House system receives makeover
The student body listens as president Daniel Zepp gives his opening remarks before the start of the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The students were seated with their house, wearing their house colors. More events this year will feature the house system.
September 21, 2021
Six houses, 664 competitors, 110 teammates each competing for their houses and their glory. Changes have come to the house system ranging from large to small, brand new events have already started: Freshmen soccer and dizzy sports. These changes were headed by student activities director Michael Russo, student activities assistant director Alexander Hall, and STUCO.
“Over the summer we established some goals,” Mr. Russo said. “We focused on getting guys involved and getting guys excited to be back even though we’re wearing masks.”
I think it’s important to let guys have a brain break, to relax, have a laugh, to have some physical activity which allows them to learn more in the classroom.
— Student Activities Director Michael Russo
New activities have been introduced and more times to get involved with the house cup. The activities could range from sports to board and video games and instead of only a few days throughout the year where the houses would compete, these events will happen during some advisory periods throughout the year.
“Two years ago it existed mostly in these fun assemblies that only happened like once a month,” Mr. Russo said. “We wanted to have more chances for guys to have fun with each other and just enjoy each other’s company.”
Although the school is still using Covid protocols it has started to revert back to its original form, with the gym being open and lunch is eaten in the cafeteria. Some parts of the house system will return but most of them have been reworked and reenergized.
“We haven’t been able to do the house system for two years”, senior STUCO member Peter Brueggestrass said. “Only the seniors were able to experience the true house system so we want the other classmen to be able to experience it.”
The House system is used to build camaraderie and brotherhood throughout the school and let students have a break from their classes. This is more than just a time for students to play sports.
“It’s important to have breaks throughout the day,” Mr. Russo said. “I think it’s important to let guys have a brain break, to relax, have a laugh, to have some physical activity which allows them to learn more in the classroom, but it also makes De Smet a place where they can come to have fun.”
