Cougars get creative to show school pride during Spirit Week

If there is one thing that students at North Providence High School have, it is spirit. This statement is illustrated by the large number of students who participated in the events of Spirit Week, which commenced Oct. 19 and ended Oct. 24, with Homecoming.

Every year, the senior class officers decide upon themes for the days of the week. This year, Monday was Red, White, and Blue Day, Tuesday was Famous Duo Day, Wednesday was Circus Day, Thursday was Character Day, and Friday was Blue and Gold Day.

On their morning commutes, citizens of the town may have noticed students driving to school, dressed in peculiar outfits. This is because there is no "norm" during this popular week; students take full advantage of the fact that they are given permission to wear costumes and snap photographs in the hallways. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes each day, so the outfits are quite detailed. Sophomore Ashley Alardi said, "It was fun to see everyone's style and creativity."

Monday, the halls were filled with Uncle Sams, Miss Americas, and military figures. Tuesday brought Glinda and the Wicked Witch, Ketchup and Mustard, Sonny and Cher, and a slew of other clever icons.

On Wednesday, students embraced their creative sides. Circus Day was a new addition this year, and it was met with enthusiasm. Students and teachers dressed as cotton candy, clowns, animals, ringleaders, trapeze artists, and animal tamers.

Alardi said this was the best day. "I dressed as a bag of popcorn and handed out bags of popcorn to everyone in my classes."

Thursday, too, was a creative day. Superheroes and villains prowled the school, along with celebrities, cartoon and pop culture characters. And Friday, the traditional school colors day, featured thousands of students in blue and gold attire, complete with ribbons and face paint.

It also brought a pep rally in the newly renovated gymnasium. Members of the fall sports teams were announced, and the captains were introduced as well. Both the dance team and cheerleading team performed, as did the band, and the energy and pride that radiated from the sea of blue and gold (in other words, the bleachers), was astounding.

There were several other events that took place during this fun week, including Spirit Night, which was held on Thursday. Students don their blue and gold clothing, and participate in a battle-of-the-classes championship.

The energy was high, the music was loud, and the spirit was contagious. It is a classic North Providence High School rite of passage, and this year's Spirit Night did not disappoint.

Saturday, too, brought excitement. There was a homecoming breakfast for the community, followed by the annual homecoming football game. This year, the weather was a bit unpredictable, but the bleachers were crowded with eager fans nonetheless.

The Cougar boys faced the Providence Country Day Knights, and defeated them 36-28.

The winners of the homecoming court and the king and queen were announced.

The winners were freshmen Joel Diaz and Christine Arena, sophomores Sophie Beron and Brett Crandell, and juniors Sophia Nunez and Darrance Pena.

The senior homecoming court consisted of Ryan Hunt and Stephanie Valencia, Robert Castellucci and Adrianna Ciampanelli, and king and queen Zachary Murphy and Elizabeth Capraro.

Town dignitaries presented the awards in a traditional ceremony on the football field, and the winners were very excited.

In essence, this past week was the epitome of the high school experience. Good friends, lots of laughs, and above all, school spirit.