How have South High traditions changed or stayed the same over the years?

Throughout the years, some traditions present at South have been kept alive, but have also been revamped. From traditions like Homecoming and Spirit Week to traditions that are special to just seniors, students who are currently attending South and students from the past share some of the traditions that really stuck with them. 

Spanish teacher and South graduate Carly Hampton explains why traditions are important to her.

“I think that they connect the people who are currently here to the people who have already graduated, so it connects people that easily and creates a sense of belonging and community,” Hampton said.

Senior Sarah Fehr says how traditions are important to her as well.

“School traditions are important to me because it gets the school excited and makes me want to go to school,” Fehr said.

One tradition that has existed at South High since the beginning has been Homecoming. Every year South has a unique and fun Homecoming theme with decorations and photo opportunities to share with your friends. Allison MacDonald, current teacher at South and South graduate, helps with planning Homecoming and making Homecoming such a fun night to remember. 

“I love helping plan Homecoming and helping with the winter dance. I love all the Spirit days. I like being involved and I was involved as a student too,” MacDonald said. 

MacDonald explains how some Homecoming traditions have changed.

“So for example, at Homecoming we used to have a parade; each grade level used to make a float and other teams and groups used to walk in it as well. That tradition ended because there wasn’t enough interest in it. So we added the powder puff game, and the color run,” MacDonald said. 

Homecoming isn’t just one night, the whole week leading up to the dance is filled with exciting activities and different things to participate in. Anton Ruiz, a South High English teacher who is also a graduate from South, shares his favorite things about Homecoming week.

“My favorite South tradition is our Homecoming assembly. I love watching the lip syncs, the Step Team, and tug of war,” Ruiz said. “There is a lot going on that week including the Powder Puff game.”

Fehr participates in a lot of the many great traditions at South. Fehr expresses what traditions say about values.

“I think the school’s traditions show that the school values fun and wants us to know learning can be fun,” Fehr said.

Hampton also speaks out on how traditions relate to the school’s values.

“South values support and positivity of other people, lots of traditions for cheering people on at other sports teams, and choir concerts and orchestra concerts, kind of a celebration of the diversity at our school,” Hampton said. 

Some school traditions have also changed, or been lost throughout the years. MacDonald shares a tradition South High has lost. 

“Mr. Patriot was a tradition for about 20 years, we lost interest, not enough guys signed up,” MacDonald said.

Although the traditions of the Homecoming parade and Mr. Patriot have ended at South, some of the other Parkway High Schools still have their own versions of Mr. Patriot. Parkway West still has a Homecoming parade every year as well. 

“I think the essence of being a Patriot has stayed the same. The red, white, and blue enthusiasm will never fade,” Ruiz said.