Students and teachers get in step at Winter Pep Rally

Vasanth Kumaravadivel and Anya Kaul dance in front of students during the Bollywood inspired performance.

BY KAILEY SIEGEL

Social Media Director

On December 23, Old Bridge High School hosted the annual winter pep rally. The entire student body and staff gathered in the gym for a day of entertainment right before the start of winter break. The pep rally showcased multiple talented groups, including the cheerleaders, Afrobeats, Dance Team, K-pop dancers, Bollywood dancers, Step Team, and an engaging performance combining the teachers and the Step Team.

Student Activities Coordinator Scott Beverly hosted the rally, and performed the elf roller coaster, where he conducts students left and right as they imagine they are on a ride. Beverly then introduced the cheer team, who put on a spectacular holiday themed performance. “We continued to practice every day and change our counts to Christmas music,” said senior Lilian Antar. “We took out the cheer in the middle of our routine and just had fun with it.”

Abigail Owusu and Joana Junaid get low while performing for the crowd with the Step Team.

After the cheer team captivated the audience, teachers from the main building and GNC joined students to perform holiday and TikTok-inspired dances together. “We were asked to perform by Chelsey Duah,” shared math teacher Lori Obdyke. “[Chelsea] then ran the practices and choreographed all the dances.”

Following the teachers, the new K-pop inspired dance team shared their first performance. “All my friends were watching me and screaming my name, which gave me even more of a thrill to dance for everyone!” exclaimed Echo Prado Roberts. “Everyone sang long and some danced too. It was so cool seeing the crowd so excited for us.”

Flyers Kaiden Simpson and Emily D’Alessio hold High-Vs during the performance by the cheerleaders..

Following their debut at last year’s pep rally the Afrobeat Club performed in front of the whole school. “I felt more confident in our performance this year compared to last because we are already used to the pressure,” Joana Junaid shared. “The pep rally was a great opportunity to show our hard world in front of the whole school.”

Then, the brand-new Bollywood inspired dance team displayed their routine in the Pep Rally for the first time and became a huge crowd pleaser. “It felt awesome being able to share our culture with the whole school,” said Vasanth Kumaravadivel. “I was nervous at first, but hearing all the cheers made all the practice worth it and, overall, just awesome.”

The pep rally also provided an opportunity for existing teams to share their new routines. The Dance Team performed a new hip-hop routine choreographed by Danielle Valinoti. “It was so exciting to share our performance with everyone and get practice in front of a crowd before actual competitions,” said Julia Rowan.

Emmielee Ramos concentrates on her movements during the K-pop inspired performance.

Finally, the Step Team performed, highlighting their synchronized moves and sounds, captivating the audience with their routine. “As a team, we practice repeatedly to make sure we are not only coordinated, but that we have all the moves down precisely. This takes so much energy and perseverance, but it is worth it when we can perform for the whole school during the Pep Rally,” said captain Abigial Owusu.

“The pep rally was a wonderful time. The teacher’s part was very funny, and it was remarkably interesting,” said senior Angeleah Bloodworth. “I also enjoy getting together with everyone in the grade and just enjoying the events Old Bridge provides for us!”