Update 9/5: After speaking with both Dr. Page and Mr. Revard, both explained to me that they were notified of the pep rally with only 24 hours, which seemed too short of notice to ask teachers to change their lesson plans, as it would undoubtedly affect first period. Both men commend the student body for voting, and they look forward to continued exemplary school spirit and a future pep rally to celebrate the accomplishments of the student body and student athletes.

High Five Sports chose North Cobb as the football “Team of the Week” thanks to superb student voting for the entirety of a week-long contest hosted by Fox 5. However, the student voting seems to have been all for naught when the administration wrongly chose to only allow the football team, cheerleaders, and part of the band to partake in the festivities.

“I voted like 50 times and I couldn’t even be at the pep rally? How in the world is that fair?” sophomore Brett Squiers said.

Many students like Squiers voted multiple times throughout the week in hopes of winning the pep rally. The administration did not allow students to join the pep rally and miss part of class, as we have already missed some portion of class periods with two fire drills, class meetings, and a tornado warning.

Incidentally, the students who missed the most class time are the ones who were participating in the rally, as the team, band, and cheerleaders all left school early on Friday over the past two weeks to make it to the away games on time. Does this logic make any sense?

Administration stated that the pep rally, or whatever they choose to call the masses gathered in the gym this morning, could not have regular students present because, as Mr. Barilow said, “It started an hour before school began, and ended 20 minutes later. We’d have 2,000 students roaming the halls for an hour, which we can’t have.”

But the spectacle did not end just 20 minutes later. Students participating in band, cheerleading, or football came to first period with only 15 minutes left in the period.

I understand why those three groups were crucial to the pep rally, as they are who everyone voted for in the first place. But the pep rally would not have been possible if the entire student body did not vote for NC repeatedly, so they should partake in the event equally. For a school that promotes spirit as much as our’s does, surely they could allow students to join the pep rally they fought so hard for. To not allow the primary voters seems wrong.

“I voted so many times and even went to both away games to support the team. I’m really upset that I wasn’t allowed to go and don’t think it’s fair,” senior and avid fan Chris DeGirolamo said.

Considering the students voted over 17,000 times (literally–this is not hyperbole), surely their effort could receive a reward by simply being part of the celebration. In fact, Mr. Williams stopped band class for five minutes just to vote. This dedication deserves the prize they earned.

The meaning of a pep rally is to PEP people up for the game, but the only people that could attend needed no boost in spirit. I guarantee that the student section will be packed come tomorrow night, but don’t act surprised when some angst seeps through the next time someone encourages students to vote for its school’s success for High 5 Sports.