Excitement filled the air Friday afternoon, the 29th of August, as Lakeview High School students packed the gym for the first home game pep rally of the 2025 season. The event, designed to energize the student body and celebrate school traditions, had featured spirited performances and leadership from every corner of campus.
The pep kicked off with the cheerleaders leading the way, drums echoing through the halls, as the band and majorettes followed. The band played crowd favorites such as “Fight Song,” “Hang On Sloopy,” “Funk,” and “Milk Money.” As they marched past the classrooms, students poured out to follow in a parade-like manner to the new gym, creating a wave of excitement that spread from hallway to hallway until the whole school was buzzing. This tradition of beginning the pep rally with a school-wide march transformed an ordinary day into one charged with pride, bonding every student from freshmen to seniors in a shared anticipation for Friday night lights.
Senior and Band President Maya Figueroa reflected, “My favorite part about performing at a pep rally would have to be marching through the halls. Despite how loud it gets, it is such a fun experience because it’s much different than any typical parade type thing we do.”
Once everyone arrived at the gym, the marching band, with its booming drums and upbeat brass, immediately filled the room with energy. They kicked things off with the “Fight Song,” getting the student body excited for what was to come and officially welcoming everyone to the first pep rally of the year.
As their music echoed through the gym, the cheerleaders took to center court, matching the band’s momentum with synchronized routines and lively dances. Their performance amplified the excitement, showcasing school spirit and making it clear to everyone how much fun they have on the floor.
Freshman Rylan Bland exclaims, “My friends always cheer and have a good time, so dancing and cheering with the girls is so much fun!”
After the performances, the spotlight turned to the football team. One by one, players charged out of the locker room, greeted with a wave of cheers from the student body. Head coach Ron Dejulio followed, addressing the crowd with a speech that promised hard work, dedication, and a fight to make this season one to remember. The crowd’s energy and enthusiasm grew anticipation for the night’s big game.
Laughter and cheers filled the gym again when student-led games began. From tugging teammates across the floor on towels to speeding through wheelbarrow races, the obstacle course brought good-natured competition between seniors, underclassmen, and even teachers. The crowd erupted, chanting for their classmates and jumping to their feet as each challenger fought to finish first.
From the bleachers, senior student section leader Nora Lewis joined in, participating in the obstacle course and riling up even more spirit.
Lewis declares, “Competing in the obstacle course was so much fun! It’s all about keeping the energy up and showing everyone that we’re here to have fun and support our team together.”
As the rally drew to a close, the band played one final song as the cheerleaders led the crowd in the “Victory Cry” that shook the bleachers. When the final bell rang, there was no doubt Lakeview High School was ready not only for kickoff, but for an entire season of pride and passion.
From the precision of the band to the energy of the cheerleaders, the grit of the football team, and the loyalty of the student section, the pep rally captured the heart of what it means to be a Bulldog. What started as a parade through the halls finished as a roaring declaration: this season belongs to the students, the teamwork, and the unstoppable pride of Lakeview High.
