Northview enters twentieth year

A chance to reflect on the traditions that have been

Kevin Xiang, Staff Writer & Disha Kumar, Features Editor

As the student body draws closer to celebrating its 20th anniversary, teachers and students are remembering and revitalizing the original traditions of the school. Northview first opened its doors in fall of 2002. That makes this the 20th school year, a key milestone and an opportunity to look back on the journey the school has taken.

“Usually the 20th year is when you have a lot of change and a lot of things to look back on, so I think 20 is a good point for us to kind of remember,” Mike Dixon, a social studies teacher at Northview since 2004, said.

One prevailing theme throughout Northview’s history has been its Greek culture. Northview’s first principal, Peter Zervakos, along with assistant principal Bobby Macris, were both Greek, and the pair’s backgrounds heavily influenced Northview’s founding years. For example, Zervakos would cook Greek meals for Northview’s teachers and staff to honor his Greek roots and embrace the school’s theme.

“We just love the stuff that Mr. Zervakos used to do for the teachers,” Dixon said. “Greek values of family, friendship, and those types of things were pervasive back in ancient times and still are today. That's what I like about the Greek heritage that is embodied within our school.” 

Combined with the release of the movie “Remember the Titans” shortly before the school opened, there was a prevalence of Greek influences both inside and outside of the school. The students correspondingly adopted the Titan as their mascot, as well as a Greco-centric culture.

“The four pillars that we currently have are kind of like Greek architecture,” Steven Bombard, one of the school’s founding teachers, said. “One of the days [of homecoming week] was always a toga day where the kids would bring in bed sheets and wrap them up like they were wearing them.”

In Northview’s beginning years, Zervakos would label first time quirks as “Titan Firsts,” which have become an integrated part of the school’s culture. Other aspects of the school influenced by Greek culture are past venues for prom and the name of the yearbook, the Mnemosyne.

However, the passing of time has also brought about change. What students see today is not the same school as when Northview first opened, and interest in Northview’s traditions has waned over the past few years. Therefore, students and teachers are trying to bring them back in time for the 20th anniversary. 

For example, tailgate has been brought back this year and a cookout is being organized in honor of Zervakos’s original meals for teachers. Another Greco-centric tradition being revitalized is Glendi, meaning “celebration.” In Northview’s infancy, Glendi referred to homecoming week; this year, the student council decided to bring it back through the annual Welcome Week activities.

“This year, after bringing Glendi back, I feel like it just connects everyone together and brings Northview spirit into the hallways,” Deborah Zhang, a junior on the student council, said. 

The number of traditions being revitalized from Northview’s founding years offers a moment to reflect on the school’s past while looking ahead to the future, with many of the returning traditions sowing the seeds for what will be an even more momentous 25th anniversary.

“It's quite crazy to think that 20 years ago, there’s students just like me, walking down the same halls,” Zhang said. “It's very surreal and crazy to think about.”