A Shifting Culture: The Reason Behind Decreased Student Participation
The music is playing, handmade decorations are being hung, but not many students are showing up. Student participation in school events has been going down in recent years, and both students and staff say there are a few key reasons why. Changes in spending habits, shifting social culture, and new ways of connecting have all made traditional events like dances less popular than before. But how does Estancia ASB feel about this shift in recent years, and how will they combat it?
Photos By: Talya Prado | March 16, 2026 | ASB administrator Ms. Figueroa shares the work ASB leaders do behind the scenes
ASB administrator Ms. Figueroa said she first started noticing the decline about two years ago. She explained that many students are choosing to spend their money on other things instead of school events. “ But students are spending more money on other things like food, hanging out with friends, eyelashes, nails, bigger concerts… It’s just the money they are deciding to spend somewhere else.” As a result of this, school events are no longer a top priority for many students.
Although, some student leaders believe the issue is deeper than just money.
Photos By: Talya Prado | March 17, 2026 | Karely Prado (11th) and Cora Hunton (11th) explain as to why they think student participation has dropped in recent years.
Cora Hunton, ASB special events commissioner, said that student culture has changed greatly over recent years. “A big thing… is the cost… but I honestly feel like it’s something else,” she said. “I think it has to do a lot with the culture… like ‘this is not cool anymore,’ and that ‘people don’t think it’ll be fun for them.”
She also pointed out that students now have different ways to socialize. “ People are now able to connect in new ways, so they don't feel they need to go to dances anymore to connect with other people, or to hangout with their friends.”
For staff, the drop in participation can be frustrating, especially considering how much effort goes into planning events.
Photos By: Talya Prado | March 6, 2026 | For Nest Fest, Karely Prado (11th) hand makes a balloon palm tree.
Ms. Figueroa shared how disappointing it can feel when that work goes unnoticed. “I think the hardest thing for me is when we have to throw everything in the trash, because a lot of the stuff is handmade.”
Even so, student leaders say getting involved is still worth it. Special events commissioner and future ASB president Karely Prado encourages more students to give new events a chance. “Even though it can be hard to keep track of my homework and extracurriculars, in the end, it is worth it. I have met a lot of people through school events and clubs, I even met some of my best friends through them.”
Despite the lower turnout, ASB is not going to give up. Leaders are using the feedback given from students to improve events, and make them even more interesting for students. While it can be pretty disappointing to see fewer people attend, they see it as a chance to grow and adapt.
They also warn that if participation keeps dropping, some events may not be able to continue in the future. Ms. Figueroa encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. “Get involved, don't be shy. If your friends aren't able to make it, then that's a very good way to put yourself out there, and meet other people.”