Photo credit: Nissara Shah

In the courtyard, seniors Elise Kim and Isabella Veckerelli experiment with oobleck-making during lunch. This activity was a part of Spirit week day Thingamaling Thursday.

From Feb. 18-21, the historic courtyard was filled with games, competition, dancing and music. Archer’s annual Spirit Week featured themed days: Tunesday, White Lie Wednesday, Thingamaling Thursday and Festivities Friday. Each day offered students the chance to come together and participate in a variety of activities to celebrate school spirit and creativity. 

Student council and class representatives decided on different activities a couple weeks before Spirit Week began. The executive board planned karaoke, potato-sack-racing, photo booth, water balloon toss and musical chairs.

Every year, Spirit Week culminates with the annual Spirit Dances, which showcase original choreography from each grade level and the faculty. Each class’s dance is judged by a faculty and alumni panel — this year including Anna Entin (’24), Athletics Assistant Madi Witt and English teacher Lauren Sekula — to determine the winner.

Student Body President Rachel Chung (‘25) said she felt excited about Spirit Week and the dances. The week’s events bring the school together Chung said, creating a sense of unity and excitement.

“Spirit Week is a really important time,” Chung said. “It allows students to bond through their outfits and the events, not just within the school but across different grades.” 

Spirit Week allowed students to express their individuality through themed dress. Chung said the themes encourage everyone to  engage in the festivities in their own unique way.  

“It’s also a chance to express our creativity,” Chung said. “From the outfits to the games, Spirit Week encourages everyone to think outside the box and participate in fun, unexpected ways.” 

These friendly rivalries allow students to bond across grade levels, Chung said. Student council executive board member Caroline Collis (‘25) described how Spirit Week brings students closer together while encouraging teamwork and school pride.

“It makes your own grade really, really tighter, because it’s competitive,” Collis said. 

Sekula, who oversees student council, is involved in planning Spirit Week themes.  

“Spirit Week activities are mostly student-led,” Sekula said “This empowers students to take ownership of the event, ensuring a sense of community and involvement from everyone, regardless of their role.”

Spirit Week has become an essential part of Archer’s culture, Sekula said, creating a sense of community and anticipation among students. The tradition is deeply ingrained in the school’s identity. 

“Although we’re competing against each other,” Sekula said, “the goal is to bring joy and fun to our community, and create traditions and memories that people are going to have for a really long time.”