For residents on streets surrounding Gilroy High School, lunch
was a little bit louder than usual.
Gilroy – For residents on streets surrounding Gilroy High School, lunch was a little bit louder than usual.
More than 2,500 cheering high school students packed the stands of the Garcia-Elder Complex Friday afternoon for a welcome-back rally. Students were more spirited that in previous years, which teachers and students hope will translate into academic, athletic and personal success during the remainder of the year.
“Sometimes it’s all rules,” said 16-year-old junior Vince Amelio, one of three students that headed the event. “We could use a little fun. It makes (students) feel a sense of belonging.”
Although all students were required to attend the rally, the seniors stole the show. They dressed in full regalia, complete with paper crowns, face paint and royal blue T-shirts. They stood the entire rally as the athletic teams were introduced in the middle of the football field.
“There a notable difference in the spirit in the senior class,” assistant principal Stefani Garino said. “There’s probably twice as many kids in this class participating, wearing crowns and shirts, as last year.”
The 45-minute rally was punctuated by games, including an eating contest, a relay race and a race to throw five Cheetos into a shaving-cream beard on a teammate’s face.
The idea of the games was to make school a place where students want to be, student activities director Julie Berggren said.
“It builds the school’s camaraderie and pride in the school, which spills over into wanting to come to school and be a part of this family,” she said. “If we can get the kids here, we can get them interested in something.”
The rally was intentionally scheduled just hours before the football team’s first game – a home match in the stadium – and a welcome-back dance. Yet, many students needed no convincing to take part in the festivities.
“Being here means maybe we’ll win tonight,” said 17-year-old senior Caitlyn Pierotti, who wore a hand-painted blue T-shirt emblazoned with her nickname, Bombie Bomb. “If you don’t have school spirit, you have nothing.”
