At Juan Diego Catholic High School, students prepare for the week of Sweetheart’s with each day having a different theme to dress up as, a pep rally on Friday, and on Saturday, the Sweetheart’s dance. However, unlike other school dances, where the week of themes is a joyous time, various students aren’t excited and are not even participating in the school activities.
“Personally, I am not a fan of the school dances,” shrugs Emma Carrabba, a freshman at JDCHS, “The last two weren’t my favorite, and especially with this dance coming up, most people probably won’t end up going since its theme is so ‘love-y.’”
Starting February 5th, 2023 a Monday at Juan Diego Catholic High School, the Sweetheart’s activities will commence. Throughout the week, students will have a pajama day, wear matching outfits with a friend for a day, heartbreaker vs. lovestruck, old love, and teal vs. silver outfit day.
Two students, Ava Dalpiaz, and Rylee Osman, both freshmen, agree that “Dressing up without a uniform is so fun, and we’ve loved all the different themes in the past, but for Sweetheart’s week, we’ve noticed that there are repeats from previous spirit weeks, and it would be nice to have something new for a change.”
An exciting yet stressful day awaits on February 9, a Friday. The school’s second pep rally of the year for Sweetheart’s Week.
Nolan Jones, a freshman in student gov. laughs, “I love pep rallies, and love setting up for such a cool event. Students gather and bring all of their school spirits, however, it can always be incredibly stressful when students do not comply with rules or we are behind schedule.”
With lots of engagement in a pep rally comes a minimized spirit for the school’s dance. The next day, a Saturday, the official Sweetheart’s dance will be held. For most dances, this is an awesome time, but because it is known for those with dates, it is a less popular crowd for groups.
“As much as I love all the dances,” Nia Silvestro continues, “the Sweetheart’s dance is way more sudden. Most students become substantially more busy once January hits, with less engagement in school activities after the set day.”
Many students agree with Nia, as schedules are tight, dances become less fun, and Sweetheart’s having a Valentine’s Day theme.
Even with its higher budget, will Sweetheart’s week be nearly as successful as previous spirit weeks?
Many freshmen students this year will not be participating in Sweetheart’s week, because of its repeating themes, couples theme, busy schedules, and a small interest in going to the dance. The week is predicted to go rocky, however, JDCHS always knows how to bring the spirit, and bring all of it.