Tradition: Time to Start a New One?

According to several online dictionary sources, a tradition is “the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another” and can be over a long period of time or a relatively brief period of time.

The “tradition” of throwing toilet tissue throughout the trees, lawns, etc. on Main Street in Kingman the Thursday evening before the fall homecoming game is one “tradition” that should be examined. This is NOT a sanctioned activity of the school, yet the school, police, and others will be asked to get it stopped or sanction or punish the students if it does not stop. Students need and desire activities to show school spirit, act a little crazy, and have some fun. The question is; is this activity (the current tradition) the best way to show that school spirit? I don’t know how long, but the paper hazing has been done for quite a few years now and some community members sanction it as appropriate, but has everyone considered the harm it may do to others? There are many who happen to live on Main Street who object, and they have the right to do so; it’s their property. What about those elderly who live there? What about those who take a great amount of pride in their lawns and yards? I know that there are school groups who go out and clean up the next day or weekend after, but it usually takes a few weeks before it’s all cleaned up or the tissue blows away. Is it time to make a change in “tradition?”

I received several suggestions from those who would like to see a change that include getting a junk car that students could take turns banging with a sledgehammer or to display spirit signs and place them in the front yards of those property owners who would allow it. The idea behind the signs is they would provide a steady display of spirit as the opponent enters town on game day. KHS students have access to graphic arts and others supplies where students could produce great signs and there could be class competitions. The above are two ideas submitted to me by patrons who would like to see the current tradition changed.

My suspicion is there are a significant number (maybe a silent majority) in the community who do not support the current tradition (tissue) and would like to see it changed. My plea is students, parents, and other community members consider the property owners and consider another means of showing school spirit. By coming together and working together, I believe a new “tradition” could be just as spirit-filled and fun without creating a blemish on a student body that actively participate in numerous community service activities and are a great asset to the community. We have nearly a year so let’s try to move forward and consider starting a new “tradition” together.