At each of the grade level specific pep rally’s, the band played, cheerleaders greeted everyone, and everywhere students tried to find a seat with their friends.
Ms. Gang, the theater teacher at Lively, introduced and honored all the programs, but what exactly does it mean to be honored? “It means a lot, because I can showcase the volleyball team while also showing to the school what our volleyball team means,” said 8th grade volleyball player Paisley Streater.
What actually set each of these pep rallies apart was the controversy and drama that unfolded from the tug of war games.
It was September 10, 2024, the day of the first 8th grade pep rally. Could the 8th graders, half the age of their teachers, beat them in a tug of war game? With anticipation and fierceness in their eyes, the control of the rope went back and forth between the two teams, but in the end the teachers were victorious. The time came for a redemption round, this time Ms. Washington, an 8th grade math teacher, helped the students strategize, leading to their immediate victory.
For the third and final round of tug of war, the cheerleaders, dancers, and volleyball players all challenged the football team. It was a tough game, both teams were equally committed and tried their hardest, the game finally came to an end with the girls as the victors.
With the victory of the girls also came some controversy. The football team claimed they were told to let the girls win, but many people thought that was only an excuse for their loss. According to Liam Oestrick, an 8th grade football player, only some of the boys went easy on them and others didn’t. Dot McColgin, an 8th grade Dazzler, said she personally thought the football team was lying out of embarrassment for losing against them.
The next day, September 11, 2024, was the 6th grade pep rally. Could the 6th graders win one for their peers and beat their teachers? Excitement and eagerness to win filled the 6th graders as they went against their teachers, and as a result victory walked right onto the palm of their hands. The final round of tug of war was the cheerleaders, dancers, and volleyball players against the teachers, and with excellent team effort the girls’ sports teams were victorious.
The third and final day, September 12, 2024, was the 7th grade pep rally, some might say the most unanticipated of the three. Could the 7th graders also win one against their teachers for their fellow peers? Both teams struggled to take control of the rope, but neither went down without a fight, as a result the students were victorious.
Next up was a redemption round for the cheerleaders, dancers, and volleyball players against the football team. Both teams wanted to prove their victory from the previous round against each other, and showed great perseverance. The game abruptly ended when many students started falling backwards. Confused about what had happened, it took people a few seconds to figure out that the rope had snapped. Commotion proceeded, and everyone was dismissed.
In the end, while there was some controversy and unanticipated events, all the pep rallies were a success and it seemed like the students had a great time.
