opportunity for improvement is school dances—an important part of student life that has the potential to bring everyone in the Minnehaha community together and create experiences worth remembering. Many students have noticed a growing interest in school spirit over the past few years. “I have definitely seen an increase in school spirit,” s a i d senior Alex Salo. “I see more people attending sporting events.” First-year Harrison Kuefluer is experiencing this increase as a new student at the Upper School. His first impressions at Minnehaha have been great in terms of school spirit. “The back-to-school dance and the football games have been very fun,” said Kuefler. “It’s been a great way to kick off high school.” Students also report that going to athletic events and theater productions makes student life more fun and unique. “Going to all the sporting events and plays definitely makes student life more fun,” said sophomore Evan Jordan. “It’s something to be able to do with your friends.” Aside from all of this praise, there are also events that are not as highly attended, creating negative stereotypes, particularly around dances. School dances are meant to be fun and are a time to make memories with your friends. From going to dinner before the dance to fun hangouts after, the only thing left to talk about is the actual dance itself. There are three dances each year that every grade is invited to. There are many pros and cons to all, but the fan favorite seems to be the Back to School Dance. From vibrant colors to fun and energetic music, the student body gets very energetic and excited for that dance. Many students say the backto- school dance is successful due to the fact that all grade levels participate in it. “The back-to-school dance is very fun,” said sophomore Mara Fielder. “The upperclassmen get into it and include younger kids, which makes it fun for all grades.” The two other dances, which are Homecoming and Sno Daze, do not compare to the high bar that is set by the first mixer. Many students agree that the before and after hangouts are fun, but the dances do not share the same energy as the back-to-school dance. Students think that a reason the Homecoming dance and Sno Daze are not as popular is because the older grade levels do not show up, which then sets that example for the underclassmen. Junior Eva Affeldt thinks that what makes dances special is everyone participating and not acting too good or cool to come. “Dances are more fun with everyone leaning into it,” said Affeldt. “Many students think the dance is lame or think they are too cool to come.” In researching other high school dances, many people have seen more of an energetic environment when students include all grades and set a standard that makes the younger age groups want to follow. Students think that unique locations, music, and themes of the dance could add more excitement to them. Furthermore, some students thought that the dances were too lengthy and that recommended they should be shortened. Julie Johnson, who runs all the dances, said she has seen a decline in people staying as long. “It depends year to year on the leadership of the senior class,” said Johnson. “They often make it so that other people are also interested.” One thing that is yet to be determined this year is the dance that takes place during the winter months. Currently, there is talk about bringing back an old dance called Sadie Hawkins – eliminating Sno Daze as a whole. “With a new dance comes new interest,” said Johnson “That would help people get more excited about the dance.” In all, recently there has been much excitement about the fun things going on across MA that have made it a very unique and great place. Even though many people don’t think the dances are great, there seem to be many great ideas to make great memories. Students agree that it would be great if we could get students from all grades committed to going to the dances and making it a great time.