On Friday, Jan. 31 students gathered in gym one for the winter rally which introduced a new segment with an electric guitar performance from sophomores Nicholas Jones and Gunnar Cheetham and brought back performances from Sequoia’s Folklorico club, the Varsity cheer team, Sequoia teachers and Sequoia’s various dance teams.
Along with the performances, an air mattress race with competitors from winter sports teams and a half-court shot competition were also led by masters of ceremonies (MCs) seniors Max Chu and Shawn Royer. Though Sequoia rallies are typically hosted by ASB students, this one took a unique approach as neither Chu nor Royer are members of the class.
“Our friend in ASB needed two MCs and she asked us [because she said she] thought [we] would be good MCs,” Chu said.
The rally was organized by ASB with posters, balloons and streamers lining the gym indicating seating sections for each grade and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
“I am most proud of the cohesiveness of the rally and how everything connected and flowed to build an energizing and fun atmosphere,” Appreciation Wagon Committee Chair Amaya Bijlani.
Similar to Bijlani, Chu was happy with the outcome of the rally and enjoyed his time as an MC alongside the engaging atmosphere.
Additionally, the teacher dance made its return as a Sequoia rally staple. Dressed up as various foods, teacher participants danced to the routine choreographed by dance teacher Taylor White. The teachers danced to a mash-up of songs including Veggie Dance by Gracie’s Corner, Apple by Charlie XCX and Low by T-Pain.
“I think the dance performances and the teacher performance stood out as the best part of the rally,” Bijlani said.
The rally marked the transition from Spirit Week to winter formal weekend. Leading up to the City of Stars themed formal, students were instructed to dress by grade with freshmen wearing blue, sophomores in purple, juniors in black and seniors in white and grey for the rally.
“I think spirit week went really well as a lot of people dressed up meaning the ASB publicizing of it paid off,” Bijlani said.