[metaslider id=7577]
DAN ORZECHOWSKI
Staff Writer
Countries all around the world were represented at this year’s Homecoming Pep Rally at Steele Hall. This year’s theme, “Fredonia Around the World,” captured the international diversity on Fredonia’s campus.
The bleachers filled within minutes, quickly becoming a sea of blue and white. Some people were left standing, but that didn’t dampen their spirit.
The event kicked off with the cheerleading team setting the tone. Cheerleaders spelled out “F-R-E-D-O-N-I-A” while others lifted each other up and did flips. The team’s synchronized acrobatic moves impressed the audience.
The rally hosted a collection of dance teams and a capella groups, including the Fredonia Dance Team, the Blue Ice Step Team, Much More Chill and Some Like It Hot. Performances by each group brought the crowd to life with their talent.
Naj Mendoza, a sophomore graphic design major went to the Pep Rally to see a friend perform in a dance group.
Mendoza said, “[The rally] was pretty upbeat. Everyone was really excited. It’s good to see everyone come out and have a good time.”
After the dance performances, a couple of students brought a replica of the Fredonia clock tower to the middle of the basketball court. A single dancer, wearing a shirt displaying a Puerto Rican flag, was left with the tower. He started hopping around as “Where is the Love” by The Black Eyed Peas started to play. More and more dancers joined from the bleachers and appeared on the court as the song progressed. Each performer wore shirts flashing a different country’s flag. The act ended with each dancer holding hands as they circled around the clock tower.
A number of skits promoting internationalism followed throughout the rally. A sketch performed by the Study Abroad office had student visit countries around the world with the Magic School Bus. Shortly after, residents of Kasling Hall and Grissom Hall performed an act where students took a cruise while learning about different cultures.
Freshman music industry major Kathleen Fischer thought these skits were the best part of the event. Fischer attended the Pep Rally out of curiosity. Despite not knowing what to expect, she ended up enjoying the lively atmosphere. “I’m really liking it,” she said. “It’s really chill, but not over the top.”
At the end of the event, Kiman Baldon and Jasmine Amyra were crowned 2016’s Homecoming king and queen.