Saturday’s Redhawk Rally, which took place from 6–7:30 p.m. in the gym, was a way to start off the school year by bringing students, staff, and the community together in one place.
“Redhawk Rally is a night where all the freshmen can come and explore new opportunities, sports, clubs, and anything like that,” sophomore Vanessa Park said. “For cross country and track, that means gaining bigger numbers, especially for some of our smaller events like pole vaulting and throwing and long distance.”
The rally featured band, cheer, Red Rhythm, color guard, and student athletes on campus.
“I really enjoyed seeing all the different performances from color guard, red rhythm, and the cheerleaders,” freshman Tanvi Thomas said. “I could tell they put a lot of work into it. The band was very impressive as well, so overall I think it was an awesome kickoff to the school year.”
Additionally, students and families were able to explore booths for clubs and sports and a vendor fair which, for Thomas, was a highlight.
“I actually wasn’t planning to go until my friend suggested it,” Thomas said. “We have some friends in band and color guard, so me and friends wanted to go there to support them, [but] we also went so we could check out all those stalls that were giving out free candy.”
In order for the rally to showcase the best examples of student work, some groups have been practicing for weeks.
“To prepare, [band has] had practice,” junior Brooklyn Fairchild said. “It’s called July training and it’s two weeks of just practicing from 6:45 in the morning to about 12 o’clock in the afternoon and we just go over all of the dances, we go over all of the things we’ve done, in the field and football season, and we just take the dance the best we can by cleaning and perfecting it.”
Band, cheer, color guard, and red rhythm aimed to create a fun, exciting atmosphere during the night.
“As the cheerleaders, we’re here to lift everybody up, set a positive mood, and to kick off athletics, clubs, bands, and just the school year, honestly,” sophomore Lila Johns said. “I think it [was] a great turnout. A really good crowd and a lot of positive energy.”
The Redhawk Rally—and other spirit events—are an opportunity for school unity.
“I most enjoyed getting to see the Redhawk community come together and celebrate the amazing things that we have to offer at this school,” freshman Eve Mills said.
