By Claire Oven
Students in Engadine’s Key Club have noticed a major decline in school spirit as compared to previous years.
During the past few meetings, this subject has become a major topic of discussion. At events where typically there are many in attendance, a small number have chosen to attend. It was most noticeable at the winter formal and at this sport season’s basketball games.
Struggling to determine what the cause for the recent lack of interest in participation, the Key Club could only come up with the fact that school hasn’t been the same since the pandemic. Although the restrictions from the pandemic have finally subsided, students at Engadine are still battling with the effects the lockdown had on them.
“There’s an apathy in not just our students, but students in general concerning school… it’s disappointing to see,” said Debbie DeWyse, the guidance counselor and Key Club supervisor at Engadine Consolidated Schools.
Members of the club discussed ways they could take action and make a difference in the atmosphere of the school. The main goal was to increase the number of students who attend the athletic events that take place throughout the year. Several of the students decided their best option would be to attend a school board meeting and discuss what could be done about the situation.
The teams at Engadine put in insane amounts of effort to succeed with the low numbers that exist within the high school. Having a big student section and members of the community attending the game could certainly raise morale.
Dakota Taylor, Sheyenne Nelson, and Duane Krenek are some of the Key Club members who really wanted to see a change at Engadine. They are also among the few students at Engadine who actually attend school events, especially sports events.
On Wednesday, February 19, the three students went to the board and spoke about the issues occurring. The board is currently addressing the situation and working to find ways to increase school spirit at Engadine.
If the Key Club’s plan proves to be effective, within the next few weeks, the community may see a shift in event participation and willingness from students to cheer on Engadine’s teams.
