The gym will roar with cheers and music tomorrow as Wakeland hosts another pep rally to celebrate the athletic seasons.
The rally provides students a break from academic routines while building school spirit, according to student performers. However, some say student participation remains low. “I believe that pep rallies are really important for our school just because I think it really brings us closer as a community. And I think when we have our pep rallies our school spirit is at an all-time high and so I think pep rallies really help with that. They help prepare for a big competitive game or hoco, stuff like that,” senior Legacy Line member Caroline Angle said.
The three performance groups spend weeks preparing their routines for pep rallies. Students can watch the rally in person or through WIN-TV. Angle has participated in Legacy Line for four years since her freshman year. She said she does not plan to continue dancing in college due to physical limitations but appreciates the art form. “I’ve been a part of Legacy Line since my Freshman year, so I’ve been doing it for four years. Although I do not plan to continue dancing into my college career because of my physical abilities, I do really appreciate the art of dance and it is a joy that I can carry it with me,” Angle said.
The performances give students a closer view of the work teams put into their routines, which they typically perform at weekly varsity football games. Wakeland’s award-winning band forms the foundation of performances for all performance programs. For band members, pep rallies offer a low-pressure environment. “I enjoy pep rally performances because they’re fun and you get to just hang out with friends. It’s low pressure,” sophomore band member Josiah Pappachen said. Despite the benefits, student participation needs improvement. “I think they’re important, obviously the participation could be low, it just enhances school spirit,” Pappachen said.
Color guard, though less popular than other activities, plays an essential role in pep rallies. “We always want to do our best, especially for Wakeland, we want to be seen as a good program, so that’s why practicing is really important for us,” sophomore color guard member Mariangel Armas said. The lack of student engagement remains a key challenge for Wakeland’s pep rallies. School officials hope increased participation will help the rallies better serve their purpose of building community and school spirit. Performers encourage students to attend Friday’s rally and show their Wolverine pride as the performance groups showcase weeks of preparation.
