Tradition is the foundation upon which a certain kind of trust is built, trust in shared history that guides students and teachers alike. Howell students inherit, from tradition, the chance to share a part of school culture with friends and family.
“Traditions have to be organic and authentic,” English teacher Mike Storm said. “They don’t seem to fly when an adult orders it. The best ones have student origins and tend to be all-inclusive.”
Without active participation in a tradition, the value of the moment declines.
At Howell, traditions can emerge in many ways. Student Council runs Spirit Week, DECA sells cookies in the C hallway several days a week, and Storm keeps the tradition of playing music in the English hallway during passing periods on Wednesdays.
“We do a good job already,” STUCO member Vinay Konduru said. “I don’t think it’s the activity we do, but it’s the teachers talking to the students.”
Not only does tradition thrive from connection between students and teachers, but also a connection with the event itself.
“I think students taking ownership of traditions is important,” Social Studies teacher Carl Wayne said. “Teachers or staff can come up with ideas, but unless there is buy-in from the kids, it doesn’t mean as much or take off.” One tradition both Wayne and Storm enjoy is the Golden Helmet.
“I’d like to suggest that more students be recognized,” Storm said. “Let each adult in the building select up to three students to recognize. Some might say that it waters down the award, but what’s wrong with more kids knowing that an adult sees them in a positive light?”
Tradition at Howell isn’t just about the events, celebration, and weekly rituals. It’s a flashback to the people who started them and it’s a reminder of the reasons students have to be proud.
