Pep rallies have been a longstanding tradition at Lambert before their sports teams go to play their biggest games of the year. The purpose of these events is to use support from the student body to boost school spirit and celebrate the school. However, opinions regarding the pep rallies differ largely.
Because of Lambert’s large population and to reduce the crowds in the gym, the school holds two pep rallies and splits the event between the first floor and the second floor (including the trailers). The event lasts about 30 minutes and is filled with games, music and celebration. However, despite these features, a Lambert sophomore noted that there has been a significant change on how the student body is engaged in pep rallies.
“I feel like people don’t really care,” the sophomore explained. “There is less energy.”
This trend has been extremely noticeable, with students becoming less responsive to the high energy that is expressed by those leading the rallies. Pep rallies are about 30 minutes long, but, without the needed enthusiasm from the audience, it can be a draining experience.
Students also feel a lack of involvement, especially in the games that are played with members of the audience, like basketball and musical chairs. Typically, students are selected by teachers to participate in the games. There seems to be a lack of variance, which is why most students do not feel engaged. Freshman Arpitha Bepeta points out that Lambert can improve this by including games that spike more interest and involve more of the student body.
“Lambert should work to make it a little more exciting and a little more interesting,” Bepeta said. “Through involving the student body more instead of just the essential audience.”
With such a small number of participating students, it is clear that people sitting in the bleachers feel less involved, which means pep rallies are no longer fulfilling their purpose.
While there may be some criticisms regarding Lambert pep rallies, many students do praise the event and find it as a way to socialize with friends. It is also a way for students to take a break during their school day, while expressing encouragement for Lambert’s teams as they prepare to play against competitors.
“I see them having fun,” Bepeta explained. “And it’s a great time to spend time with your friends, and everybody utilizes it really well.”
Lambert should continue to hold pep rallies; however, with such points to improve on, Lambert may need to bring around many changes, such as finding games that can involve more students and researching how to keep the crowd more involved.
