As the second semester gets underway, Principal Mrs. Meg Dunneback revealed the motto for the spring semester of 25-26 school year: Are You Going? The goal is to amplify school spirit by encouraging attendance at school-related events.

“Over break, I was thinking why won’t these kids show up at stuff?” said Dunneback.

Packing the stands has been a growing issue among all extracurricular activities at Marist, but it is lacking something important – the student body.

“We’re still not as connected as we could be. High school is quick and you have to take advantage of it,” said Dunneback. “In high school you start to bloom and blossom, find your friends, and then it’s over.”

Students have a great selection of events they can attend, which includes being able to watch some of the top-ranked high school teams in the state. 

Other students might find entertainment from the Marist Theater Guild or a concert from the famous Marist Band. Moreover, students can also attend the debate team, math team, and academic team meets.

“We have a lot of successful, really talented kids doing things at this school, and we just have kids who say, ‘whatever,’” says Dunneback.

Dunneback blames the problem, in part, on cell phones.

“The phones impact our attitudes, our lack of connection…You do feel better when you’re with your friends,” says Dunneback. “It’s about connection, it’s about being together, it’s about coming together as a school.” 

Dunneback hopes this saying helps students set aside their devices, get out of their homes, and be more involved as RedHawks. 

“This time is precious and you should spend it with each other,” she said.