Palo Alto High School sophomores charged ahead to take the lead with a total of 2442.5 points after the fifth day of Spirit Week, leaving the seniors and juniors both 150 points behind at 2292.5.
Freshmen came in fourth place with 1047.5 points.
Yesterday’s theme was “Paly Pride”, where all students dressed up in green and white, with the exception of the seniors who wore camouflage.
The lunchtime rally kicked off to class cheers, with several egg wars references made by both the seniors and the juniors. No penalties were given for the exchange of aggressive cheers, according to Student Activities Director Matt Hall.
“The cheers were all in good humor,” senior Dar Shavit said. “Egg wars is a tradition and we just needed to keep the juniors in line.”
Among the lunchtime rally activities, seniors won the “best-dressed” contest.
A handful of students from each class also competed in a tarp relay. Students would put on a set of clothes, be carried in a tarp across the quad, take off the clothes, and repeat the process with another student. In the final round, seniors triumphed against sophomores.
Various staff members also danced to Bee Gees’ song “Stayin’ Alive,” in a performance choreographed by biology teacher Elizabeth Brimhall.
“My favorite part about participating was just that — getting to participate in Spirit Week instead of just being an audience member,” Hall said. “I think everyone should jump in — students, staff — Spirit Week is all about the Paly community and about having fun together. The most difficult part was trying not to kill myself with my old school breakdance moves.”
Coincidentally, yesterday was also Winston’s birthday. Spirit Commissioner Lindsay Black led students in a birthday song dedicated to Winston.
During the after-school rally, more cheers were called, along with float exhibitions and spirit dance performances. The Associated Student Body also surprised students with free Paly towels.
According to the ASB Facebook page, sophomores won first place for floats, with seniors, juniors and freshmen coming in second, third and fourth, respectively. Sophomores and juniors tied for first with their spirit dance, while seniors placed third and freshmen came in last.
Spirit Week will officially end after tonight’s homecoming dance, which will be held at 7 p.m. in the small gym. Each student who attends will earn one point for his or her class.