From Feb. 23 to Feb. 27, the Archie Williams Associated Student Body (ASB) organized its annual winter-themed spirit week leading up to Friday’s Winter Formal. The week featured snow-decorated hallways and spirit days including “Groutfit” Day, Twin Day, Jersey Day, Bundled-Up Day, and Class Colors Day. Students and staff joined spirit days with enthusiasm, fueling anticipation for the rally and dance.
The winter formal spirit week began on Monday with Groutfit Day, which encouraged students to dress head-to-toe in grey. The majority of participants wore sweatpants and hoodies, bringing the comfort from the week off back onto campus with them.
Junior ASB member Hazel Hovey enjoyed dressing up and easing back into school comfortably.
“[Groutfit Day] was easy for students to be involved in, and they were able to participate without planning that much ahead,” Hazel said. “I think it was a great way to start the week and build anticipation for the rest to come.”
The second day of spirit week came in sets of two with the theme Twin Day. The ASB encouraged students to come to school dressed in matching outfits to show their school spirit. Whether it was matching jerseys or color-coordinated outfits, students and staff mirrored each other around campus.
Freshman Lily Schnell dressed up for Twin Day by wearing the same leggings and hoodie as three of her friends. She enjoys Twin Days because they’re fun and simple. Although she is unable to attend Winter Formal, these spirit days still got her excited for the rally and spirit days to come.
“I chose to [participate in] this spirit day because it was super fun and easy, and my friends and I have lots of similar clothes. This is always my favorite spirit day, and I love matching with my friends,” Lily said.
On Wednesday, students showcased Archie Williams pride and Bay Area spirit by wearing jerseys from professional and school teams. ASB also organized a student-staff basketball game in the main gym, highlighting the spirit theme.
Sophomore ASB member Chris Tomlin wore his Warriors jersey and tied the Jersey Day theme to the rally and winter formal.
(Gabi Rode)
“Since the rally has a theme that includes the Winter Olympics, and they are a big part of pop culture right now, our jerseys represent that we were part of a very athletic team,” Chris said.
On the fourth day, the 70-degree weather made Bundled Up Day difficult for students to participate in, so the overall spirit lacked the same enthusiasm seen earlier in the week.
Freshman Eric Goldyak did not participate in Bundled Up Day, as the warm weather made it difficult for him to dress up for the theme. He believes many people choose comfort over school spirit.
“It’s just really hot out to be wearing a jacket and scarves all day. I think more people would’ve participated if it felt more like winter,” Eric said.
On the final day of spirit week, “Northern Lights: Class Colors Day,” students buzzed with excitement as they got ready for the rally. The class colors represented the northern lights, with freshmen in purple, sophomores in green, juniors in blue, and seniors in pink.
The rally built anticipation for the dance later that night, with classic Falcon games and an Archie Williams Dance Troupe performance. Student volunteers from each grade participated in the games, including a hockey shootout and finish-the-lyrics, which Peer Resource and ASB organized.
On Friday at 7 p.m., the Winter formal dance concluded an exciting week for Falcons. Although winter is ending, the prom spirit week, rally, and dance will occur this upcoming May.
