Dances Disappear as Student Interest Depletes
Lack of interest from the student body serves as a crucial factor in deciding the elimination of events
By Isabella Wight
Lack of interest from the student body serves as a crucial factor in deciding the elimination of events
By Isabella Wight
Following Leadership’s confirmation that Homecoming and Prom will be the only two dances this year, the declining amount of school-sponsored rallies and events have caused alumni teachers and students to fear for the future lack of school spirit on campus.
This is in part due to the students’ lack of interest and attendance. For students and staff alike, these events are one of the most important parts of creating a sense of unity around campus. However, moving forward it may damage the school’s inclusivity and spirit.
For years, Pioneer hosted the annual Sadie Hawkin’s dance. The non-formal event was known for the tradition of girls asking boys to the dance. Activities Director Michelle Mayhew claims the dance was removed because of its gender and sexual exclusivity.
“The only reason we eliminated Sadie’s was because we felt like it was culturally insensitive and it wasn’t inclusive enough for our students,” said Mayhew.
English teacher and alumna Beth Stafford has noticed the lack of dances when compared to her experience years ago at Pioneer.
“When I started teaching here about 11 years ago, we had a renaissance rally. It honored students for certain grade point averages, but also other achievements as well. I loved that event. I also feel Pioneer used to be more spirited in general, like more students participating in dress up days,” said Stafford.
Indeed, as Pioneer ages, the student body’s interest in dances has continued to decrease. According to Espiritu, the choice to lower the amount of annual dances was a direct result of leadership students gathering opinions from members of the student body. When asked what events they would like to see, students expressed less of an interest in dances. Math teacher Eric Perry believes that disagreements among groups have resulted in abrupt cancellations of dances.
“I think leadership events have changed a bit because of how it seems that more and more groups get upset with things. When people try to do something and another group gets upset, instead of trying to sit down and talk things out, it’s just canceled. I think that’s just because people are afraid to make people angry,” said Perry. “It’s tough to say you want something back, because unfortunately, you have to worry about offending people. I think one of the things that I always thought was really cool here was a carnival. They would actually have a carnival company come and do rides and stuff in the back of campus, it was pretty cool.”
Every year, the leadership class changes and so does the student body. With different people come different views and opinions. For Nayanika Bhattacharya, 9, leadership needs to focus on inclusivity.
“I think they should be more inclusive. So kids who have a bit of trouble at more social events can feel more welcomed,” said Bhattacharya.
Special education teacher Scott Rudolph thinks that these events help strengthen the community and give students a chance to socialize and meet new people while unifying the student body.
“When I was in high school, Pioneer was your crew,” said Rudolph. “I think these kinds of dances and events help form the collectiveness of your class or your school, which I think is important.”
This is in part due to the students’ lack of interest and attendance. For students and staff alike, these events are one of the most important parts of creating a sense of unity around campus. However, moving forward it may damage the school’s inclusivity and spirit.
For years, Pioneer hosted the annual Sadie Hawkin’s dance. The non-formal event was known for the tradition of girls asking boys to the dance. Activities Director Michelle Mayhew claims the dance was removed because of its gender and sexual exclusivity.
“The only reason we eliminated Sadie’s was because we felt like it was culturally insensitive and it wasn’t inclusive enough for our students,” said Mayhew.
English teacher and alumna Beth Stafford has noticed the lack of dances when compared to her experience years ago at Pioneer.
“When I started teaching here about 11 years ago, we had a renaissance rally. It honored students for certain grade point averages, but also other achievements as well. I loved that event. I also feel Pioneer used to be more spirited in general, like more students participating in dress up days,” said Stafford.
Indeed, as Pioneer ages, the student body’s interest in dances has continued to decrease. According to Espiritu, the choice to lower the amount of annual dances was a direct result of leadership students gathering opinions from members of the student body. When asked what events they would like to see, students expressed less of an interest in dances. Math teacher Eric Perry believes that disagreements among groups have resulted in abrupt cancellations of dances.
“I think leadership events have changed a bit because of how it seems that more and more groups get upset with things. When people try to do something and another group gets upset, instead of trying to sit down and talk things out, it’s just canceled. I think that’s just because people are afraid to make people angry,” said Perry. “It’s tough to say you want something back, because unfortunately, you have to worry about offending people. I think one of the things that I always thought was really cool here was a carnival. They would actually have a carnival company come and do rides and stuff in the back of campus, it was pretty cool.”
Every year, the leadership class changes and so does the student body. With different people come different views and opinions. For Nayanika Bhattacharya, 9, leadership needs to focus on inclusivity.
“I think they should be more inclusive. So kids who have a bit of trouble at more social events can feel more welcomed,” said Bhattacharya.
Special education teacher Scott Rudolph thinks that these events help strengthen the community and give students a chance to socialize and meet new people while unifying the student body.
“When I was in high school, Pioneer was your crew,” said Rudolph. “I think these kinds of dances and events help form the collectiveness of your class or your school, which I think is important.”