Celebrating School Spirit at Pep Rally
The student body of John Jay High School capped off Spirit Week and showcased their school pride with a traditional pep rally on Oct. 9. Students cheered as their peers introduced their sports teams and captains acknowledged senior year players.
The pep rally kicked off two days of homecoming games, which brought together students, parents, alumni and community members. The rally opened with a performance of the national anthem by the John Jay student a cappella groups. The Rolling Tones, Treblemakers and Notables gave outstanding performances for their classmates, while the high school dance team brought its invigorating energy to the crowd.
John Jay High School Athletic Director Christian McCarthy said that although the pep rally celebrates varsity student-athletes, he wanted to involve other groups within the school. “It’s a day to celebrate our students and bring together our whole school and community,” he said. “Homecoming is one of the few times of the year we get to do that.”
Junior Kaitlyn Ferentini said her favorite part of the day was when all students came together and team captains introduced their teams. Sami Shapiro, a senior and co-captain of the girls field hockey team, said she loved the energy the students brought into the gymnasium.
“It really shows how much school spirit we have,” she said. “Everyone was so excited to be there.”
Students participated in a number of themed days throughout the week leading up to the game, including Pajama Day, Red, White and Blue Day, and Colors Day, culminating with Spirit Day on Friday, when students wore purple and white for John Jay pride.