Pep rallies: Hype or Home?

Pep rallies are meant to bring students together, boost school spirit, and give everyone a break from the normal schedule, but not everyone agrees on how fun they really are. 

“Honestly I think they’re so fun, it’s just nice to be able to scream and have no one judge you,” Junior Elizabeth Cardon said. 

For some students, pep rallies mainly depend on the theme or timing. If it’s about something meaningful, they’ll go, but if not, they’d rather head home.

“It depends on what the pep rally is about, because if it’s something that’s relevant to me I’ll go, but if not I’m definitely going home,” Cardon said.

Others sometimes find the events to be a little overwhelming. 

“I personally like peace and quiet and sometimes they’re a little loud,” Cardon said. “But I think the pep rallies themselves are fine, it’s just how people react that’s so annoying because they are so negative about everything.”

Despite the mixed opinions, there are a few rallies that seem to stand out.

“I like the pep rallies for Hope Week and the beginning of school just cause you’ve got new people there and you’re all hyped up for school,” she said.

Cardon explained that knowing the work behind the events can also change the way students appreciate them.

“If I knew the amount of work that went into something I would definitely appreciate it more,” she said. “If it’s just something that can be done fast and easy then I’m probably not going to appreciate it as much as I would something that someone spent time to do themselves.”

Certain traditions also make the events more enjoyable.

“Homecoming week assembly is my favorite,” Cardon said.

But in the end, for many students, timing is everything.

“If it’s after first hour people are annoyed but they go home anyways. If it’s after 3rd, they might not come back after. If it’s fifth hour they’re absolutely gone,” Cardon said.