Newport’s pep rallies returned this year. Last fall, Newport held the Homecoming Pep Rally for the football team for the first time in 4 years. The Varsity Club along with advisor and PE teacher Mrs. Jennifer Field introduced the Winter Pep Rally this year, which took place on Jan. 12.
This pep rally recognized winter sports but also put focus on clubs in the school. It also involved students who don’t play sports in the games and activities, which included a balloon pop game, musical chairs, table surfing, and hungry hippos.
Mrs. Field commented, “As one of the varsity club advisors, I thought the winter celebration highlighted the overall goal that we collectively wanted.”
Students in the building also enjoyed the pep rally because of the entertainment and involvement of many people in the school. Sophomore Jenna Nail, a member of Peer Helpers, stated, “The pep rally was interesting to watch. I enjoyed the games, and I’m glad that the clubs could be represented.”
Teachers and members of the Varsity Club gave updates on club events and fundraisers. English teacher Miss Helmick announced the Newport Poetry Out Loud competition winner, senior Jordan Knouse, at the event as well.
Pep rallies include both the middle and high school grades. There were different student section themes for each grade to inspire school spirit. Seniors had the theme of Santa where they would wear the color red and Santa hats. Other themes included snowmen, lights, the Grinch, Jack Frost, penguins, and reindeer. The grade level with the most participation in dressing up for their theme won the Candy Cane Spirit stick. The winner of this stick was the senior class who dressed up the most in their Santa Claus attire. The spirit stick is like the Homecoming pep rally “spirit yelling” contest but Holiday-themed and was made up of several candy canes. This was one way to get the whole school to participate and be involved in the pep rally.
Mrs. Field continued, “We wanted to create an opportunity to highlight all of our student body’s accomplishments and have fun together. In turn, we are hoping that our students find a greater sense of community, as well as promoting a more positive environment.”
The Christmas-themed winter pep rally was a new thing for this school year, and it was a success. The varsity club plans on holding another pep rally in the spring with similar events to the winter pep rally.
Mrs. Field wants “to continue the highlighting and promotion of a positive school environment,” she explained.
