The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written and published in 1892 by an American Baptist minister Francis Bellamy in the September 8th edition of a Boston based children’s magazine called ‘Youth’s Companion’. It was first used in public schools during Columbus day celebrations, but do students at South really say it when it’s recited through the loud speaker every Monday, or is it a waste of time?

Dagney Waldeland says the pledge of allegiance every Monday because she feels it’s important. “We do it because all schools have to do it. It’s a school requirement. I am a loyal American and I think we should teach students about democracy,” said Waldeland.

“I understand that the reason to say it is to show respect to America, but if you are an American then you should already have respect to your country,” said sophomore Alex Pitheon.

Sophomore Negawo Ansha said that he doesn’t say it, but he thinks we should still have it announced for kids who do say it. “I don’t say it, but who ever it’s important to should be able to say it if they want. I don’t want people to forget about it, because it is important,” said Ansha.

Sophomore Tysha Harris said that everybody has their own opinion about the pledge of allegiance, but she herself doesn’t need to say it.“I don’t think its necessary, because nobody hears it on the loud speaker when they are busy doing work,” said Harris.

Alexis Taplin doesn’t recite the Pledge of Allegiance: “all of my friends and fellow classmates don’t stand up and say it, so I don’t feel obligated to say it myself.”

Senior Alfred Emerson doesn’t say it. “Our school only has the pledge of allegiance once a week on Mondays, so I don’t feel it’s necessary to have it at all. I am Christian, but the “under god” part of the pledge doesn’t mean a lot to me,” said Emerson.

Hall monitor Joe Waalk doesn’t mind either way if we have the pledge of allegiance spoken at school.“I can see why it would be beneficial to show pride and spirit to the U.S. Most kids aren’t going to partake in saying it, because they are childish,” said Waalk.