Given the recent published article addressing the overall lack of school spirit and challenging the efforts of Tribe, we would like to clarify some of the topics discussed. As Manhattan High school fall sports are coming close to postseason and winter homecoming approaches, the school’s pep club –Tribe — works tirelessly everyday to come up with inclusive themes and activities, pep rallies that are fun for everyone, and sports games that are filled with school spirit. However, there are many challenges behind the scenes that most are unaware of.

The school schedule has been changed this year, a decision made by the school board and administrators for Manhattan High, not Tribe. Believe it or not, it is hard to get excited and peppy at 8:30 a.m., and if anyone understands, it is Tribe. After weeks and weeks of planning going into every pep rally, it is disheartening when 0/2,000 students want to participate in games. Additionally, every single game, song and information read must be approved by the school administration, which leads to lack of diversity in our options. The safety and cleanliness of the gym is kept in mind, along with inclusivity of the student body in total, so options like Pie in the Face and Dunk Tank have been suggested and denied by administration due to safety concerns and because the mess created far outweighs the fun.

The participation at pep rallies and football games is lacking. However, everyone who attends those events knows that Tribe members are the first to celebrate, encourage and support our fellow Indians. Criticizing those who work very hard to encourage and raise school spirit is not that way to increase it. Our cheerleaders, yell leaders and Tribe do the best they can given restrictions, inclusivity concerns and lack of responsiveness by the student body. Moving forward, Tribe will include the student body in pep rally planning and try to increase school involvement and input.

The suggestion of a physical mascot oversimplifies a longstanding community conversation, and is a problem that should be taken up with the school board. Tribe has no authority to change long standing Manhattan High traditions like the mascot.

So moving forward… instead of tearing each other down and pointing fingers, let’s band together and support OUR Indians. And as always, the doors to Tribe are always open, so please come ask any questions!

Tribe Officers