TJ students come together as a family to have a good time and celebrate the ending of the spirit week.
Students participate in the pep-rally. Photo by Clayton Bridges
On Thursday September 20th TJ students where called down by grade level into the gym for the pep rally at the end of the day. Classes where cut short five minutes so that students would be able to participate in the pep rally during school. Grade levels where separated into different bleacher sections.
Seniors where the last to enter, making a big entrance by running in. Senior Ben Smiley said, “You’re only a senior once, so you have to do everything big.”
Marcus Allen and Amanda Koziol where the main speakers leading grade levels into sound-offs, telling students what was next, and quieting everyone down. Marcus says that being one of the EmCees was an honor to be picked. “The pep rally was great, the students got really loud a pumped up. You can really feel the spirit and the Spartan love,” said Allen.
Senior class president Amanda Koziol said, “ I was nervous at first but after seeing how pumped everyone was it was a lot of fun.”
Fall sports groups where individually called to the middle of the gym, giving them the chance to do a cheer. Junior Zion Rivera said, “Being called up to the middle with your whole team gets you pumped up and ready for the events that are to come during homecoming week, an it’s fun because you’re with your TJ family.”
Some of the Senior boys kept alive the tradition of “Hot Boys,” dressing up as girls and dancing. Steven Light said, “It was really amazing and fun. It’s one of the traditions I’m happy to participate in here at TJ.”
Lastly, Homecoming King and Queen were announced and the winners where Angela Becker and Marcus Allen. Allen said, “Winning Homecoming King was great! Both my older siblings won Homecoming Queen and/or King when they went to TJ, and I’m happy to follow along in their footsteps.”
Angela Becker said, “Winning homecoming Queen was such an honor! It really means a lot to me. There is a very diverse group of friends, teachers, and couches and together we make a family, and I am so proud to represent my TJ family. It means a lot to me”
For many students the Pep Rally is there favorite memory. Junior Jessica MCaffrey said, “Going to the Pep Rally is a memory that you will always have with you; the first time going when you’re a freshman is so new and exciting!”
Freshman Michelle Brown said, “I’ve never been to a pep rally before, and to finally go to one was exciting and overall a good time.”
