In the past, HHS pep rallies have lacked student attendance and participation. This year, however, SGA is taking action to make events more fun and accessible.
Recently, SGA added changes to its organization to ensure that each aspect of student life is tended to. New roles within SGA have been created to focus on specific areas like pep rallies and clubs.
SGA executive officer Emma Lawrence has been assigned to oversee pep rallies and school spirit.
“The goal is to increase student engagement by incorporating more sports, involving the Lettermen, using lights and hosting a raffle for homecoming dance tickets,” Lawrence said.
Lettermen have been a long-time tradition at HHS. The upperclassmen boys dress up and cheer at football games to foster school spirit.
Senior letterman Haines Durkin described the changes he has noticed so far in the pep rallies.
“They’re getting more people involved and playing a role in something that was pretty one-sided,” Durkin commented.
These changes were driven by a consensus that pep rallies needed to be more dynamic.
Students commented that the pep rally felt more organized and engaging compared to previous years. Lauren Smith, a junior at HHS, observed the increased involvement among the student body.
“There is more participation from different classes, and the more people that show up, the better,” Smith said.
Rachel Loughney, head cheer coach at HHS, is now the emcee to excite the crowd and lead interactive cheers effectively.
However, some students still have suggestions for implementation at SGA pep rallies as many said it is difficult for those who want to be in the pep rally games to get involved.
Junior Adeline Moore elaborated on ways to increase student involvement in games.
“We should have a clipboard and students write their names so they don’t have to go on a hunt (for SGA officers). That way the students who want to participate will make it more fun to watch,” she suggested.
Students are encouraged to stay informed through the SGA Instagram and to share their ideas on how to continue to increase student involvement at HHS.
