Students streamed through every door filled with excitement as the 2016 Winter Rally began. Herds of people filled each section, and each class was represented. The freshmen sat proudly in front of their winter wonderland themed banner, and the sophomores jumped into the stands consumed with spirit. The juniors represented their strong class by overflowing their section, and the seniors dominated the school with their vibrant red and white poster. The music quieted as a speaker walked to the microphone. An opening speech was expertly delivered explaining the Rally’s order and purpose, and then the band rose into position. As the fight song filled the whole gym, the Dance Team, Cheer Team, and Chargerettes performed synchronized routines to the clear notes.

With perfect timing each sports team lined up near the main entrance, ready to make their big appearance. Boys wrestling was the first team to walk through the large doors. Their smallest member, Tom, was dressed in every medal rewarded to their team and then placed on the shoulders of two team members. The boys walked through a tunnel consisting of each spirit team with their heads held high. An announcer introduced each member and then they circled up to complete their victory lap with a loud cheer. The dramatic music continued on as the Girls Soccer Team stepped into the spirit-filled gym. The upperclassmen on the team strutted into the gym, but were then surprisingly joined by the two freshmen on the Varsity Team. They walked with pride even though they were dressed from head to toe in eccentric costumes. The upperclassmen then  circled up to rejoin their slightly embarrassed freshmen with laughing faces. Soon after the Boys Soccer Team made their appearance, and the crowd roared. The crowd also really got involved when the Girls Basketball Team acted out a play and finished with a classic dunk. The players perfected the joke by forming the hop and opposing team. Just as the laughter quieted down the final team entered the building. The Boys Basketball Team towered over the audience as they strutted in. Before they huddled for their cheer two players were called from the stands, and were acknowledged for forgoing the season to help their mother battle cancer.

After each sports team was seated, the Varsity Cheer Team was introduced. As the music began each member was showcased. An assortment of music spilled into the crowd as their routine wowed each student. The music quieted as they began to chant out into the audience. “Black, Gold, White!” was repeated with spirit and intensity.

The lights were turned off, and everyone turned their attention to the screen at the front of the gym. As the video played, each winter sport was showcased. “I really enjoyed the inspiring sports video at the Winter Rally,” says Alice Luke. Clips of the powerful Wilcox Wrestling Team were put to inspirational music, and then were soon followed by an action-packed video of the Wilcox Girls Soccer Team, filmed by a drone. The video then cut to some clips of a boys soccer game. The team continued to score, as the video then showcased the Wilcox Girls Basketball Team shooting and the boys team making three-pointers. Soon after, a video was played explaining Sadie’s by the Sophomore Council. When the lights came up the rally continues on.

The dance team was introduced shortly after everyone took their seats. They smiled all the way through their challenging routine, which consisted of a hip hop section, turns, jumps, and a kickline. They finished their routine with a final sharp look and the crowd erupted with applause. Soon after, the Chargerettes took the stage for a very strong and clean routine. Their performance included many challenging skills as well as sharp arm movements. They ran off to end their routine.

The rally came to an end with a beautiful performance by the Wilcox Choir. The lights were turned off and phone lights shown bright as their voices rose into the student sections. After the choir existed Samia Abbasi began her closing speech. She began her speech with, “The rally has now come to its end, and I wanted to have a heartfelt conversation with you about this past year and the impact we can have on 2016.” She reminded us about why sprit is so important, and to always support each other like family. “I could really feel the support when I stepped through those doors into the gym,” says Olivia Wallace a player on the Varsity Girls Soccer Team. The spirit present at the rally gives the sports teams

confirmation that everyone is behind them, and that they must work hard to positively represent their school.