As Halloween approaches and Homecoming season comes and goes, now more than ever students get the opportunity to show their school spirit as much as possible. Whether it’s helping out in decorating class hallways, attending the highly anticipated homecoming football game, or participating in the seasonal pep rally, there is sure to be an event for everyone. The pep rally, in particular, showcasing a variety of clubs, displaying fall sports, as well as allowing for games that any student can indulge themselves in. As for clubs, the pep rally presented amazing performances from the Titanettes, the Spanish club along with the K-Pop dance club. Similarly, the fall pep rally created a possibility for those not a part of clubs or sports to join the fun, with games such as relays, musical chairs, an eating contest and the traditional tug of war. Announced by senior president Andie Wagstaff with music brought to students by Tuscarora alum Dj Chicken Gravy, the Fall 2024 pep rally was one for the books!
Keeping in theme with past years, the first pep rally of the 2024-25 school year included a number of games that students throughout all four grades were encouraged to participate in. Kicking off the fun festivities, student and faculty volunteers played in an intense and fast moving relay; marking the seniors first win of the event. Following the exciting relay was a pep rally classic and guaranteed fan favorite- musical chairs! With the last two standing in the playful contest being seniors, this once again allowed for a second pep rally win for the seniors. Additionally, after musical chairs a new pep rally addition but certainly one that is sure to stay went underway, the eating contest! In relay formation, students were challenged to swiftly drink a cup of milk, eat a cheeseburger from Mcdonalds in addition to a donut. For a third time, seniors miraculously secured the win! Concluding the games was the eagerly awaited tug of war, featuring the strongest and most enthusiastic students and faculty. While the seniors managed to rise above the freshmen, sophomore and junior teams, they unsurprisingly fell to the team of staff. One student who was fortunate to be apart of the winning senior team for both the relay and the eating contest, Ethan Coleman, stated that out of the two his favorite was “probably the food one” however he jokes, “…the burger was very dry and I almost died,” proving the challenge to definitely be hard.

Fun and entertaining games were just part of the talent and bravery displayed at the pep rally. Subsequent to past years, students and staff enjoyed performances from various clubs! Starting the dancing festivities, the Varsity Cheer team took to the gym floor to display their hard work this fall, soon joined by Varsity Football proving for quite the show. Keeping in theme with yearly traditions the Titanettes, Tuscaroras premiere dance squad, took to the floor as well. Senior and second year Titanette Kristen Foundas claimed that although this show was fun “last year was the best” explaining her undoubtedly tough decision, “…we had so many different styles in the dance last year.” Also, marking their second year presenting their hard work and dedication, the Spanish Club put on a captivating and immensely entertaining show for staff and students. While pep rally traditions are one thing that makes them so special, it’s always a pleasure to see new ways for students to display their interests and personalities. With that being said, the Fall pep rally introduced a new club performance from the K-Pop Dance Club! Also referred to as ‘TK2’ the K-Pop Dance Club surely put on a show that has never been seen at Tuscarora. Although it is a club of only six members, each one came out with a bang and filled up the floor with their intense energy; one of the members being senior Donovon De Jesus. Despite making the reasonable claim that performing in front of that many people was nerve-racking and “took a lot of persistence, dedication and patience” De Jesus and his group did not let a sliver of their nerves show. After having time to process and dissect the performance, De Jesus expressed, “…it was such a fun experience and I’m really proud of me and the rest of my club for being able to push through the nerves.. “ Once again, phenomenal job to all clubs and students who performed in the Thursday event!

While pep rallies are a hit or miss amongst students, the inclusive and fun environment that they create is undeniable. For senior Allison Wallin who has attended countless pep rallies and even walked in a few, her favorite moments of this year’s rally were the dance routines, “Especially the Spanish Club when the teachers joined in.” Thankfully for lovers of the pep rally, or those who just enjoy going home early, this is not the end of fun events for the 2024-25 school year. Along with the upcoming Friday fangate as well as prom later this year, Tuscarora will also present two more pep rallies, in the winter and spring. Although the gist will remain the same as pep rallies past, upcoming events will feature new sports and performances from students eager to show their hard work. Therefore Titans, don’t forget the importance of showing support to your fellow classmates!

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