From September 6 to September 7 during students’ FLEX period, ASG hosted their annual “Hello Rally” to welcome students back to school. 

The rally started off with a memorable entrance made by Rally Commissioners Jaiden Pascua (12) and Ankrishik Sardar (12). Together they rushed into the big gym surrounded by confetti and loud cheers from the lively crowd. 

Both Rally Commissioners hoped to engage the crowd from the beginning to the end of the rally. 

“I wanted to surprise everyone. As long as I keep up my energy I know the crowd will give me the same energy back,” said Pascua (12). 

The rally included several acts such as a performance from the Irvington cheer team, a mini-competition between all four classes to see who could pass an inflatable boat over the crowds in the bleachers the fastest, and a physical version of a Mario Kart race on scooter boards between the Irvington Fall sports teams. 

Seniors Serena Lim (12) and Chelsea Huang (12) also choreographed and performed a dynamic dance to the songs “Humble” and “Welcome to the Party.”

“It [the rally] was sort of a full circle moment for me. My first welcome rally was a YouTube video due to distance learning during freshman year. Now, I had the opportunity to perform in front of the entire school on my birthday at my last welcome rally,” said Lim (12).

Traditionally, the rally commissioners lead Irvington’s chant “We feel good, oh we feel so good, oh!” This year Pascua (12) and Sardar (12) surprised the crowd by introducing a new chant to reinvigorate Irvington’s spirit: “Remind me who I’m talking to MSJ/Washington is that you? No! Then remind me who I’m talking to! Irvington!”

Unfortunately, some students preferred the old chant more than the new one. 

“The new chant lacks rhythm and creativity since it includes other schools,” said rally attendee Kyal Moe (12). 

Irvington staff and administration were also heavily involved in the rally. Several teachers such as Ms. Ariela Koehler and Mrs. Jessica Lee from the Science department engaged in a dramatic sumo wrestling match. The fight included teachers attempting to push each other off the wrestling ring while wearing inflatable sumo suits. 

“Winning the fight felt great but it was kind of sad that I had to beat a fellow science teacher,” expressed Mrs. Jessica Lee. 

The most memorable event of the rally was when Irvington Principal Mr. Stanley Hicks poured a bucket of slime over both rally commissioners’. It was framed as revenge for the Principal getting “slimed” at last year’s  Hello Rally. 

ASG’s rally committee executed an exceptional first rally of the school year, building schoolwide anticipation and setting the stage for future rallies.