By Melissa Beth Ruiz
The bleachers buzzed with the overlapping and exuberant conversation of hundreds, yes hundreds of joyful high school students. After what had felt like a lifetime, they were finally brought together, without having to distance from one another or conceal their smiles with masks, to celebrate their school and each other.
This momentous occasion commenced with a triumphal performance by the LHS band, whose music filled the gymnasium with school spirit and jubilation. When their set was finished, it was
“Let’s get this party started!” called out LHS Pep Rally Team captain Caitlin Henderson to her fellow students.
Indeed, there was much to celebrate. Friday, April 22 marked the first Londonderry High School pep rally to include all students and faculty under one roof in 28 months.
“Finally, we are back to one, Lancer Nation.” proclaimed Steven Juster, LHS English Teacher and pep rally coordinator to the spirited crowd, encouraging all in attendance to rise “so that your voices bounce off the ceiling!”
The convocation recognized the athleticism and school spirit of the spring sports teams, the Band’s upcoming trip to Florida, the success of the school’s food drive, the tireless efforts of the student council, class officers, and class representatives, and the triumphs of many other student organizations.
LHS Senior Jilian Jones, who had also sung as well as performed with the school Color Guard at the pep rally, commented on this most remarkable assembly.
“It felt like we were moving towards a more normal, memorable state,” said Jones, adding that the past two years felt like they had just blended together.
“It reminded me what it was like to be a normal high-schooler, and as a senior it was very refreshing.” said Jones.
Jones sang the song “Rise Up” by Andra Day, a song Jones said was about overcoming any challenge, a song to acknowledge the emotional journey that military family members must often embark on.
Along with students and staff, there were some special guests gathered in the LHS gymnasium. There to introduce them were Blue Star Lancers Ryan Fortin and Jack Griffin, along with Sgt. First Class Rick Frost of the New Hampshire National Guard.
The Blue Star Lancers are a group of students doing what they can to support members of the United States military. During the assembly, these students presented special certificates to the school district’s Purple Stars, students who have a parent actively serving in the military.
“Today, in recognition of the strength, resilience, adaptability, and independence each Purple Star possesses, and in appreciation of the sacrifices they make when their parents leave the country, we raise up and honor our Purple Star Lancers.” said Griffin.
Fortin then focused the crowd’s attention to three graduating seniors “who have formally made the commitment to serve our country following graduation.”
Ryan Duddy will be joining the United States Air Force, Andrew James Crafts has enlisted in the United States Navy in Aviation, and Reese Kamerman will also be a part of the United States Air Force.
The Blue Star Lancers had put together a care package to show their support for the new recruits, which included things like paperclips, candles, and lifesavers, to help these brave souls “keep it together” during difficult times, to light their way should there come any dark times, and for moments when others will need their help and when they will need the help of others.
Though all Lancers are winners in their own unique ways, the school makes it a point each year to shine a light on those who go above and beyond.
Every year the Arthur Psaledas Award is given in recognition of Lancers who transcend school spirit. This year, three of these awards were presented, though in no particular order.
One was given to Londonderry substitute teacher Dottie Gulezian, for being there for students and staff even through “shattering heartbreak in her life.” The other two awards were given to Sage Matzger and Colby Ramshaw, who have both “been there for everyone else before themselves,” and also in the committee’s words have brought “sunshine, spirit, inclusion, and love” to all of their activities.
Honorable mentions included Summer Gracyk, a Day of Giving Angel who “takes inclusion and kindness to a new standard,” Ava Palmer, a cheerleader who has helped people “deal with unimaginable loss,” and Abbie Whitley, who has been unyieldingly kind.
This year’s Pep Rally Award was given to Ahna Gainey, who according to Juster was the person to thank for bringing the pep rallies and Days of Giving to Lancer Nation via broadcast when restrictions were at their strictest. Gainey had even given her hair the same day as filming one of these Day of Giving ceremonies.
In the past, many students may have taken pep rallies for granted, dismissing them as a waste of time, or appreciating them solely as a means of having shorter classes. But to Jones, and likely to countless other students who have been missing them for a while, they now have a whole new meaning.
“They’re an important reminder that we’re not just individuals, we are also a team as a school, and it’s important to feel like a community.” said Jones. “They’re a good way to bring us together, and to showcase what defines Lancer Nation as Lancer Nation.”
Though this will certainly be a pep rally to remember for many reasons, underclassmen and staff alike are no doubt already looking forward to seeing what next year’s winter pep rally will have in store.