Students and staff gathered in the East Lansing High School gym for the pep rally before the homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 19. Lasting 49 minutes, the assembly featured multiple fun events.
The seniors in the homecoming court had the crowd delighted with their amusing introductions. Whether it was a handshake between Jessica Melock (12) and Isabella Gast (12) or a marriage proposal by Chloe Vickers (12) to Toby Huhta (12), many seniors got resourceful with their introductions, using materials like skateboards and tennis rackets.
The longest part of the event was the annual staff vs students volleyball game. The students ultimately won the match.
For varsity volleyball player Nora Taylor (11), the game wasn’t very competitive.
“Playing against the staff was underwhelming, they don’t play well at home,” said Taylor.
The varsity sports teams were also introduced at the assembly, including the junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders.
Despite technical difficulties with the music, the cheerleaders did not give up and waited out the awkward time before they could continue their performance. There were multiple groups executing basket tosses with the cheerleaders flying into the air, while other cheerleaders performed skills like toe touches.
The East Lansing Marching Band played the school’s fight songs at the assembly, featuring presentations from the color guard and drumline.
Lena Konett (11) is this year’s drumline section leader and appreciated the chance to play with her group.
“You have a culture, it’s a lot of fun to get to drum with other people that also really like to drum,” said Konett.
The drumline began practicing in April and rehearsed throughout the summer in sectionals and full ensemble rehearsals with the marching band.
The East Lansing dance team performed a routine to the song “On the Floor” by Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull. The team began rehearsing in August, with additional practice during summer camps.
For third-year dance team member Lola Henderson (12), their performance at the assembly was just the beginning of what they have to show to ELHS.
“[The dance team] grew so much in the past couple years,” Henderson said. “[I’m looking forward to] getting to know the team, new dances and new styles,” Henderson said.
