For the first time ever, Lockport secured tickets to the IDSA Student Leadership Conference. This meant that me and 19 other students, along with Dr. Green and Dr. Johnson, made their way to Lyons Township to meet with 800 high school students from around the state. As we made our way through the halls of Lyons, there was one common realization: Lockport needs work.

School Spirit is more than just wearing Porter wear on Fridays or cheering at pep rallies; it’s about a sense of pride, connection, and unity among students, staff, and alumni. Unfortunately, Lockport High School struggles with this sense of togetherness, especially when compared to neighboring schools that are practically brimming with school spirit. This lack of energy can affect student engagement, morale and even academic and athletic performance, so, how did Lockport get here, and more importantly, how can we as a school turn things around?

Nearby schools like Lincoln Way East and Oswego East High School have built a reputation for enthusiastic student sections, great participation in school activities and a sense of community within their schools. When talking to other students at the IDSA conference, the Lockport group all immediately noticed just how disappointing the spirit of our school is. I had a great conversation with a girl from Lincoln Way East. She excitedly told me about her favorite school traditions, memories, and activities to participate in. Compared to Lockport, her school overflowed with fun and passion. 

In contrast, school events at Lockport are seriously underwhelming, with poor turnout and minimal enthusiasm. Besides a few football games, game days not only lack the energy that other schools generate effortlessly, but draw very sparse crowds. When’s the last time students decided to show interest in a girls volleyball game or a boys lacrosse match? Even football, our most popular sport for student attendance, feels spiritless and dull most games. The difference lies in the attitudes and traditions that other schools have cultivated over the years, while Lockport fails at trying to create a culture that actively encourages this pride and engagement.

So, how can we achieve better school spirit? It starts with showing up. Showing up is one of the simplest but most impactful ways to garner pride for Lockport. Whether it’s a football game, theater performance or pep rally, attendance and participation creates an atmosphere of unity and pride. Over time, collective engagement like this turns ordinary events into truly meaningful experiences, fostering a lasting and positive school culture that uplifts everyone.

It’s clear that Lockport needs to make some changes if we want to instill school pride that resonates with students, faculty and community. Revitalizing school spirit will take time and commitment, but the benefits are more than worth it. If we boost the attendance and encouragement of school events, we can create a supportive environment where all students feel connected to each other and Lockport. By looking at the schools around us, we can try to learn from their successes and build a spirit of Lockport pride that resonates with generations to come.

In the end, school spirit is not something that happens overnight, but is something we as students can cultivate with each rally, game and event we experience with unity. I urge you all to take your first step toward a spirited Lockport High School. One where students and faculty can confidently say, with pride, “I am a Porter.”