To wrap up homecoming week, students rolled into the football stadium on a windy Friday for the annual all-school pep rally. Seniors, in their all-black attire, gathered at the upper left corner of the field as Spanish music filled the air, and the stadium filled with underclassmen who marched in as the cheerleaders, pommies, and marching band prepped for the event.

As soon as the marching band started playing, seniors ran out on the field yelling at the crowd that they’re the best class. It ignited jeering of “boos” between the senior and junior class. The commentator settled down the students by announcing the 2018-2019 fall varsity sport teams: cross country, varsity boys soccer, field hockey, varsity girls volleyball and football.

The first performance was our varsity Poms team. Their sassy moves got the crowd warmed up for what was in store for the rest of the pep rally. The performance that followed was our varsity cheer squad, which served intriguing pyramids and tumbling stunts.

After our cheerleaders performed, the homecoming court was called up to the field. First announced were the homecoming princesses and princes: For 9th grade it was Almaya Mansaray and Kevin Amouzou; for 10th grade it was Alexis Couisel and Alpha Dicko; for 11th grade it was Rosalie Youmbi and Jacob Wade. Then came the coronation that everyone had been waiting for, the homecoming king and queen. Seniors Norman Douglas and Obriani Remy were called and crowned.

Following the court, the class rankings for Spirit Week were announced with the senior class placing first for art, but juniors winning overall best class.

Towards the end of the pep rally, the ASA dancers performed their energetic, African influenced dance, which was a big crowd pleaser. The last performance was presented by PB’s Eclectic Steppers, which required students to be quiet for their routine because the sound of their stomps didn’t resonate on the football turf. The steppers still stole the show and the crowd by blindfolding themselves during the routine.

For seniors, there were mixed feelings about how they felt about the events of walking into their last pep rally. Senior D’angelo Ferguson, who said that he felt “delighted”, commented “I feel great walking out here, my last year doing this and everyone is supporting us.”

Since it’s our second year outside for pep rally, several juniors expressed how it compared to having it inside in past years. Ayana Blake and Marika Mwansa, both juniors, said, “Inside is better because it’s louder and, honestly, it’s rough running across the whole football field; so the gym is easier. We can even hear the band and the step team better. Also, when we’re [the classes] chanting against each other we can look across instead of everyone looking to one side.”