On Friday, September 6th, students at Fallston High School filed into the auditorium for the returning Roar Rally! With this being its second year, the Roar Rally ran more smoothly than last year, including more extravagant games and presentations. From 7:45-8:30 a.m., students enjoyed watching a variety of fun activities to start off the new school year. Ms. Roxanne Ryan, p.e. teacher and Roar Rally organizer, and Sydney Grafton, Senior and Pep Squad member, both collectively shared the sentiment that their goal is to “make everyone feel welcome.”
“It’s a lot of fun, especially it being the first week coming back to school and trying to get everybody kind of amped up and ready to go,” exclaimed Mrs. Ryan, when she was asked about the fun of the Roar Rally.
As crowds settled and everyone got situated in their seats, the party began. “We always have the band, you know, open us up and stuff,” said Sydney. Following the band’s energizing performance, the Fallston Choir added a reverent note to the occasion with the National Anthem.
The rally was aimed at “showing the freshmen and people who are new to the building all the different things they can do and look forward to,” said Mrs. Ryan. With the usual pep in their step, the Fallston Pep Squad ran into the auditorium, waving flags and shouting through giant megaphones. “We just want to give it our all,” Sydney said with a smile, appreciating the excitement and nerves that come with opening the school year.
Soon, the long-awaited homeroom games began, starting with “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cone,” where contestants had a partner and competed to grab a small cone. P.E. teacher, Mrs. Grant, announced the commands from the classic children’s song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” however, replacing toes with cone – an indication that students should grab for the small cone placed on the floor between them. Student participants brimmed with excitement, eager to beat their competitor in a game of reflexes.
“It’s a lot of fun coming up with ideas for games and stuff that [students] can play,” stated Sydney, highlighting the creativity and enjoyment poured into the creation of the notorious homeroom competitions. “I love the games where we always pick the representative from every homeroom because it gives everyone a chance to participate,” Mrs. Ryan excitedly remarked.
The second game was far more heated, a “Balloon Pop Battle” with a fuming competition against all the rivaling grades. The orange balloon was connected by string to each student’s ankle, the goal being to pop others’ balloons with your foot. Immediately, sides were picked, and the competition was crushed, leaving two football boys to shake on it. The winning player, as a result the winning grade, was ultimately… the Juniors!
After a set of fun games and announcements, Pep Rally seniors made the big reveal on the theme for homecoming, “Out of this World!”
The Fallston Pep Squad excitedly announced a wide array of clubs that students can participate in: One Love, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sports for Life, Morgan’s Message, Cougar Closet, Spanish Club, German Club, French Club, and many more. “We highlighted every club and when their meetings are,” explained Sydney. “When we get more into the Pep Rallies, that will be more focused on sports and stuff.”
Despite a few small hitches, the rally was a blast, an amazing presentation from the students once again. “We’ll be doing two or three more throughout the year,” Sydney said, an exciting thing to look forward to. Good luck to everyone for another good year!
