“New” traditions can mirror those from the past. And while times may have changed, the goal remains the same: To create a sense of belonging, connection, and school spirit. Two 2022-2023 school year initiatives are aimed at generating more school spirit across the divisions.

Spirit Squad

Students initiated the creation of the Spirit Squad, which made appearances at the Junior/Senior Football Game and Swamp Night festivities. The group will appear in the spring, too. Dr. Sharron Russell, who coached Shipley’s cheerleading squad in the ’90s is once again the group’s advisor.

Class Colors

Head of School Michael Turner unveiled class colors—five of them, one assigned to each grade and shared across the three divisions—at the first All School Assembly of the year. The initiative was meant to create connection between classes. At the Swamp Night Pep Rally, older students cheered on their younger purple teammates in a series of fun challenges. The tradition is not entirely new. Until the ’80s, there was great fanfare surrounding the annual unveiling of the senior class colors, found on class banners and “beanies” or senior caps, and with each graduating class sporting a distinct hue.