Elementary spirit games have been a part of the Northland culture for a long time and for good reason too. While one may expect these celebrations to be a “miniature” pep rally, they likely could be even more exciting than the high school/middle school pep rallies. At each spirit game, one grade leads the show, so one week 5th graders could be playing the games, and the next week it could be Mrs. Wiley’s 2nd grade class. This time, 5th graders played the games while the other students cheered them on from the bleachers. Parents are invited to come to many events at Northland, but at the spirit games they are everywhere. Coach Martin and Coach Abt play a huge role in making sure the events are organized, and of course, that everyone has fun.

The games are very nostalgic for many because they have been hosted for many years. Northland alumni and high school students remember these games as a time of joyous celebration among the student body. Samantha Hearn and May Dorsey attended the pep rallies as students when they were in elementary school and she they have fond memories of the games. Samantha Hearn says, “We used to eat popcorn and then sit on the balcony upstairs and watch.” May Dorsey says, “When we yelled at the beginning of the spirit games.”

Last week, the students competed in bowling, and one game the students played with a giant ball in a game of volleyball. The classes go against each other. For instance, Mr. Shives versus Mrs. Laprarie or Mrs. Malm versus Mrs. Moores. On October 24, 4th grade is scheduled the play the spirit games.