The class of 2024 was the only class in Wilde Lake history to begin high school virtually. After a freshman year without a homecoming week, the senior class has put up a fight in the past three pep rallies.
In a tight race, the junior and senior classes tied after the 2023 pep rally, filling the stadium with anticipation. Each class had a taste of success throughout the games. The seniors pulled a victory during the fall sports relay race, but were defeated by the juniors during the annual tug of war.
Despite a tough loss in the tug of war, the senior class was able to snag the pep rally victory. Senior Emmanuel Dean says the seniors were in need of this “big redemption” after losing to the juniors during homecoming week in 2022.
The junior class won the book drive and battle of the classes, but the seniors were able to tie after their wins in the pep rally and hallway decorating. The homecoming class parade floats were scored, with the junior class placing on top, securing their second consecutive homecoming week win.
For the graduating class, losing their last homecoming week competition was “disappointing,” according to senior Felix Gomez.
“It was a little sad, especially because seniors haven’t ever won a homecoming,” he said.
The seniors are the last class to have experienced COVID-19 in high school, so they have had to fight harder than others, says 2024 class sponsor Ms. Padgett.
“I think, especially starting their high school career during distance learning and online learning, it was difficult for them to come in their second year and learn how to have homecoming,” she said, “considering how much they have dealt with over the last four years, they’ve learned so much. Even though we got second, I feel like they did so well that they could be considered first.”
However, for the juniors, the pep rally was a huge success. With hopes of dominating homecoming
week in 2024, junior class president James Shidle is looking forward to the future.
Mr. Blount, junior class sponsor, says that the juniors’ spirit carried them to victory. “I think there’s a love that the class of 2025 has for each other, and I think they really wanted to win for each other,” he said.
“I know other classes are definitely envious of our spirit and class participation. I can’t wait to come out strong at homecoming next year and get the three year sweep.” said James.
