by Ellie Johnson
As Lee’s Summit West steps into its 20th year of continuance, staff and students are finding new ways to encourage traditions and embracing titan pride.
Student Senate Vice President Lacey Bishop said the club’s goal this year is to encourage students to participate in all the fun activities that high school offers. While the fall assembly often performs with low attendance, the combined work of the Senate and Administration proved they aren’t afraid to change traditions.
“Recently, for our prep rally we had pom poms that we handed out to the classes, so they could get involved more,” Bishop said. “We had the 12th Man come out,” which has never previously happened before, “and they got the entire crowd hyped up.”
The newfound partnership between the 12th Man and new LSW Activities and Athletics Director Jim Oliver has proved prominent within the sports field. 12 has been featured reading Oliver’s “Titan Committed” speech before Friday night football games, reminding students, parents, and players to keep in mind sportsmanship qualities.
“Titan Committed was originally my brainchild,” Oliver said, “and the idea was to make sure that we’re Titan Committed to a positive sportsmanship atmosphere. So that when people come here, they’re going to say: ‘that’s a really good atmosphere. That’s a real fun atmosphere.’”
While Oliver focuses on creating a positive atmosphere to contribute to West as a welcoming space, Administrator Jesse Dziurawiec is committed to physically uplifting the school.
“You walk into other districts, other buildings built after we were built, or they have gotten remodeling money, and things look modern. They look new… and they kind of have that ‘new car smell,’” Dziurawiec said.
Complaints about the school’s mundane-look have long pressed administration to implement new ideas to update. Dziurawiec said “We’re pushing 20 years old, so you’re seeing the wear and tear.” He added that the school’s main issue has been figuring out how to balance and not destroy the old accomplishments of past students while also highlighting current students’ work.
But mostly, students have taken notice of the additions to the P.E. and health hallway. Dziurawiec said, “It was a long conversation with a lot of different coaches and the PE department of ‘we have all of this blank wall down here. Let’s do something with it.”
The original white brick wall now holds up a wooden LED titan fireball, with the words “Titan Nation” painted farther to its right side.
The collaboration of the multiple groups within the school are proving successful to influence student traditions and uniqueness to West.
Bishop said it’s special how “…the school comes together for dances and all the set up. We spend our time after school — which we could be hanging out with our friends — but we all do it because we love the dance, event, or parade.” And, according to her, there’s nothing like a Friday night football game on the Westside. She said the 12th Man and the themes are the biggest part of why Fridays are so much fun for both the student body and the teachers.
Bishop said “making sure that everyone knows that this is a cool thing” and students “should enjoy it, should get involved, and do the chants” is crucial to forming a fun high school environment.
Oliver said he loves the student hype that football brings and he encourages it. The efforts of LSW Principal Kayla Maid and Oliver have added “Fun Friday” themes to the school day, encouraging students to wear their “gameday” outfits in their classes.
While many are taking the steps to up West’s game on the traditions aspects of high school, Oliver said it’s going to take some time to implement new changes. He hopes that Titan Committed will pave the way for more inclusivity.
