The Paly quad teemed with animation as students adorned in "time period" clothing displayed their spirit during Thursday’s lunchtime rally. Seniors donned senior citizen apparel, juniors were outfitted like sophisticates, sophomores impersonated teeny boppers, and freshmen clad in baby gear all aggressively vied for points on the fourth day of Spirit Week.
With an anticipated revival, the seniors turned the tables on the formerly-leading juniors and declared dominance over their other opponents.
Uncertainty shrouded the beginning of Thursday’s lunch rally, as rumors that it wasn’t happening had surfaced earlier in the day. The buzz, however, was merely the result of scheduling conflicts.
"We [Student government] were not sure if we could fit in both the dances and the rally during lunch," Associate Student Body (ASB) president Mohammed Abid said. "Cancelling the rally was just one idea that was proposed."
Despite the gossip, hordes of students flocked to the bleachers. parading in their costumes with abounding enthusiasm. The rally unofficially commenced with the seniors chanting "We’ve got spirit, yes we do, we’ve got spirit, how about you?" The freshman cringed in shame when they failed to respond.
Following the spirit commissioners’ welcome, the Paly Dance Company performed, arousing plenty of support.
"The dance was really impressive," sophomore Bryn Kimura said. "It was cool to see normal people we know, but dancing really well."
By this time, the rally zone was completely packed, and swarms of spirited students overflowed onto the surrounding lawn area.
The first activity of the day was the staff costume contest. The contenders, dressed like students, included secretary Carolyn Benfield, receptionist Vallen Queen, resource specialist Elizabeth Mueller, guidance counselor Susan Shultz, and world language teacher Kevin Duffy. Duffy, donning a Hyphy t-shirt with the Pepsi logo, jeans, and a baseball cap, received the loudest cheers.
Next was the obstacle course, in which two girls and two boys from each grade had to sprint down a strip of pavement, spin around five times with their forehead planted on the end of a baseball bat, straddle and hop through five tires, jump over two meter stick hurdles, and throw a hula hoop over a trash can.
As the seniors, who went last, were preparing to begin the relay, the three other classes chimed in unison, "Needs Viagra!" to which the seniors countered, "Atleast we get some!" inciting laughter from the crowd.
Winning the competition with a five second margin over the juniors, the seniors claimed victory. The sophomores and the freshmen came in third and fourth places, respectively.
"Spirit Week is more about fun than the points," sophomore class president Erik Klingbeil said. "It’s looking better for the sophomores."
However, the juniors were skeptical about lagging behind the seniors for the second day in a row. Their hopes of winning Spirit Week lie in the prospect of success at tomorrow’s festivities.
"We can hold onto our lead if our float is good and if our spirit dance is okay," junior Lizzie Abbott said. "The reason we lost last year was because our float was bad."
Many people attribute the juniors’ fervor to a desire for vengeance.
"We’re not happy about losing to the freshman last year," junior Laurence Varda said. "And we definitely can’t let the senior class win again."
The rally concluded with a best-dressed contest. Each class sent up four members whose attire best represented their "timeline" theme. In a close finish between the juniors and the seniors, the seniors out-shouted the juniors just enough to win.
"If we would just get pumped and everyone would dress up, then we’ll win," senior Amy Ackerman said. "Tomorrow’s the only thing. I hope everyone will go all out and do their best. Everyone’s a winner."
Tonight, the fun continues with float-stuffing in the auto shop.
Point Totals through Day 4:
First: Seniors 745
Second: Juniors 717.5
Third: Freshmen 550
Fourth: Sophomores 467.5