The memory and enjoyment of past pep assemblies has stuck with Jack Ahlbrand, senior. 

“Our freshman year we had them, but COVID kind of ruined it for sophomore and junior year,” Ahlbrand said. “So we wanted to bring it back for our senior year and for everybody else as the years go on.”

So, this Friday, Sept. 16, students will attend a pep rally during school.

Ahlbrand collaborated with two other seniors for an AP Language project where he attempted to persuade the administration to bring back the rallies. They presented it to Senior Principal Dr. Rick Regina, who accepted the idea and agreed to begin planning the rally with the students’ help. 

Ahlbrand said he’s excited for it to begin. 

“I just think it’s a great way to boost school spirit, especially for a Homecoming game,” Ahlbrand said. “It’s a really big deal, and I think the community at a high school is something that’s unmatched, so it’s just great to get back into having that spirit and community.”

Dr. Regina said he, too, was excited for the pep rally, and he hopes it will serve to bolster the students’ enjoyment of high school. 

“High school isn’t just about tests and quizzes and taking notes,” Dr. Regina said. “There’s that overall high school experience, and part of that experience is being involved in the school spirit and a pep assembly is a fun way to build school spirit and camaraderie.”

Dr. Regina said the winners of all of the previous lunch time games will face off against each other. In addition, the winners of the junior/senior flag football game on Wednesday, Sept. 14, will compete against staff members.

“Hopefully we have a good one planned this Friday—we’ll have some fun, some laughs, and build some spirit in anticipation of Homecoming day,” Dr. Regina said.

Jack Lally, senior, has in the past attended pep rallies during his freshman year.

“I remember we were outside, they did the Mystake thing, and I think everyone got a shirt for their class,” Lally said.

Mystake is composed of senior and junior boys who cheer for the women’s football game and perform during the halftime show as one of the festivities for Homecoming.

Lally said that at this pep rally, he will be the one participating in mystake and is excited to perform.

“We have been practicing it for a week, and I’m looking forward to actually being able to do it in front of the whole school,” Lally said.