By Katie Rosenberger (September 20, 2002)

Over the past weekend, many George Mason students attended the annual SCA (Student Council Association) retreat. As always, a major discussion topic on the group’s agenda focused on the events of GM’s upcoming spirit week, the week before Homecoming. Although they had a lot of planning to do, thanks to their efforts, students have much to look forward to this year.
 

These three clearly have zoot suit madness and the only cure will  be for them to attend the Homecoming dance on Sept. 28th.  Left to right are Andrea Suarez, Michael Miller and Rabit Aziz.  (Photo by Steve Gould)

Every year at the retreat, members of each class select a theme for their grade’s spirit day. On that day, grades are rewarded with spirit points based upon their number of participants. Students from all grades can gain points for their class on each spirit day, so be sure to go through your closet and find as many theme-related outfits as possible.

The hall decorating contest, where members of each class decorate a hallway in the school with their chosen theme; the pep rally; and the kickball and powderpuff football games are other ways for classes to gain those much-needed spirit points. The grade with the most points at the end of the week receives the much sought-after title of "Most Spirited Class," a source of tremendous pride for many Mason students.

Anyone who has ever been a part of George Mason’s spirit week has seen the fierce rivalry between students in all grades. This year, however, the battle of the classes has also turned into a battle of the decades. From Swing Day to Hip Hop Day, Mason students have virtually every decade of the 20^th century covered.

On Monday, members of the freshmen class will show their spirit with Oldies Day, while the sophomores represent with Hip Hop Day on Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon, these two classes have another chance to settle their dispute when they square off in an intense kickball game after school at 2:55.

Juniors turn out for Disco Day on Wednesday, and on Thursday the seniors will show them how it’s really done with Swing Day. Spirit week culminates with Friday’s traditional Red and White Day, where all classes unite to show their Mustang pride. At 4:00 on Friday afternoon, the senior class will have another chance to prove their dominance over the juniors in the annual powderpuff football game. Friday evening in the gym, the grades will all gather together for a pep rally to support the football team and participate in some fun and friendly competition between the grades.

The pep rally represents one last attempt for students to gain points for their class. Members of each grade will participate in the traditional pep rally pie eating contest, tug of war, arm wrestling match, and of course, the yelling contest between the grades – the Mason Shout-Out. This year, however, the Pose-Off is being replaced with a Karaoke contest, which promises to be a very exciting addition to the pep rally lineup. Students who attend the rally can also look forward to performances by the George Mason cheerleaders and dance team.

Although spirit week is fun, Saturday’s Homecoming game and dance are the true reasons for spirit week. At 2:00 on the George Mason football field, the Mustangs will play their annual Homecoming game against Goochland. This is also when the Homecoming king and queen will be announced, so come out and watch the football team and our king and queen bring pride to their school.

Saturday evening at 8:00 is the Homecoming dance. The theme, chosen by the senior class, is "Zoot Suit Riot," and the seniors have some excellent surprises in store for everyone who attends. The Mustang Café will be elegantly transformed into a 1940’s swing hall, and all those in attendance are promised an excellent and memorable time.

Homecoming week has always been an experience of unity and pride for Mason students, but this year looks to be one of the best in George Mason history. Help to make this week memorable and fun for all, and look forward to trying to redefine the words ‘Mustang Spirit.’

Be sure to check out Lasso Online for spirit week and Homecoming updates and coverage throughout the week.