The Added Pep to Pep Rallies
McKayla Milam
McKayla Milam
Pep rallies are the center of school spirit, honoring the students and celebrating the school itself. Hillgrove High School believes in striving for school spirit and pep rallies, which are now referred to as “kickoffs”, are one of the main ways of doing so. The process of pep rallies coming together at Hillgrove originates from SGA (student government association). SGA meets every Tuesday, members bringing ideas to the table then writing them down on the board. Afterwards, they pick the top ideas so they can vote to make a decision and discuss the their plans.
Hillgrove’s most recent kickoff had quite a few new changes, a major one being that it took place outside for the first time in Hillgrove history. This was a huge first for Hillgrove, considering every pep rally in the past always took place in the gym. Having the pep rally outdoors was a major upgrade to some students. “Yes, it was more lively and fun,” said 11th grader, Talisa Byrd when asked did the pep rally outdoors improve this time. It was even said that it played a huge role with increasing school spirit. Talisa mentioned, “It was definitely better this time because it was in a new location and everyone was up for it.”
Another new addition that was successful was having selective football players announce their school of choice. Nyima Gaye claimed, “the four football players that announced their school choices and the tug of war,” as some of the major highlights during the kickoff. Talisa even thought it was a nice way for the Hillgrove community to show they care. “It’s really awesome that we can support them and show school spirit by hyping them up for their accomplishments,” she said.
Although this was by far the most improved pep rally in Hawk history, there are still some improvements students think can be made. Most of the recommendations for change that align with each other is the inclusion of everyone. Talisa said “it would be good if we could hype them up too because they work just as hard at their games,” when questioned about other fall teams besides football being recognized. She also mentioned how even though it’s the last year for seniors, “it would be really good if everyone was included and it was more fair.” Eleventh grader, Joi Brewer said, “faculty members should have fun too, it’s not just about the students.” Nyima Gaye’s response towards the mention of if special education students should have their own moment to shine was, “yes, because it’s make them feel really loved by the Hillgrove community.”
Overall, the highlights of the recent kickoff outweighed the negatives and complaints. There is definitely lots of progress being made towards Hillgrove’s pep rallies. Whether is because it took place in a different setting or having the star football players of the school announce their recruitments, there was a much better outcome of positive things to say about our pep rally for the first time in a while. Hillgrove’s school spirit that was once dead has now been revived.
Hillgrove’s most recent kickoff had quite a few new changes, a major one being that it took place outside for the first time in Hillgrove history. This was a huge first for Hillgrove, considering every pep rally in the past always took place in the gym. Having the pep rally outdoors was a major upgrade to some students. “Yes, it was more lively and fun,” said 11th grader, Talisa Byrd when asked did the pep rally outdoors improve this time. It was even said that it played a huge role with increasing school spirit. Talisa mentioned, “It was definitely better this time because it was in a new location and everyone was up for it.”
Another new addition that was successful was having selective football players announce their school of choice. Nyima Gaye claimed, “the four football players that announced their school choices and the tug of war,” as some of the major highlights during the kickoff. Talisa even thought it was a nice way for the Hillgrove community to show they care. “It’s really awesome that we can support them and show school spirit by hyping them up for their accomplishments,” she said.
Although this was by far the most improved pep rally in Hawk history, there are still some improvements students think can be made. Most of the recommendations for change that align with each other is the inclusion of everyone. Talisa said “it would be good if we could hype them up too because they work just as hard at their games,” when questioned about other fall teams besides football being recognized. She also mentioned how even though it’s the last year for seniors, “it would be really good if everyone was included and it was more fair.” Eleventh grader, Joi Brewer said, “faculty members should have fun too, it’s not just about the students.” Nyima Gaye’s response towards the mention of if special education students should have their own moment to shine was, “yes, because it’s make them feel really loved by the Hillgrove community.”
Overall, the highlights of the recent kickoff outweighed the negatives and complaints. There is definitely lots of progress being made towards Hillgrove’s pep rallies. Whether is because it took place in a different setting or having the star football players of the school announce their recruitments, there was a much better outcome of positive things to say about our pep rally for the first time in a while. Hillgrove’s school spirit that was once dead has now been revived.