While the themes of days during Spirit Week may change annually, from Crazy Sock Day in 1982 to Couch Potato Day in 2016, the underlying fun of the week is a longstanding JC tradition.

Every year, JC designates the week leading up to homecoming as “Spirit Week.” Each day of the week has a different theme, this year’s being Couch Potato Day on Monday, Nationality Day on Tuesday, Costume Day on Wednesday, Class Color Day on Thursday, and Black and Gold Day on Friday.

Because the week is meant to be fun and get students excited about homecoming, the memories made during Spirit Week can last a lifetime. Spanish teacher Jessica Nusbaum, class of ‘00, still remembers Spirit Week from when she was a student. One of the themes Nusbaum remembers was a 60s theme. “I think everyone dressed up with enthusiasm for that Spirit Week [day],” Nusbaum said.

While most themes change yearly, one theme that has taken place for many years is class Color Day. On Class Color Day, students dress in the color of their respective grades: freshmen are white, sophomores are red, juniors are blue, and seniors are green.

Not only is Class Color Day another fun day to dress down, but many students find it fun to support their grade level. Brynly Wilson, class of ’14, said that Class Color day was her favorite thing about Spirit Week, especially when she was a senior. “For seniors, it means the last time we all rally together as a class, and it serves as a great bonding experience for everyone,” Wilson said.

Brian Reid, class of ’12, agrees that Class Color Day was the best part of Spirit Week. “I always liked the Class Color Day theme. It never failed to get everyone excited for the Powderpuff game,” he said. Reid also remembers how the classes felt unified on the day.  

The Powderpuff game is another event that has taken place for many years and has created lasting memories for both current students and alumni. Terri Ferguson, class of ‘82, fondly remembers Spirit Week from her high school experience, recalling that Powderpuff for her, “was the best part of the week.” She remembers the boys cheering from the sidelines while the girls wore the varsity football jerseys.

Current junior Grace Hollin enjoyed being able to take part in Powderpuff for the first time this year. “I loved going to the practices every day and I love the energy that [the juniors] had as a team,” she said. Hollin was excited to be able to take part in this tradition at JC. “I think that it is one of the most important traditions. It is such a bonding experience,” Hollin said. She enjoyed playing as the center this year, and is, “so excited for next year.”

In addition to Class Color Day and the Powderpuff game, each year at the end of Spirit Week, there is a pep rally held to get students even more excited about supporting the JC football team for the Homecoming game. “Our pep rally was in the gym at the end of the day and it was absurdly noisy. It’s wonderful that the students show their school pride,” Nusbaum said.  

Ferguson also remembers the pep rallies held while she attended JC. “Each class was assigned to sit in a different section in the gym. The cheerleaders performed, [and] the football team was introduced,” she said.

Over the years, the pep rallies held haven’t changed much. Students still enjoy showing their school pride, and cheering for fellow students and teachers. Freshman Tristen Pattisall enjoyed his first pep rally at JC. “I loved the pep rally. It was my first pep rally, and I had a blast cheering and yelling,” he said.

Each former and current student is glad that JC’s Spirit Week has become such an important tradition. “John Carroll is a school with a large community of people carrying their own alumni pride for the school, parents who are proud to send their students to JC, and many teachers. The memories we all make here over time connect us all,” Nusbaum said.

Taylor Bynion is a Copy Editor of the Patriot and jcpatriot.com.