How Does Grace Show School Spirit?
Media provided by Abby G. ‘26
On Monday, Sept. 29, Grace Church High School kicked off the 2025 Spirit Week with a pajama day. Some showed up in their comfiest attire, but although many posters surrounded the school, most of the student body did not participate in the first day of this supposedly spirit-filled week.
On the second day of Spirit Week, some students pulled out their most fashionable decades’ clothes; even some teachers, such as Mr. Al-Maq, participated. However, the majority of students did not follow their assigned year and chose to wear their usual clothes.
Friday, Oct. 3, marked the final day of Spirit Week, and Grace broke the pattern. At the highly anticipated pep rally, many students enthusiastically participated, some spelling out “G.R.A.C.E” on their arms and faces with blue and white face paint while wearing blue from head to toe. Teachers also wore their favorite Grace merchandise while prepping for the upcoming events. To get students excited for the pep rally, the Parents Administration set up blue tube men, provided students with delicious treats, and decorated the lobby with blue and silver streamers.
Although many students were not eager to participate in the first two days of Spirit Week, they went all out for the Spirit Day pep rally. Thus, the question arose: “Does Grace Church really have school spirit?”
“I think we have spirit,” said Elena C. ‘27. She mentioned seeing pride during the plethora of House Competitions, although many students were “cheering for [their] distinct teams.” Elena agreed that Grace students become extremely excited during events such as the pep rally, which encourages people to support our teams and attend games.
Responding enthusiastically to the question of whether Grace has school spirit, Ava M. ‘26 said, “Oh yes of course, so much! You can feel it in the community through posters that encourage spirit.” Ava also noted that “teachers also seem very community-oriented” during house games and spirit days.
Sebby P. ‘27, an avid attendee of many varsity and junior varsity volleyball games, claims he “personally embodies the Grace spirit” by creating chants, bringing signs, and cheering “as loud as possible.” When asked about supporting the other teams, such as soccer or tennis, he said he would attend more soccer games, but they are “extremely difficult to get to” without a fan bus being provided.
More people would go to faraway games, such as tennis, soccer, and track, if there were a way to get there. For the soccer homecoming games, the school provides buses to encourage students to support the teams alongside the cheerleaders.
This year’s Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer games were against The Trevor Day School on Saturday at Randall’s Island. Lila W. ‘27, a Varsity Cheerleader, saw many more Trevor fans than Grace fans. However, she noted that many Grace parents were cheering on their kids, and other athletes from other Grace sports teams took the fan bus.
At the pep rally, students filled the gym, waving their pom-poms, adorned in bright blue boas. They were greeted by the school’s very own griffin mascot and loud music. As the athletic teams took their spots on the bleachers, you could feel the excitement. The crowd, teachers, and administrators, cheered loudly for the latest achievements and, of course, to appreciate Coach Knight. While the cheerleaders were performing, you could hear people cheering for their friends throughout the entire routine. As Eduardo P., the Student Body Leader, called each team to the center of the gym, the cheers got louder. Chants, dances, and skits were performed as the teams took the spotlight. Finally, the teachers ended the rally with a bang by executing an impressive flash mob.
School spirit at Grace is demonstrated through the dedication of the school’s athletes, coaches, fans, and parents, who show up for their teammates, peers, and friends. Although opting out of participating during theme days, students show up when it counts, demonstrating that Grace has spirit, even if it is only covered in blue and screaming for one day.
India B. ‘27 is a Staff Writer for The Grace Gazette.