Neon ‘80s-colored outfits, costumes ranging from farm animals to superheroes, and staggering “senior citizens” roaming the school hallways, one clearly sees that Homecoming Week is finally upon us. 

Homecoming Week at Starr’s Mill is an exceptional way for students to show their Panther pride. However, one day that does not incite the same amount of excitement for some is Friday — the day of the pep rally. 

While it may receive positive feedback from many students, others — myself included — do not see the necessity of having a mandatory pep rally. It is nearly an hour of having to be crammed in a hot, stuffy stadium or gym with hundreds of other students. Add in the constant screeching and blaring music and the result is a rather uncomfortable atmosphere. 

If students are not comfortable with a setting like this and would much rather be in a classroom learning, I feel like it should be an option. Having people that clearly do not want to be there and do not participate in the activities only dampens the mood and is not fair to the students that actually enjoy the rallies.

The dress up days throughout the week are not mandatory. Although it is highly recommended and fun to join in the festivities, students are not obligated to do so. 

This same rule should be implemented when it comes to the day of the pep rally — it can be highly suggested that people go, but they should not be forced to go to something they do not wish to attend. 

An alternative that could be implemented in order for both students — those who enjoy pep rallies and those who don’t — to enjoy the Friday of Homecoming Week is making the pep rally either before or after school. 

If this new rule is carried out, it will be a win-win for everyone. Having an hour-long pep rally after school would result in the attendance of only the students who really want to be at the pep rally, while allowing the other students that do not wish to participate to leave. 

Making the pep rallies before or after school would benefit everyone — the students who enjoy the pep rallies and want to be there, and the ones who do not.

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