Showing Rocky pride is important throughout the school year to show and build community. Community is what holds people together. It shows that family can be found anywhere, and students can be themselves and still be accepted. Finding that in Rocky is not so hard, as most are very welcoming, and it is an overall wonderful community.
A student, Kaleghia Lemmon, explains the welcoming community here at Rocky. She mentions how, “showing pride is important so, as a school, we can be united.” Lemmon agrees that showing pride can lead to more people being united, which in turn, leads to a stronger and more powerful community. Having this is important because it enhances school spirit.
Being involved in different sports and clubs helps to make school spirit increase. For example, Lemmon is involved in “multiple clubs like Student Council, Rotary, and EAC.” These help her to feel connected and involved in Rocky, as an individual who has a voice in the community.
Lemmon stated that, ”Rocky pride makes school more fun, because we’re so diverse, and everyone has a place where they can find a sense of belonging.” This is so important because having it brings students of different backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities together, building and encouraging open-mindedness, empathy, and appreciation for one another.
There are many ways to show Rocky pride, and a way Lemmon shows it is, “Attending games and other school events with spirit wear.” Participating in Spirit Week, as Lemmon mentions, helps her to feel connected to Rocky pride. Lemmon recommends all students to participate in spirit days and attend the sporting events “because it’s a chance to spend time and bond with my community.” Lemmon mentions loving her Rocky family, and this helps her feel a sense of belonging and longing for people, who she has built friendship and family with.
Another student, Gracie James, states her view of Rocky pride, as a student at Rocky involved in the community. James believes that, “Showing Rocky pride is very important. It gets you out of your comfort zone and gets you out there.” Getting out there is very important, as it helps to build, grow, and gain confidence. It could also lead to finding a sense of family and community. As James states, she is a “cheerleader and very dedicated to being involved.” Feeling a closeness with the community of Rocky, James also does a lot more with the school that helps her feel connected like, “being an Avid scholar, I participate in Student Council events, like Rally at the Rock, Spirit Week, Blood Drive, etc. I also get others to be more involved in red and gold.”
James helps others get involved and feel the community she feels when she is participating in school events and activities. Like Lemmon, James suggests students to get more involved in sports, events, and clubs to feel more involved. James mentions that, “Rocky pride is like opening yourself up to a family, somewhere where you’re allowed to be energetic and be yourself.” Finding a community helps anyone find belonging, support, and purpose.
Overall, showing Rocky pride isn’t just about wearing red and gold- it’s about being a part of a community, where no matter who they are, everyone belongs. Getting out there, and building friendships, communities, and families of their own; to find their own people to be around and be a part of something meaningful.
