On October 22, 2016 Wakefield High School held its annual pep rally. It was filled with dances, cheers, and various games conducted by student government while student body yelled and shouted as they showed their support for their school and their football team who hoped to beat Broughton later that night.

Senior Ryan Finley, one of the student commentators of the pep rally, found that it was quite energetic and exciting.

“It was really cool being able to [MC the pep rally] because I had seen the pep rallies every year but I had never thought I would be a MC for it,” Finley said. “It was pretty awesome being able to do that and it was more fun than I had expected it to be.”

Not only did he find it breathtaking, he also believed it would be beneficial to the football team’s performance in their game.

“I definitely think it helps the football team out because they see how much school spirit everybody has and I think it gets them more excited about the game,” Finley said.  “It also gives them confidence because they see that the rest of the students believe in them.”

Although it’s fun and games during the rally, it takes a lot of effort to plan and prepare both spirit week and the pep rally. Senior Emma Lanter, a member on the student government who helped plan the pep rally, also had a good time, but had a less public role than the commentators.

“We had to come up with games, have auditions for the MC’s, pick songs to play, make a schedule of events, and coordinate with the cheer dance and football team.” Lanter said. “Its a lot of hard work but definitely worth it.”

Along with the different games and activities planned, the special education students performed a cheer routine during the pep rally for the first time ever. LaShonda Haddock, the cheer coach, felt that the performance was very important.

“It is very good to have someone included especially when they’re not often included,” Haddock said. “They were very excited when they first heard they would be performing in the pep rally.”

There was much effort put into the routine by the all the students involved according to Haddock.

“Mrs. Bethea has been working with the special ed students and cheerleaders every Thursday during smart lunch,” Haddock said. “The kids looked forward to [performing their routine].”

Many students seem to think this was one of the best pep rallies yet, but there were still thoughts on what could be done differently.

“There really isn’t anything I would change except to get more people involved and get the people that sit down during the pep rally to stand up and cheer for the team and games.” Finley said.

Everyone thought it was a wonderful experience this year but ideas have already started to circulate around next year’s rally.

“If I could change anything it would be to have pulled off the teacher lip sync battle we were trying to plan,” Lanter said. “I think it would have been a huge hit.”