On Friday, September 27, students filled the bleachers to attend JP Steven’s annual Fall Pep Rally to support and commemorate the student-athletes for all of their hard work. This year, the pep rally was not only about recognizing the athletes; the Battle of the Classes (BOTC) also made an appearance. This addition helped create a stronger atmosphere for school spirit. 

The event started with an energetic performance from the JPS marching band and color guard displaying a segment of their performance ‘SEEK’ for their peers. Afterwards, the cheer team performed their routine and encouraged students to come and support them during the football games. Following this, the captains from each sport announced the senior athletes and then the varsity team. Athletes from the cross country team, the cheer team, the girl’s tennis team, the girl’s and boy’s soccer team, and the football team made their way to the 50-yard line of the turf. Athletes struck a pose and waved to their friends cheering them on in the bleachers, with the sophomores and freshmen sat on one side of the bleachers and the juniors and seniors sat on the other. 

“At the pep rally, it was fun to see all the fall sports represented in one place, especially as a senior captain. Watching the marching band perform is a highlight every year and this year was no exception!” exclaimed Mahi Mahitcha, a senior and one of the captains of the Cross Country team. 

After all the athletes made their appearance, the much-awaited Battle of the Classes began. The first game was musical chairs. With each round, one of the chairs was removed, raising both tension and excitement. In the end, the junior class was victorious and won the first BOTC game. The second game of the evening was the tug of war. The first two classes that participated were the seniors and the juniors. As both the teams were pulling the rope to their side, the rope split in half. This caused lots of excitement for the rematch. In the end, the seniors won. Next, the freshmen and the sophomores battled each other. The sophomores won. As for the final match, sophomores versus seniors, the seniors won. At the final BOTC game of the day, students participated in a scavenger hunt. Each grade received a list of things that they needed to get from the stands and run back to the field. 

“I really enjoyed watching the marching band perform and seeing my friends participate in the Battle of the Classes.” stated junior Saanvi Mysore. 

Overall the Fall Pep Rally was a major hit and was packed with lots of fun memories. The inclusion of BOTC allowed the crowd to be more active in the event. And of course, this was a success for the student-athletes as they were acknowledged for all their hard work. The pep rally also served as a great opportunity for new students to become more involved with JPS traditions and events, cultivating a stronger sense of community.