Sophomores Colette Lucas-Conwell and Michelle Friedlander (left to right) enthusiastically cheer on with their class as their last representative struggles to stay in the game. – Marc HavlikOn the first day of Palo Alto High School’s 2010 Spirit Week, the seniors snatched the lead with 120 points, beating the sophomores by 18, according to official score reports from the Associated Student Body.

“It looked like the seniors dominated,” ASB Secretary Nabeel Sami said. “The turnout was pretty good, and it was a successful rally.”

Seniors swept first place in two out of the three featured contests: musical chairs and balloon stomp, earning them 50 and 40 points respectively. Juniors took first in the best dressed competition for 20 points.

“It was pretty good,” ASB Social Commissioner Jared Swezey-Gleason said. “The seniors did a good job this first day, but the officiating was a bit subjective.”

Three representatives from each class competed in a game of musical chairs, in which seniors Miles Anderson and Trina Ohms edged out a victory in a rough competition. Sophomores came in second with 37 points, juniors earned 23 and freshmen finished with 10 points.

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After musical chairs, seniors Grace Borchers and Josh Rapperport won the balloon stomp. Each participant had two balloons tied to their ankles, and the objective was to pop others’ balloons before yours were popped. Sophomores came in second to score 30 points, juniors finished third with 20 and freshmen trailed behind with 10.

After the rally activities, each class selected two representatives to compete for best dressed.

Juniors Maddie Kuppe and Luke Prioleau won for their pirate costumes and the volume of the class’s cheers. Sophomores followed with 15 points, seniors scored 10 and freshmen scored 5.

The final tallies for the first day are as follows: seniors in first place with 120, sophomores in second with 102, juniors third with 98 and freshmen last with 45 points. Click here to see a graph of the results.

The rally was well received by both students and administrators.

“It was intense, exciting, and there was tremendous energy,” said Principal Phil Winston, who attended the event.

Many students were pleased with the increased participation from last year.

“There was more turnout this year than last year, especially for the freshmen,” sophomore Benjamin May said.

Even underclassmen grades, which typically does not get the same turnout as juniors and seniors, had a remarkable number of people in the stands.

“It’s fun to come out and support your grade, even if we aren’t always winning,” freshman Heather Stratheam said.

For freshmen, Spirit Week at Paly is a big improvement over similar events in middle school.

“During Spirit Weeks at Jordan, people dressed up, but there weren’t as many events,” freshman Lee Hughes said. “This Spirit Week is more exciting.”

Many staff members from the school administration came out to watch the rally.

“It looks like another year of fun-filled activities,” Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson said. “ASB has been working really hard. It’s going to be fun this year.”

Spirit Week will continue tomorrow with an advisory rally in the big gym as well as a lunchtime rally on the quad. Activities will include sumo wrestling and an eating competition.