Local’s Night celebrates Samo community

On Oct. 19, Local’s Night was held at the Pier and consisted of a community pep rally to get folks in the spirit to support Samo and their community. The event was lively with a variety of music and activities performed by students of Samo. The pep rally was held on a stage set up on an empty part of the pier past the carousel and restaurants. The event kicked off with a performance by the Samo Golden Poms that included songs such as “Desperado” by Rihanna and “America’s Got a Problem” by Beyonce, making the crowd go wild. Samo Golden Poms member Valentina Manco (’24) shared her thoughts on the night as a performer.

“I enjoyed the night because it brought Santa Monica together as a community and showed the talents of the people in the arts at Samo,” Manco said. 

Many parents and locals came to the event to support their community and see amazing performances. Shortly after Pom, Samo Cheer entered the stage to perform different routines and chants while getting audience members in the spirit. Next was a performance from the Samo band, playing the Samo fight song among other songs. 

Next, the City Council took the stage to make announcements to the community and introduce Homecoming Queen Kara Best ('24) as well as Homecoming Court member Thaice Clark (’24). Students like Best participated in this event to support Samo and immerse themselves in the community. 

“I think Local's Night was very significant, I really liked seeing a lot of Samo alumni," Best said. "I also liked how everyone was coming up to me and Thaice and I think it was really sweet of them to engage with what is going on at Samo.”

For one of the last events of the night, the Santa Monica College cheerleading team, the Corsairs, took the stage and performed for everyone. Besides the pep rally that took place, Local's Night included many other activities such as a car show and a live DJ for residents to enjoy. Local’s Night occurs every third Thursday of the month; make sure to head down to the Pier to enjoy the festivities, an amazing view and a way to celebrate your community. 

Nathan Vasquez / The Samohi

Santa Monica musicians perform at the Oct. 19 Local’s Night. Samo students were a highlight of this event, but members of the wider community performed as well.