Pep rallies have been an annual tradition at IHS, serving as a time where all students can come together in the Big Gym to view a diverse lineup of presentations and performances that the IHS community has to offer. While some of my friends feel that our pep rallies have become cheesy and boring, I believe they are valuable experiences because they foster an inspiring sense of school spirit, let students and teachers take their minds off stressful thoughts, and give everyone the rare opportunity to see the rich diversity of school clubs and student achievements present at IHS.
What stands out in my mind when I think of IHS pep rallies is the rare opportunity where I get to see, not only my whole grade, but the entire IHS community come together to celebrate school spirit. Hearing fans cheer at the top of their lungs for their favorite athletic teams, watching students and teachers compete in entertaining games, and searching for the rare appearance of the bear mascot all make pep rallies an unforgettable experience. It’s like our school’s own Super Bowl, but without the football and field. Plus, these annual events give us a chance to enjoy free performances with friends who we may barely get to see in school, while also showing us the beauty of watching all of our closest friends together enjoying each other’s company.
Pep rallies also give students the exciting chance to share their talent and accomplishments with the rest of the school community. Whether it be Code Red displaying a new invention, the spring musical ensemble performing a lead song, or K-Pop Dance Club reminding us all why we love K-pop, pep rallies never fail to represent the diversity of talent and interests that the IHS student body has to offer. But pep rallies take this effort for diversity and inclusion one step further, as the spotlight is open to anyone willing to volunteer to inspire or entertain others.
I also think we can all agree that pep rallies are a great time for students to sit back, relax, and enjoy an energetic show. On most other days of the school year, students are forced to focus on classwork while walking through the repetitive cycle of sitting and actively listening in class for 45 minutes at a time. Pep rallies are an escape from this boring cycle as they give students the chance to enjoy non-academic activities with friends, while also allowing for relaxation from the stresses of life and school.
Lastly, if I haven’t convinced you to love pep rallies yet, just remember that they not only reduce the duration of your classes for that day, but they give you an excuse to scream at the top of your lungs and to be yourself.