On the morning of the annual basketball homecoming ceremony and basketball game, the students and staff of Southside gathered to honor the homecoming maids chosen to represent their class. In addition, the pep rally excited members of the student body and motivated them to come out to the game that night through various games and entertaining activities.
At the start of the event, the maids who were elected by their classmates walked the court with their basketball player escorts. Each maid was recognized for their involvement in school organizations and the community. There are several requirements to be chosen as a homecoming maid and these ensure that the girls chosen are respectable students and embody the best of Southside.
“My favorite part of being honored at the pep rally was being able to represent the junior class along with my basketball team. It meant the world to me to be able to represent because there are so many people who support each other in different events and our school getting to have that bond is amazing,” junior homecoming maid Charlize Buie said.
To set the competitive mood for the basketball game to follow that night, Mr. Prewitt and Student Council President Katherine Marcotte introduced many games for students to be involved in and watch. In addition, the freshman and varsity cheerleaders, Maverick Stars, and Southern Belles all performed lively routines as entertainment.
“I like to perform at pep rallies because I think it’s fun to perform in front of the student body and that it gives a good vibe for the game to come that night. It gets everyone excited for the game too,” sophomore Belle Ellie Coleman said.
To finish the series of engaging spectacles for students and staff to enjoy, the HOSA club of Southside presented the winner of their fundraiser, junior-class Assistant Principal, Mrs. Foster. In which, students voted for their favorite teachers to perform karaoke during the pep rally by putting money in the respective teacher’s jar. For her performance, Foster chose the iconic Justin Bieber song “Baby,” and engaged with the crowd to get each class excited.
“I liked that it brought up the energy at the pep rally and that it showed all of the school spirit that we have,” junior Gracie Franklin said.
While this pep rally is typically a kick-off for both the homecoming game and the homecoming dance to follow during the weekend, this year a came to Southside surrounding the long-awaited school dance. For this basketball homecoming, the Student Council announced that the dance will take place in March and follow the Western theme as a Sadie-Hawkins-style event.
“We decided to do something new and have an outdoor dance once it warmed up a bit more, and with all the snow right before homecoming, it worked out so well as far as timing! We did have to move it inside because of rain, but the same food trucks and lighting decor will still keep the fun vibe we were trying to create. I am most excited to see everyone’s interpretation of “denim and diamonds” at the dance!” Student Council President Katherine Marcotte said.
The pep rally served as a great precursor to the basketball game and the homecoming ceremony of the following night. The event allowed students to gain enthusiasm and anticipation for homecoming, which proved to be a night to remember for many.
