By Sara Jones
Spirit Week at RCHS is always full of energy, but one of the most talked about days this year was Class Compass Day. The idea was simple. Each grade level was assigned a direction. Freshmen took the North, sophomores the East, juniors the West, and seniors the South. What followed was a mix of creative outfits, friendly competition, and a noticeable boost in school spirit.
Walking through the halls, it was easy to spot the different grades. Freshmen dressed in winter gear, with puffy jackets, beanies, and snow themed accessories to represent the North. Some even carried small props like fake snowballs or wore blue and white to match the cold theme. Sophomores, representing the East, leaned into cultural and sunrise inspired outfits, with bright colors and creative patterns. Juniors brought a western vibe for the West, with cowboy hats, boots, and flannel shirts showing up all over campus. Seniors, representing the South, focused on warm weather styles, tropical prints, and beach themed outfits that stood out right away.
The day was not just about dressing up. It also created a sense of competition between grade levels. Many students compared which class showed the most effort and participation. Some grades clearly went all out, while others had more mixed involvement.
Xavier Sneed, a Student Council member, helped organize Spirit Week and explained the goal behind the event. He said the idea was to give each class something unique while still bringing everyone together. According to him, Class Compass Day was meant to encourage creativity and make students feel like they were part of something bigger.
Freshman JJ Bray shared what it was like experiencing Spirit Week for the first time. He said he was not sure what to expect at first, but ended up enjoying it more than he thought. Dressing for the North theme made him feel included, and he noticed how even small efforts helped people connect with each other.
Senior Charvi C had a different perspective after participating in Spirit Week for several years. She said this year felt more organized and that more students seemed willing to participate. For her, dressing for the South theme was not just about the outfit, but also about showing senior pride during one of the last Spirit Weeks before graduation.
Overall, Class Compass Day showed how a simple idea can bring a school together. While there was some competition between grades, the main result was a stronger sense of unity across campus. Students expressed themselves in different ways, but they all took part in the same event. That shared experience is what made the day stand out.
As Spirit Week continues to be a major part of student life at RCHS, events like Class Compass Day show how creativity and participation can shape the school’s culture. Even for students who did not fully dress up, the atmosphere was hard to ignore. It was a reminder that sometimes school spirit is less about winning and more about being involved.
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