Rancho Cucamonga High School had its 2023 homecoming rally on Friday, Sept. 8. The rally, which showcased underwater decor, matched the “Part of Your World” theme. The rally consisted of performances by varsity dance, marching band, cheer, and of course the court princesses.
The rally began with The Rancho Cucamonga Marching Cougars playing their instruments while principal Mr. Azande Aikens came out in a carriage dressed as King Triton. When the band finished playing, they walked away and Mr. Aaron Bishop came out dressed as Sebastian the crab, and sophomore Khloe Wales played the part of Ariel.
During the beginning of the rally, it was established that they were trying to figure out who would be crowned homecoming queen. The evil Ursula, played by choir teacher Ms. Kelley Squires, attempted to mess up their plans.
Then half of the princesses performed their choreographed dances. Then cheer performed, then varsity dance.
A lot of people received the rally very well. For the freshmen, it was their first rally. Freshman Leighla Clanor spoke about how she enjoyed the rally.
“It was actually pretty good. I’ve heard some great praise from people who already went here and it was my first rally so it was pretty good,” Clanor said. “I really liked the singing. It sounded like straight out of the movie. They could have improved on the props a little bit, but they did pretty good for the really short time crunch.”
Senior Isabell Padilla, who has seen a couple rallies, loved how much the rallies have improved over the years. She said she loves the unique changes since then.
“I really enjoyed the performances. You can really tell all the time and work it takes to set up and plan,” Padilla said. “I think they improved on having rally’s get out on time, however, I don’t see much of a difference. I liked how band was a bit more interactive rather than being pushed in a corner.”
According to the students, this year’s RCHS homecoming rally was a swimming success. Everyone worked hard to really bring this rally together.
Ms. Heather Landau said it takes a lot of time and work to put together a rally.
“We spent two months-ish on working on the rally,” Landau said. “Started with the artwork and then once we got to school we started thinking about what would the show look like, what is the story would be, and then once we figure that out, then we would ask people if they’ll be involved. It takes a lot of preparation, many, many weeks worth and there is a ton of people that help. We have very talented people on this campus and they all pitch in.”
In addition to this being the first rally for the freshmen, it was also the first rally for Aikens. He said he loved being a part of that rally and being able to help cheer on the Rancho spirit.
“It was a lot of different emotions, I was excited, I was nervous, I wanted to make sure I did a good job and I wanted to make sure that all the students were pumped up and excited about the rally and the football game,” said Aikens. “It was good to be a part of that rally and the storyline so I had no problem dressing up as King Triton.”
Aikens said he is proud to be a part of RCHS spirit and the special atmosphere on the campus.
“Our school is unique, you know? Every school is different, but I know here we really bring it and that energy gets me going. It brings me up!” said Aikens.
