To Be a Spartan

by Kendra Ruperto

All schools or teams have a mascot; right? A mascot is meant to represent and show what that school or team stands for. Our school mascot, the Spartan, represents many different things in each person's eyes. Primarily, to be a Spartan means to be Safe, Kind, and Responsible. Here is a look into what our student body and staff think it means to “be a Spartan!”

Mr.Silhanek: “… doing your best and being the very best you can be… most importantly treating others with care and concern. Treating them like you would treat someone in your own family, or yourself.”

Ms.Kerr: “A true Spartan shows pride… you do that by dressing appropriately when you come to school, being respectful of the teachers, you respect the property of the restrooms and cafeteria, and your fellow students.”

Georgia Jellyman: “Someone who has a lot of team spirit”

Aaron Doughty: “To have Spartan pride, and support the Laurel community” 

Jackson Sauders: “To respect teachers and classmates”

Hannah Seifert: “To not only respect your school, but other schools in the county.”

Mark Frengel: “Being a Spartan means being a part of something bigger…means that you are part of a community that is close and connected…means that you are part of a culture that stands beside you as you grow and cheers you on while you compete in athletics and academics.  Being a Spartan means that you are always a part of this community”

Mr.Rich: “My passion for Laurel, and what it means to be a Spartan definitely came from him(my dad). When I was about fifteen years old, my dad and I were in a conversation. I was upset with him, and I said ‘Dad,how come Laurel comes first?’ He looked at me and he said 'What don’t you have that you don’t need?’ He didn’t say I was wrong. Laurel did come first. So part of being a Spartan, if you will, in experience, is service. So what does it mean to be a Spartan? Spartans are leaders… Spartans expect to be successful…Come back with your shield or on it! We don’t surrender, we don’t back up… and we do what it takes to succeed.”

Click on the link below to see Mr. Rich’s full answer