Thunder Family keeping spirits up at all times
Mountain View High School can still have a little bit of that Mountain View spirit even during the school closure.
Heading into the second week without school, the Associated Student Body and other student leaders used social media to spread a little joy with an “At Home Spirit Week” on Instagram.
There was Pet Day. Crazy Sock Day. Sweats Day. Sports Gear. And Thunder Gear.
Students were asked to share their pictures and videos.
“A good way to stay connected,” said Riley McCarthy, the ASB activities coordinator and multi-sport athlete. “A lot of people participated. Way more than we thought would participate.”
That shows just how connected Mountain View students are with their school, with their classmates.
They call it Thunder Family.
“The idea that all students feel loved and welcome, and it’s a place they want to be every day,” said Lauren Johnson, a senior member of the ASB. “It’s a place where they feel welcome and connected to the community as a whole.”
Those are not just words at Mountain View.
“The one thing that sets us apart: Thunder Family,” McCarthy said. “We talk about it a lot. Involvement and preaching kindness at Mountain View. We’re spreading that culture throughout the whole school.”
Even when there is no school. Hence, the spirit days from home.
“We’re trying to keep the culture alive even when we’re not there,” McCarthy said.
Johnson has lived Thunder Family her entire life. Her father, Matt Johnson, attended Mountain View. Now he is the principal.
Lauren Johnson has been the captain of the bowling team the past three years plus is a member of the National Honor Society. She was helping to organize the Thunder Pageant to raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital.
She is involved in so many things at the school.
“Honestly, I just miss sitting in the classroom setting, being with the students I don’t normally see outside of school. I miss seeing my friends and people from all over the community,” Johnson said.
Some of the advanced placement courses are going to go with online instruction.
“I’d rather be in a classroom setting than online,” she said.
McCarthy is missing his junior season of baseball. But, he, too, is thinking of more than just his sport, or the activities at school.
“Just seeing everyone’s faces,” he said. “There’s a lot of positivity around the halls of Mountain View. Something about that connectivity. It’s definitely a family atmosphere. Everyone notices it.
“Coming from a warm, positive attitude and having to isolate yourself, it’s hard to get used to.”
When school resumes, McCarthy and Johnson will be thrilled to see the Mountain View colors out and about the community.
“Some of my earliest memories are of watching Mountain View football or going to the baseball field, playing catch with my dad when the high school team was playing,” McCarthy said. “I can’t tell you how much royal blue and kelly green I’ve had in my closet over the years.”
Johnson said she is inspired when she sees Mountain View gear.
“The Thunder Family principle has really stayed true,” she said.
Advice for other students during the shutdown:
“Just stay positive. Take time for yourself. Enjoy life as it is. Enjoy the little moments in life,” Johnson said.
McCarthy says to stick to a daily regimen.
“Stay active with your mind and your body,” he said, adding that it is important for students not to think of this as a vacation.
“Routine is big. I find myself waking up at the same time. That’s really helped me. And even though you can’t interact with people face to face, reach out. Stay connected.”
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