Pep Rally Loses Steam

Due to an array of problems including weather and quarterly exams, the much anticipated fall sports pep rally has stayed just that − much anticipated. For over a month, the students of T.C. Williams have been waiting patiently for this traditional celebration of school spirit and athletic achievement. However, due to a seemingly endless series of conflicts, they have twice been let down, leaving many dissatisfied and some a little frustrated.

The first pep rally, scheduled for Friday, October 16^th, was going to honor athletes of the fall sports season as well as excite the student body about the big Homecoming football game. Unfortunately, the event had to be moved outside due to repairs of the gymnasium floors and bleachers. Then, when the temperature dropped and the rain started pouring, it was postponed indefinitely.

So, when Friday, November 6^th rolled around, Titans were ready to show off their pride and cheer the football team on to its hugely important game against Lee, which decided T.C.’s playoff hopes. However, the date proved to be too close to the end of the first quarter, and the pep rally was cancelled once again. “The faculty and administration were uncomfortable with taking students out of class,” said Leadership instructor and Student Government advisor Mary Ellen McCormick.

“I was really disappointed,” said sophomore Andrew Carnahan. “[The pep rallies] are a great way to get everyone pumped for big games, and canceling them definitely didn’t help us show support for our teams.”

On the bright side, the scheduling conflicts surrounding the pep rally have taught McCormick’s students a valuable lesson in leadership. When things didn’t go according to their plans, they worked with what they had, even if it meant having to postpone the event in order to give students the pep rally they deserved. “One of the most important characteristics of being a strong leader is being flexible,” McCormick said. “All you can do is solve [the problem] and make it happen.”

Nevertheless, Titans will get a chance to show off their school spirit soon enough. The pep rally is now scheduled to take place on Friday, December 4^th – the date of the boys’ basketball team’s first home game, against West Springfield. The event will be a fusion of celebrating the success of fall sports teams, as well as looking forward to the winter sports season. Despite the delay, students can expect an exciting pep rally and great celebration of Titan Pride and athletic achievements.