On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the campus of John Dewey High School transformed into a vibrant festival of color, music, and community as students and staff came together for the school’s annual Spirit Day.
With blue skies overhead and music booming across the front yard of John Dewey High School, students flocked to the lawn to enjoy food, games, and a chance to relax before regents or final exams. Picnic blankets covered the grass as friend groups lounged under trees, soaking in the sunshine and good vibes.
“This is honestly my favorite day of the year,” said senior Jason Liu. “It’s like one last big memory before we graduate. “I brought snacks, a blanket, and a volleyball.”
Spirit Day featured obstacle courses, a teacher dunk tank, and live music that kept energy levels high. Lines formed quickly for the bounce houses and inflatable games, with laughter and cheers filling the air. Students were encouraged to bring cash for snacks that would be sold by different booths operated by some of Dewey’s clubs and sports teams. “Spirit Day is a day when students can relax after taking the AP Exams,” said math teacher Mr. Wong.
A variety of some of the popular inflatables available to students during Spirit Day, such as the ladder and sticky wall.
As you walk around enjoying Spirit Day, your ears are graced by the tunes of Mr. Antonucci, who is our schools resident DJ.
However, this year Mr. Antonucci gave the opportunity to an up and comer to the mixing table.
Sophomore Joshua Pack, aka DJ Circles, was given two separate sets to showcase the skills he’s garnered as a rising star in Dewey’s collaboration with Project PIVOT.
Speaking about the experience, DJ Circles said that “It was a great experience being a DJ for an event like this, especially this being my first time. I was nervous at first, but once I saw everyone vibing to the way I was DJing it was cool”.
DJ Circles was such a hit that he received two sets- the first being an hour and a half, and the second being another hour.
Under colorful banners and balloons, students played volleyball, posed for selfies, and took part in raffles and giveaways. Spirit Day gives the entire school a chance to connect and show off their JDHS pride.
Mr. Ahmed and a club member dressed as Steve drew large crowds of students and staff to their booth.
One of the biggest attractions for this year was the dunk tank. Where students have a chance to dunk their favorite or worst faculty members. “This is the only time where you can throw things at a teacher and not get in trouble”, said senior Vincent Chen.
Spirit Day also features various foods and desserts like hamburgers, hot dogs, and the trending Dubai chocolate in brownie form sold by the Key Club for three dollars a piece.
Emergency medical students from the Pre-Med academy are on standby during the festivities just in case a student suffers an injury, or has an allergic reaction.
With only a few weeks left of the school year, Spirit Day reminded everyone at John Dewey High School that beyond the grades, exams, and deadlines, school spirit and community matter too.
