The school year’s first pep rally really pumped up all the athletes and student body on Wednesday, November 7.  The event had some changes that made this year’s event different from those before.

There were many new items to highlight, and events that did not occur. The senior girl soccer players danced with their cardboard cutout heads. Everyone running for homecoming royalty was recognized. The marching band performed part of their show. The varsity football players did their dance, and there was even a surprise visit from Pete Lancetta’s mother. One change was that the organizers did not host games for the players after the different sports teams were announced.

Samantha Carty, who has been serving as Student Council president since the election held last spring, spent many hours after school planning and organizing the event.

“I had to spend many hours at the school. I’ve eaten diner here with Mrs. Meehan to prepare. I worked with the executive homeroom, all student council members, and my advisor, to make this pep rally a success,” she said. “This year’s [pep rallies]will definitely be Hammonton High School’s most spirited.”

Mrs MaryAnn Meehan, the Student Council adviser, was also very excited about this year’s pep rally and Student’s Council’s community work this year.

“Our goal is to promote both school spirit and good will. The Student Council sponsored the Fall Festival, which raised eleven hundred dollars, to the needy residents of Hammonton,” she said.

The class officers have been very enthusiastic this year, she added.  Seniors officers really pushed getting more cheer sticks for their section.

With a lot of anticipation, this pep rally proved to be very entertaining to both the staff  and the student body. Students enjoyed various parts of the pep rally.

Seniors were happy with some of the changes.

“I was glad that the seniors finally received the thunder sticks,” senior Valeri Lohrman said.

Desiree Austin, a senior girls soccer player, had fun participating in the entertainment.

“My favorite part of the pep rally was being able to participate during the skit with the huge cardboard cutouts.”

Freshman Abbie Adirzone, who experienced her first high school pep rally, enjoyed the band music and all the skits from seniors.