WJ’s Wildcat mascot welcomes students as they arrive at the year’s first pep rally. For many underclassmen, this was their first pep rally ever. Even juniors only attended a few during their freshmen/last year in person.

The junior section is a sea of black as these upperclassmen cheer on their peers walking across the field. Along with the excitement, however, there were some mixed feelings about the pep rally’s setup. “It would’ve been better if [the pep rally] was before lunch or at the end of school because it felt weird going right back to class after all the excitement. It was nice to see my friends on the bleachers and cheer for my friends on teams. It was a bit odd that we were all crammed together in one spot while COVID is still a risk, but I haven’t heard anything about new cases so far…” junior Chloe Krensky said.

Boys soccer lines up in their colorful shirts and ties to be introduced next. Being back in school has made a big difference for WJ’s sports teams. “I feel like everyone is really motivated to have the school actually behind us instead of being online,” senior captain and center midfielder Alejandro Linares said.

Seniors and sophomores take part in school chants as the SGA hypes them up. Participation in pep rallies is a bit divided as many underclassmen have never attended a pep rally before. Returning students, however, were happy to be there. “I was so excited for the pep rally! Being back in person for senior year is exciting enough, but being able to go all out for school spirit is even better!” senior Ella Nilsen said

The senior team takes the lead as the other grades are left in the dust. To increase student participation, the SGA chose two students from each grade to compete in a three-legged race. The seniors won, much to the delight of the, mostly green, audience.

Some members of the cross-country team huddle up for a group photo. They show their WJ spirit by wearing cow-print and the school colors. “I thought the pep rally was really fun and I liked actually having a say in what we do since I’m a senior now. It was definitely significant that our team, for the most part, participated in spirit… I think that students definitely weren’t as hyped about it as the teams and leadership were, but I think that COVID definitely plays a part in that since underclassmen haven’t been to a pep rally or have only been to like one,” senior Sabrina Levi said.

Members of the girls varsity soccer team cheer on their senior teammates as they are introduced to the audience. Sports teams always dress up for pep rallies in creative spirits, with different grades or positions wearing various costumes.

Mighty Moo, one of WJ’s two mascots, celebrates the senior’s chant. Loud and proud the seniors yell out “seniors – two two!” as underclassmen look on waiting for the day when it will be their turn.

SGA president Halle Burns looks on as the WJ football team makes their way across the field. Burns, along with the other SGA officers, made a great effort to show spirit and get students excited for school events.

The senior section is flooded with green as these upperclassmen show off their school spirit. Each class has a representative color and most everyone looks forward to the day they get to “go green.”

The WJ girls varsity soccer team poses for a picture after the pep rally. Quarantine has been particularly hard on athletes who thrive on social interaction with their teammates and coaches. Being back at school has been a blessing for many student-athletes.