By Hector Montalvo
The shouts of pride and status were heard throughout the halls of Lane during Spirit Day: “1-4! 1-5! 1-6! 1-7!” Even the occasional “1-8!” and “1-9!” rose up on the fourth floor and throughout Lane.
Since 2007, Pep Rally has been exclusive to upperclassmen because of the renovation of Lane Stadium’s eastern stands. But this year, Lane brought back the old tradition of all grade levels attending the event.
While some upperclassmen did not like the idea of underclassmen attending Pep Rally, others liked having a bigger crowd.
“While I understand why some seniors are upset that they had to wait two years to enjoy the festivities, I have no qualms with the program being more inclusive and fun for all students,” said Angelique Roberts, Div. 477.
“Honestly, I don’t mind that the underclassmen are being allowed to go to the Pep Rally,” said Miles Austin, Div. 454. “It’s good to see that they can take part in it and show off their school spirit as well.”
Melissa Rangel, Div. 576, has been participating in Pep Rally since her freshman year. She served as the football manager her freshman year and participated as a varsity cheerleader since her sophomore year.
“Honestly, I thought it was unfair that underclassmen are being included because this year’s juniors had to wait two years to attend Pep Rally,” Rangel said. “Part of me feels that I should not be offended because I attended Pep Rally my freshman and sophomore year, but to most of the juniors, it isn’t fair,” she said.
Rangel said that the seating assignments were not fair since the freshman and seniors sat in the east stands so were able to see the faces of the performers. This left sophomore and junior classes seated in the west stands watching the backsides of the performers who were facing away from them. In only a few instances did the performances turn to face the west side of the stadium.
Some students complained that juniors and seniors should have been seated next to each other in the east stands.
In spite of this, several underclassmen were thrilled to be able to attend this year.
Before the Pep Rally, several LTAC students, who were also invited to attend this year, were excited to join the rest of the student body at the event.
“This will be my first pep rally,” said Kariel Bennett, Div. 952. “I’ll have my hair green and my face painted yellow. I’ll be all LT up.”
Many students thought the bigger crowd created more noise and energy than in recent years when only half the stadium was filled.
“I felt that it was great having underclassmen included,” said Fernando Borges, Div. 584. “But I wish that the juniors and seniors were put on the same side because the two classes know each other better and can have more fun when put together.”
