By Isabel Costian
Although pep rally season got off to a familiar start with the usual group and athletic teams, there was a twist.
Because of the administration’s concern about a fire hazard due to the size of the freshman class, pep rallies will take place on the football field. This allows the entire student body to be involved in the outdoor rallies.
“I am rather excited about the opportunity to continue our inclusive tradition,” Principal Charles Bruner said.
False rumors were spread around the school that freshmen would be in the small gym watching a live stream of the pep rally, but the administration eventually agreed to keep the students together.
“Freshmen should experience a good pep rally,” freshman Jordan Friley said. “We wouldn’t enjoy it if we had to watch it on a screen.”
Many freshmen, like Michael Payton, attended the Magnet pep rally as eighth graders last year in the large gym.
“I felt my first wave of Eagle spirit then,” Payton said. “I’m going to miss the AC, but I’m sure we’ll still have that same spirit outdoors.”
Another freshman, Adam Buckmeier, said he wants stricter rules about who can attend pep rallies based on behavior and grades to make it more of a privilege.
“The pep rally experience is better when we are in the gym,” freshman Adam Buckmeier said. “But if we are separated we don’t get the energy and excitement that it brings.”
Although this is a major change in location, the traditions of past pep rallies will be kept the same such as performances, activities, and introductions of teams.
“I feel very excited about being included in the outside pep rallies,” Freshman Joelle McAnally said.
Head Cheerleading Coach Jeff Bivins, said that having the pep rally outside would allow more participation from students, larger performances, and possibly new additions, like cars on the field.
“We got a great one planned coming up,” Bivins said. “I think it’s going to be fun.”
Several years ago the school had a pep rally outdoors. Bruner said the administration is making the upcoming pep rallies more successful than the last outside pep rally through more powerful sound equipment.
“While many may have enjoyed the activity, there was talk about the loss of noise production, which they felt took away from the excitement of the regular pep rally,” Bruner said.
The night before a pep rally, the administration will decide whether the conditions are favorable enough to have an outside rally. If they’re not, the pep rally will have to be inside and exclusive, which freshmen said they’re hoping won’t happen.
“I enjoy the outside,” freshman Tony Toma said. “It’s a win for me.”
All students, parents and staff will be seated on the Eagle side of the stadium with plenty of space to watch the pep rally, which has a surprise spirit leader this year.
“I’m looking forward to being able to support my school and cheer the team on with my classmates,” Buckmeier said.
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