With color day being just around the corner, a question arises of whether or not West Essex still has as much school spirit as it might have had in previous years.

Mr. Humes, a certified veteran at West Essex, has been a science teacher at West Essex for 15 years. In his opinion “it is about the same” as it ever was. West Essex has recently added new rules to maintain a safe and efficient school, “things needed to become stricter and although even though the spirit was probably more then, the students were out of control.” “It’s a different time and kids are different, that’s all the difference,” Said Humes.

Another Man with some West Essex stripes is Mr. Macioci, a previous athletic director, and a current assistant principal at West Essex. Mr. Macioci has worked at the high school for 10 years.

“We have an enthusiastic and well-rounded student body,” said Macioci. “No I don’t think our school is any less spirited because I roam the halls every day, I go to the extracurricular activities, I go to the different athletic events and I think that our students have school spirit.”

To help enthusiasts everyone to participate in spirit week, “I think the new peer leadership program will help the freshman to be more engaged in school events” said Macioci “There are many different activities involved and this really helps students adjust and connect with other students they can relate to.”

Students of varied grades have had various different reactions to the question of whether or not their grade was “spirited”. “No, absolutely not,” said junior Joe Masini who had clear feelings about this. “I don’t really care”.

Whereas sophomore and freshmen are taking a more enthusiastic approach to the pep rally. “Yes, I care about school spirit!” said freshman Anna Debrenzi, “it is more fun to be spirited”.

Seniors, on the other hand, are confident that their grade has the most school spirit, others disagree. “I think overall school spirit is hyped up, I don’t really see any genuine school spirit from anyone here, only during spirit week,” said senior Jenna Lentz.  Whereas senior Teresa Antunes disagrees. “West Essex is great with school spirit,” says Antunes “I am a cheerleader and I see it first hand”.

Whether it’s spirit week or just weekly football games, deciding if West Essex consists of a spirited student body is a controversial topic. School spirit is only as great as the students allow it to be, so do what you can to show your West Essex pride!