journey here has just begun. Let us stand tall and proud. Let us be loud. Let us roar while others hide. Let us ROLL PRIDE.