Spirit Week is always a range of positive and negative emotions. Some people go all out every day, while others don’t participate at all. Personally, I tend to toe the line, but I do have a great appreciation for those who do really go for it.

We always start the week off with Pajama Day, which is a bit of a warm up into wearing unusual clothes for the rest of the week. Pajama Day is followed by Twin Day on Tuesday, when most people plan ahead and match outfits with a friend or two or five.

Wayback Wednesday is next, which is the Spirit Day with the biggest spectrum of participation. Some people wear their usual clothes, while others are in full flapper dresses or have their hair gelled into mohawks.

Thursday is Class Color day, a day where each grade wears a singular color, ranging from seventh graders is yellow to seniors in black. Wearing black as a senior is a right of passage at Whitney Young where the seniors conduct a “Blackout.” During a Blackout, the seniors run around and dance. This is an opportunity to have a wild, free moment amidst the utter chaos that is college apps.

That Friday includes a pep rally during school and a game after school. Although this day may be very hectic for some, but it’s also a favorite among students.
Mikayla Ballard, ‘20 said “My favorite spirit day is school spirit day because I’m in Pep Band and I really like playing in the pep rally with my Band family.”

Homecoming Week is pulled together by the homecoming dance at the Whitney Young gym on Saturday night. Student Council puts a lot of work into making that night, along with the week as a whole, fun for the students.

Fernando Lobato, ‘21 said “My favorite part would have to be how I was able to hang with my friends, they really made the game and dance special and I’m so thankful for them.”

Spirit Week is filled with energy from the students and feels differently special every year.