HOLLISTER
Centrally located on San Benito High School’s campus, next to the “senior mound” and the picnic tables where students lunch, a flag pole has been erected and a solid, black flag stirs periodically with the breeze.
This flag is a source of pride for spirited ‘Baler seniors.
The black flag represents the class color for seniors, who are currently “dominating” in class competitions and spirit rallies, according to Associated Student Body President Jordan Archer.
The flag pole was installed to increase a little friendly competition between each grade level. Every Friday, San Benito High School students hold class competitions.
While the winner of these contests used to get boasting rights, now they get a flag in their class colors as well. A green flag represents the freshmen class. Purple represents sophomores. Blue represents juniors. And black is for the seniors.
The championing class’ colors are raised on Fridays and flown atop the pole until the next competition.
“Last year, we were talking about ways that we could raise school spirit,” Archer said. “This gives some incentive.”
Although the flag pole may not seem that significant, Activities Director Juan Robledo said the addition of the flag advertising who’s the top class encourages students to compete and be involved in school.
“If you have a good class competition point system, it translates into a strong homecoming, strong canned food drive and strong toys for tots (drive,)” Robledo said.
Archer pointed out that the flag pole has had that desired impact.
“The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that this year people are much more interested in class competitions and spirit,” Archer said.
Archer said school spirit is important because it makes school a more enjoyable place to go every day.
So far, since the flag was first raised in October, the seniors colors have remained atop the pole.
Seniors on San Benito’s campus Thursday said the black flag is something to be proud of and provides “motivation,” according to 17-year-old Gabby Delatorre and her friend Leia Cimarolli, 18, to stay on top.
“I think if I saw a freshmen flag, it would make me want to work harder to make sure it was always a senior flag,” Cimarolli said. “At the end of the year, I want to make sure it’s only seniors.”
