![Bold Spirit on Display
The 6 Senior ASB Officers [Mark Silva], [Ethan Magno], [Mariza Supapo], [Kiera Tomko], [Ahri Aguba], and [Osaguina Sorae] arrive early to the game to help set up and boost school spirit, gathering at the fence to hype up the crowd as the sun sets behind the bleachers. Their coordinated shirts, painted by ASB officers in the past years, become a highlight of the event as students stop to take photo with them. The moment captures how school events bring students together through shared pride and energy.](https://the-armijo-signal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Photo-1-900x1200.jpg)
Spring on Armijo High School’s campus is a strange mix of exhaustion and electricity. As deadlines stack up, IB exams creep closer, and seniors feel the weight of their final months, burnout becomes almost unavoidable. Yet in the middle of all that pressure, something else happens too, rallies, games, spirit days, and community events that pull students out of their stress and remind them that school can feel like a place of connection, joy, and belonging.
For many students, burnout hits hardest during the second semester, when academic pressure peaks. Senior Gabby Magat explained that “second semester is the most stressful during IB exams and testing,” a time when motivation drops and school starts to feel more like a checklist than a community. That stress is exactly what student leaders consider when planning events meant to lift the campus mood. ASB President Ahri Aguba said, “Student mental health is always my number 1 priority. I try to provide a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable enough to communicate with me about anything.” For her, events aren’t just decorations and schedules, they’re a form of support.
Students [Gabby Magat], [Matteo Bohannan], [Osaguina Sorae], and [Joshua Ibrahim] sit together during the school’s movie night, posing for a photo while surrounded by snacks, drinks, and the casual setup of the event. They smile at the camera as other as other students gather around the room to watch the movie. Movie Night gives students a low-pressure space to relax, laugh, and reconnect with friends, offering a much-needed break from academic stress.
For students like Gabby, these events offer a break from the pressure and a chance to reconnect with friends. “It brings my mood up positively because I get to have fun with my friends,” she said. Even small moments of joy can interrupt the cycle of stress that builds during testing season. That sense of connection can be powerful, especially for students who struggle socially or academically. Gabby shared that “In the beginning of the year, A Team helped me socialize with other students that became by closest friends today.” Event become more than activities, they become opportunities to build relationships that make school feel less isolating.
But the impact of events goes beyond friendships. They can actually motivate students to show up and stay engaged. Gabby admitted, “I get scared of not participating in the events, so it gives me motivation to go to class and do well in school.” For many students, participation becomes a reason to keep pushing through the academic grind. ASB officers see this shift too, especially during the most stressful academic periods. Aguba noted that “around IB exam months, many IB students experience major burnout. It impacts their attendance, contribution, and commitment in extracurriculars like leadership and sports.” Events, then, become a way to counteract that decline in energy and involvement.
Student [Kiera Tomko] and [Ahri Aguba] stand on the purple field for Senior Sunrise as the sky glows with streaks of orange and gold. The field behind them is scattered with classmates enjoying the evening during their Senior Sunrise. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this break until I stepped onto the field,” one student said. “Sometimes just being outside with friends makes everything feel lighter.”
Students agree that events make school feel more meaningful, especially during senior year. For Gabby, the football games stood out the most. “Football games made the biggest difference for me emotionally,” she said. “It made me realize it was my last year and I had to cherish the small moments.” Events become markers of time, reminders that high school is temporary and worth savoring. Without these events, school would feel empty and repetitive. “It would feel really boring,” Gabby said, a simple but honest reflection of how much events shape the school experience.
Beyond the fun, events help build a healthier school culture, one where students feel seen, supported, and connected. Aguba emphasized,” I wish people would be more open-minded and aware of mental health in students. Mental health matterrs and can affect someone to an extreme level.” Events are one way to acknowledge that students need more than academics to thrive. When asked what event she would design to reduce stress, Aguba didn’t hesitate. “An animal cafe during finals week,” she said, imagining a space where students could decompress with comfort and calm. For her, a good school year is defined by growth, community, and memorable experiences. “A good school year feels like one where memories were made, challenges were overcome, and I’ve become a better person,” she said. “Events give me a platform to improve myself and guide others.”
Sometimes, the moments that stick with students are the small, unexpected ones. “One moment I’ll remember is when Mark and I sang during Karaoke Night, even though I was nervous,” Aguba said.
