Pep-rallies: all in good fun?

High school pep-rallies, as portrayed in pop-culture, are about togetherness and school unity. However, at Samo, rallies rather separate the schools and arouse competition among the classes. In preparation for a pep-rally, each grade dresses up in their color. As the school administration takes the stage, facing over 2,000 students separated by class in the Greek, the seniors start their ominous chant. Seniors are seen standing and shouting “2-0” at the top of their lungs, while the juniors respond screaming “2-1.” Freshmen are left dazed and confused by the obscenities shouted across the Greek and sophomores quietly endure yet another year of witnessing the rivalry between the opposing classes. However, some staff seem to take issue with how far the students go with their class rivalries. When Hector Medrano was asked his opinion regarding the issue, he expressed his fondness for the chanting at pep-rallies, but did not condone the use of obscenities used to do so. “I like chanting at pep-rallies. I feel it brings out school spirit and students enjoy showing their class pride. However, I do not condone cursing and making negative gestures against opponents. There are many ways of being rowdy in a positive manner,” Medrano said.  While approving of the ways students choose to show their school spirit during Samo pep-rallies, Medrano emphasizes that profane chants not allowed.  ASB member Noa Goldsmith (’20)  agrees with Medrano, believing that the spirit is good, as long as it isn’t taken to a negative place. She thinks chanting has the ability to improve student spirit and morale, as long as they are respectful of fellow students.“Obviously as a senior, I am somewhat biased. I enjoy the chanting and think that if students are still respectful with [what they are saying in their chants], the chanting can actually improve spirit. Also, as someone in ASB, it’s pretty clear that the chanting is a major part of the rallies, and you can see the genuine joy on the students’ faces,” Goldsmith said. Students and staff alike can agree that chanting at pep-rallies is an important part of the highschool experience. It builds camaraderie and a sense of unity within the individual grades. So bring on the chants and cheers, because that is what Samo is all about, but be sure to maintain a sense of maturity and propriety.