Back to School with a Bang

By Melina Galacatos and Audrey Parkin, Online Editors

// Competing to be the loudest, most spirited class, each grade filled their section of the big gym with rumbling bleachers and roars. 

Rallies board poses for a photo before leading cheers and games. 

Courtesy Photo, Val Grossi

   On Friday, August 16th, during Academy, students gathered to kick off the new school year. Separated only by shirt color, frosh, sophomores, juniors in blue, and seniors in white, the Acalanes community came together. 

   Leadership students, primarily the rallies board, put hours of time and effort into the event over the summer, making it as entertaining as possible.

   “[They were] writing the script, creating decor, getting rally participants, working with cheer, spirit commissioners, class officers, DJ, memoriz[ing] the script, [and] advertis[ing] the rally,” Activities Director and Ethnic Studies teacher Katherine Walton said.

Junior class officers get hyped before rally.

Courtesy Photo, Val Grossi

   To go along with class cheers and fun games, the cheer team performed their new routine.     

   “We’ve been practicing most of the summer and went to cheer camp to improve. I hope people know how hard we are trying and cheer with us,” main base cheerleader and junior Rihye Kim said.

   All the hard work paid off and the rally was a success. Students from all grade levels enjoyed either watching or participating in the activities. 

Cheer performs new routine at Welcome Back Rally.

Courtesy Video, Val Grossi

   “My favorite parts of this year's rally were the class cheers and the sharks and minnows game. I believe both things brought a lot of [energy] to the rally and it felt like everyone in that gym was connected,” rallies board member and sophomore Gabby Huerta said.  

   In addition to building excitement on campus, the rally fostered school spirit and welcomed new students to the community. 

   “The experience was amazing coming from someone who was in private school. This changed my view by showing me how supportive everyone is," frogh Anna Sofia Van Nierop said. 

   Organizers reflected on the first rally of the year, considering its purpose, how things went, and areas of improvement. 

  “It was such a nice way to welcome our community back to school. [...] [Rallies] continue to [offer] opportunities for our community to come together, celebrate one another and Acalanes, and showcase our spirit,” Walton said