Our participation in the food drive was abysmal and a clear warning of future student body failures. The staff placed first and the freshmen second, while the seniors — who run the food drive — finished in last place. Quite frankly, it was a pitiful showing in a charitable event, especially since the number of students in each grade greatly outnumbers the teachers.

The food drive revealed a pressing issue: many students hold an indifferent attitude and do not feel invested in contributing to the school atmosphere. The seniors had an especially poor display of school engagement. Despite announcements of the donation rankings throughout the food drive, the senior class remained firmly in last place.

Many students probably won’t care enough to read this far.

Seniors, there is still time to be better. You have the chance to set an example for younger students that will continue to be impactful in the future. This year is an opportunity to be role models in your classes, school assemblies and activities before you head off to college as freshmen again. If you continue this year’s behavior, the domino effect of decreasing spirit will wipe out our school’s pride for future students. You will have left your mark by sitting out your final year of high school.

Juniors and underclassmen, please don’t only look to the seniors as examples of how high school students should act. They may be the oldest students, but that doesn’t make them more impressive members of the student body. Regardless of whether the seniors improve, take the initiative and participate more passionately in our community. You alone can reverse the decrease in supporters in the stands during athletic competitions and the lack of Spartan gear on school spirit days.

The lack of concern throughout much of the student body regarding the food drive and other school events has repercussions that reach beyond our school. There is the possibility of the local food pantry lacking food for its clients, meaning people you know could be going hungry.

We should be more involved in transforming the school into a more passionate community. The final standings for the food drive were embarrassing, but there is half a year left. Now is the time to fix a bad opening with a much stronger finish.