Some people say that too much emphasis is put on school spirit in regard to sports in high school. It seems that, according to cheerleaders, athletes, and most of the student body, school spirit consists of attending sports events, supporting teams, and yelling at early morning pep rallies. But this is not the only part of school spirit.

School spirit is caring about the school and how other people see it. It is wanting everyone to know that you think Maine West is the best school and that everyone else who goes there feels the same.

School spirit is keeping the cafeteria clean, voting for the best Student Council representative, and following the dress code without too much grumbling.

School spirit is caring enough about your school to support activities other than sports. It is giving to the T.B. drive and buying your yearbook early.

It is easy to support an athletic team; everybody does at one time or another. It takes more interest to give up one day's lunch money for charity or put a suggestion that you really believe in, in the Student Council suggestion box.

Students complain that they take no interest in the school because there are no interesting events. If they think back, they will realize that there have been quite a few events canceled because of lack of participation.

The solution to the problem lies only in the student body. No amount of screaming, yelling, or dances can make someone appreciate his school. There is little that class councils, Pep Council, or Student Council can do if the students just do not care. Students should reexamine their ideas on school spirit and try to appreciate their school.