During Spirit Week, teachers and students participate by dressing according to designated daily themes. The theme for Wednesday, Feb. 19 was inspired by a popular trend circulating on social media: white lie shirts.
This trend originally developed on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and involves individuals wearing plain white T-shirts with amusing and exaggerated statements written on them. On this day, students wore white shirts featuring their own humorous declarations that were meant to be lighthearted and relatable.
Lunchtime events related to the daily themes took place in the courtyard. For White Lie Wednesday, scheduled activities included a game of Two Truths and a Lie with faculty, a fashion show, a photo booth and a table with assorted “white lie cakes:” cakes decorated with phrases like “I hate cake” and “I prefer cupcakes.”
Some students view White Lie Wednesday as a new and creative addition to Spirit Week. Echo Meadows (’25) said it brought variety compared to previous years’ themes.
“I like it a lot. It’s nice to have something new, especially something so creative,” Meadows said. “I think Spirit Week is really fun because we have free dress for a week, but also just to bring the community together to see everyone’s group costumes and what they come up with.”
Tess Hackett (‘31) said it was fun to see everybody’s unique takes on the theme, and that it was an easy spirit theme to dress up for.
“You don’t need to go all out and make it super crazy, you can just buy a white T-shirt and then you’re good, it’s that simple,” Hackett said.
Dean of Culture, Community and Belonging for ninth grade Stephanie Ferri said she thought ‘White Lie Wednesday’ fostered community and promoted interaction.
“I was a little skeptical at first, but I think it’s very funny, and I enjoy reading everybody’s signs or everybody’s shirts. It’s a theme that allows everybody to have a little bit of an individualized, unique display,” Ferri said. “It makes you stop and pause, and interact with somebody. So I like that aspect of it that causes some community experience.”
Student council member Maddie Beaubaire (’25) described how the council selected White Lie Wednesday as a Spirit Week theme.
“We went day by day, and we all pitched in ideas from a list we have. Wednesday’s theme didn’t have any competitors — we liked white lie right away,” Beaubaire said. “I like that we did all the new ones, I think it was creative, especially since we couldn’t do PJ day.”
Meadows reflected on the theme’s impact and said it not only added fun but also helped students build connections.
“This was a really good idea for people to get to know each other, even if you’re in the same grade,” Meadows said. “It’s just like a little fact you get to learn about everyone, no matter how big or small.”
