Students and staff filed swiftly into the gymnasium during sixth hour on Oct. 12 to partake in the annual Homecoming pep rally which featured special performances, interactive games, and the authentic redbird spirit.
Almost every year before Homecoming, Alton High puts together a pep rally for the entire school in the gymnasium. This year was no different, with students piling into the bleachers for an hour-long pep rally while the band played in the stands.
The event started with an introduction by Student Council Advisor Kristi Doering who thanked all the students and staff for coming to the rally. Right away volunteers were picked for the first game of “hungry, hungry, hippos” which featured two students from each grade riding on scooters to grab balloons from the center of the gym.
The next game featured a tug-of-war battle between the seniors from the football team and the senior dance team members. In the first round, the football team took the winning title, but the dance team claimed victory in the second round.
Festivities took a break for a moment when the homecoming court was introduced to the audience. Candidates include Elek Steiner, Callie Mossman, Paris Thomas, Karen Lewis, Ayden Mayhew, Ava Williams, Tucker Gehrig, Rebekah VonPlinsky, Austin Rathgeb, Morgan Plumber, Samuel Elliot, and Ava Fox, all seniors.
“I’m really excited to see everybody play these games and get hyped with everybody,” Steiner said.
Games continued with a relay race featuring a team from each grade level. Then were paused for a brief show by the dance team and routines from the color guard.
It was then continued with a soccer game with each player in an inflatable bubble. The red team won the game, with roars erupting from the crowd.
The games finished with a group from each grade level competing to keep a balloon off the ground. In the end, the seniors took home the win.
“I love Homecoming in general because it is the one time we are all Redbirds together with one common goal,” Doering said.
Homecoming festivities will continue on Friday, Oct. 13 with the Homecoming parade starting at Alton Middle School and ending at the Alton Public School Stadium. At 7 p.m. the varsity football team takes the field against O’Fallon. Festivities wrap up with the 80’s/90’s throwback-themed Homecoming dance at 7 p.m. on Oct. 14 at Alton High School.
