The Spirit of the School

"The Spirit of the School" by Ralph Henry Barbour is a story about a young man named Hansel Dana adjusting to life at Beechcroft Academy after moving from Ohio. The story follows Hansel as he deals with friendships, rivalries, and proving himself within the school's athletic environment, particularly on the football field; it opens with Bert Middleton's skepticism about Hansel as his new roommate, highlighting Bert’s doubts about Hansel's ability to adapt and his initial hesitation which sets the stage for a story filled with challenges and the potential for growth as Hansel strives to find his place within the school and on the team.