Since 1892, The Pledge of Allegiance being recited in schools has been a standard piece of American culture. The homage to our country, followed by the school announcements marks the beginning of a new school day. 

But, it was not always perfectly consistent.

“We had gone maybe two weeks without the pledge being recited,” said freshman Civics teacher James Hogan, looking back just a few years ago.

The morning routine became different without the pledge kicking off the day, and that got Hogan thinking.

“I thought, I’m a Civics teacher, why don’t I try to get one of my students to do it,” said Hogan.

While asking his first hour students, only one hand shot up, and his name was Dillion Blix.

“I was in Mr. Hogan’s class and he asked if anyone wanted to do the pledge, and I was the only person to raise my hand,” said Blix.

The rest has quickly become history.

“It is very good practice, as I do a lot of public speaking and performance related things. Starting the day for everyone means something to me. Being that voice that people can expect to hear.” said Blix.

Blix has received positive feedback from staff and students alike, reinforcing his passion for the pledge.

“I think it is really great to have a nice start to the day, and he does a good job,” science teacher Caitlin Zatroch, said.

Hogan could not be prouder of him for stepping up to the plate.

“He has really just grabbed the bull by the horns and done a great job, and man does he have the voice for public speaking,” said Hogan.

Principal Aaron Fezzey has found it helpful for Blix to partake in this morning routine.

“There are times where I am over at the district office, and I may not get to hit the announcements first thing in the morning so it is nice to have the consistency where we know the pledge will occur,” said Fezzey.

After his success at scouting an announcer for the pledge, Hogan has been on the search for a “fill-in.” 

“I told my first hour, ‘look, Dillon can’t be here everyday. Does anyone want to fill in on the days he can’t do it?’ And it was just crickets,” said Hogan.

Students that have a unique passion like Blix can easily unlock opportunities here at the high school.

“We have a staff who overall feels like empowering students is an important thing. It is one of my central beliefs as to why we are here. Going above and beyond the content area helps to prepare the next generation of citizens and leaders in our community. Sometimes smaller things lead our students to larger opportunities,” said Fezzey.

Although the pledge has been rewarding for Blix, it does not always go as planned.

“This semester I was going on the phone to do the pledge. I tried to get everyone to calm down and someone in the class yelled “shut up”. People thought it was me saying that over the loudspeaker,” said Blix.

Blix has just one small piece of advice for his fellow Spartans.

“Take every opportunity that is given to you. You never know where stuff is going to lead. Even just talking with your teachers, showing respect, being a good person, stuff is going come your way,” said Blix.

He is now looking towards next year, as it will be his final year leading the pledge.