Raiders No More

So often in assembly, we hear Mr. Smyth and Mr. Ledyard speak of the traditions of Gilman. Each and every student shares a brotherly bond with one another, and blue and gray runs through our veins. A tradition that makes up Gilman is actively being changed: the Gilman Raiders.

Dean of Students John Schmick ‘97 said, “I think moving forward, Raiders are done in this building.” Too often, he said, “we had a problem with it…some rule broken, somebody was upset, something got turned over, disrupted beyond the intention of the exercise.”

Some say it is this destruction that makes the Raiders the Raiders and taking it away erases an essential part of Gilman. James Hobelmann ‘26 said, “I remember the time I was in Mr. Matthews’ World Cultures class. Raiders busted in there, banging on everything, wearing blue and gray. It kind of just got me hyped for that football game that day.” Joe Kim ‘26 said, “I honestly think [the ban is] pretty excessive. I remember as a little kid growing up looking up to the Raiders, and they were always a big part of the Gilman Culture. I used to look forward, all my years, to becoming a Raider one day. I don’t think the ban is worth it.”

Some teachers agree. Señor Leon, Spanish teacher, stated, “I would like to have the Raiders.” And Dr. Mo commented, “I do think it is a nice part of Gilman tradition. I know the lower school in particular gets very excited about [them].” Lastly, Mr. Darnell stated, “I've been here since 2022, and I like it, but I can understand that it gets a little loud and it can catch people off guard.” Three unique members of the Gilman staff have expressed a liking for the Raiders, speaking to the widespread impact the Raiders have.

Their responses offered a halfway point to the administration’s solution. Dr. Mo said, “I do think somehow we need to have boundaries on what the Raiders do.” Sr. Leon agreed: “I think there are ways to make sure that they can go around and keep the spirit without throwing students' computers to the floor while they are taking a quiz.”

Let me suggest restrictions. The responsibility one must have to embody restraint while participating in an activity meant to show no restraint is a great burden, so the ones selected to be Raiders themselves need to be ideal candidates. Mr. Schmick could conduct an interview process at the beginning of the year to ensure that the Raiders consist of students unlikely to cross the line but still embody the sole heart of the Raiders. Alternatively, teachers could leave signs on the doors, objectively stating their desire to not have the Raiders enter during the period. 

There are a multitude of routes the administration could take in order to keep the tradition and moderate the Raiders, without exiling them completely.