Decked out in ranch hats and plaid shirts, sophomores wave their banners during the lunch rally today at the Earl Hansen Viking Stadium. According to sophomore Tyler Cheung, he has been enjoying Spirit Week so far. “Spirit Week is a lot better this year,” Cheung said. “I think they [dress-up themes] are pretty fun. Some are better than last year’s.” (Photo: Arjun Jindal)

Open mouths, waving arms, and bright eyes filled the bleachers. Vibrant streaks of reds, whites, greens and blues from Palo Alto High School students sporting outfits from sportswear to togas were scattered across the football field. Shouts, yells, screams and laughter rang through the air as the classes cheered on their classmates during the lunch rally today at the Earl Hansen Viking Stadium.

The rally consisted of the games Human Ring Toss and Balloon Relay Race. In the ring toss, students from different grades attempted to throw an inflatable ring float around their partner’s neck as many times as possible in the time allowed. Participants of the relay race competed against each other to complete a series of steps: spinning around several times, running through a hula hoop, and blowing up, tying, and popping a balloon. The juniors and sophomores tied for first at 1800 points, seniors racked up 1600 points, and the freshmen earned 1200 points.

According to senior Isaac Oh, his class showed more spirit today than yesterday.

“That [the rally] was really hype — there was so much more energy than on Monday, and everyone seemed more alive today,” Oh said. “[It was] definitely a huge improvement, and I think people are kind of getting into the flow of it.”

According to freshman class vice president Niev Sanghani, the freshmen have also been coming out strong this week.

“We have a lot of energy and a lot of confidence,” Sanghani said. “Yesterday, I saw a bunch of people with orange face paint and green wigs [dressed as Oompa Loompas for ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ theme]. So freshmen are definitely taking Spirit Week very seriously.”

Sanghani said that although the rally was originally scheduled to take place in the Big Gym, the event was moved to the Earl Hansen Viking Stadium due to complications with the gym’s bleachers.

“Yesterday, there was a volleyball tournament, and one of the balls got stuck in between the bleachers,” Sanghani said. “When they tried to close it [the bleachers], it got stuck, so there’s not enough space [to host the rally].”

Senior Ava Iribarren, who sported her white toga and gold accessories, said she is excited to attend the final Spirit Week rally on Friday and see the student body out there.

“I’m really looking forward to the Friday rally, which is always the best,” Iribarren said. “If you have to go to one [rally], you have to go to the rally on Friday. Spirit Week — it’s only held [for] one week. You’re only going to be able to do it four times during Paly, so take advantage of it, [because] it’s a lot of fun.”

Tomorrow is Color Day, with freshmen wearing orange, sophomores in red, juniors in yellow and seniors in green. The lunch rally will take place in the Big Gym, featuring the games “Name that Tune” and “Hungry Hungry Hippos.”