Students wore Saint Patrick’s day themed clothing and attended an assembly in celebration of Green Day, the fourth day of Spirit week.

While passionate students came to school wearing bright green tee-shirts and shamrock necklaces to honor Saint Patrick’s Day, Michael Wilson, an inspirational speaker, came to speak to the students of Biddeford High School about his life. Sophomore Jerome Criado is one of many who were alleviated by his speech.

“It really tied into spirit week because it [spirit week] is supposed to be a positive thing,” said Criado. “He brought motivation to the students and reminded us to stay on the brighter side of things.”

Wilson paced around the Steve White Gymnasium enthusiastically as he talked about his experience. Although the subject was uneasy, Wilson never lost his smile.

“It helped to bring a positive attitude to BHS,” said Criado. “Even when times are tough.”

Wilson was a different kind of speaker; he swayed his audience by talking about his past and explained that in order to be successful you must embrace the challenge.

“Other speakers tell us sad stories and attempt to scare us,” said Criado. “Mookie [Michael Wilson] he told us to stay positive no matter what the case.”

Wilson’s story was the main event of Green day, but many other activities occurred throughout the day, such as a cake pop sale hosted by the freshman class as a fundraiser. Freshman class president Makayla Jean-paul was happy about the success of the fundraiser.

“We made close to 200 [cake pops] and we thought it would be fine for the whole week,” said Jean-Paul. “Then come Tuesday, after the whole day, we had sold about 150 so we were like “we gotta make more cake pops!”

Students loved the Saint Patrick’s day themed cake pops and scrambled to buy one before they sold out. Sophomore Zachary Laverriere was able to snag a cake pop before they were all gone.

“They were very very good,” said Laverriere. “If they sold them again I would definitely buy more.”

Accompanying the cake pops and assembly, students were encouraged to wear Saint Patrick’s day themed clothing.

“Im wearing a shirt that says “This is my Lucky Shirt” and I’m wearing leggings that have leprechauns and rainbows on them,” said Jean-Paul. “I was super excited to wear them today!”

Some students at BHS share in the Irish culture celebrated by St. Patrick’s day. Junior Abby O’Connor is Irish herself, and partakes in several Irish traditions.

“I actually have a lot of Irish heritage on both my mom’s side and my dad’s side,” said O’Connor. “The Irish traditions we do are always [having] corn beef and cabbage, listen to old Irish folk songs, and obviously wear green!”

O’Connor believes that BHS does a good job of inspiring students to join the festivities.

“Seeing the cafe and all the staff members and students celebrating is amazing,” said O’Connor. “Having St. Patrick’s day being one of my favorite holidays, it’s nice to have other people celebrate with me.”

Mills, like O’Connor, has a tradition that has passed through his family for years. His family cooks a traditional Irish meal every St. Patrick’s day and for other holidays.

“The cake recipe my family always uses for special occasions comes from an old Irish recipe,” said Mills. “But then there’s the regular food, like potatoes and corned beef.”

Another student who shares Irish heritage is freshman Sam Mills. He did not wear green, but he has a clear explanation for why he neglected to suit up in green garb.

“I forgot [to wear green] primarily… but also I’m pure Irish,” said Mills. “My eyes and my hair say it all.”

Spirit week has BHS in a pleasant mood as the festivities fill the school with a vibrant atmosphere.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Laverriere. “Its definitely a nice change from the normal week.”

Students and staff are in high spirits as the weeks activities continue.

“It’s so cool. I think it’s great,” said Jean-Paul. “I love it here, like, it’s amazing how everyone gets together and has fun!”