Excited students funneled into the stands of the Barnard Stadium as varsity and JV cheerleaders tumbled down the mat. 

Varsity and JV cheerleaders performed, making the homecoming pep rally their first performance of the season. 

“I was so nervous to perform because not only was it my first of the season, but because it was my first time performing as a varsity cheerleader,” said junior Kate Hyman.

Cheerleaders have been working hard for the last two months, creating a routine and practicing chants that they hoped would get the student body excited for the homecoming game. 

“Cheerleading always does such a great job, and I look forward to their next routine,” said junior Caroline Swanson. 

Between cheerleading showcases, fall sports captains shared their wins and upcoming games with the student body.

“The pep rally got me super excited about the big game, and I loved being able to talk about the field hockey team and all the hard work we have put in,” said senior and girls’ field hockey captain Lauren Shu. 

Also at the pep rally, the homecoming court was announced. Students on the court included seniors Ella Schmulen, Marion Fertitta, Molly Ghottsegan, Ava Winn, Sam Cruse, Miles Roder, Rohan Yalamanchilli, Read Liuzzi and Oliver Eades. 

“I am so excited to find out who won king and queen because a lot of my friends are on the court,” senior Talley Kirkwood said.

The hope of the Events Committee was that these activities would get students excited about the upcoming game. 

“We have been planning the pep rally since school started, and I think it was an extraordinary success with all the laughter and positive feedback we received from the students,” junior and events committee co-chair Emmy Heath said.

After the court’s relay, a series of junior boys were selected to sing popular songs to the girls on the homecoming court. 

“My favorite part was when the junior boys serenaded the senior girls, and I think they were all really good sports, and that they’re doing something that could have been outside their comfort zone and maybe a little embarrassing. Regardless, they sang their little hearts out, and it was very funny,”  Heath said. 

Junior Gus Griggs won the popular vote for the best singing.