Due to a weeklong heat wave in our building, the Spring Pep Rally was postponed by one week. But finally, on April 24, 2026, students and staff witnessed the recognition the spring sports teams deserved. More than just celebrating spring sports, this pep rally was the last pep rally of the school year, and the last ever for the class of 2026.
Reflecting on her final pep rally, Senior Mariam Fahad(‘26), who recently committed to NJIT, shared, “It was honestly kind of sad to be sitting and knowing that it was my last.”
The rally opened with Student Council Board of Education Representative, Navya Jain (‘27), and Executive Member, Rishab Ghosh (‘28), as MCs. The second half was led by STUCO President, Rishita Nossam (‘26), and Corresponding Secretary, Shashank Manicka (‘27). The flag performance by the Visual Ensemble set the tone, followed by an outstanding performance by our school choir and Jazz Band.
Just as the Jazz Band was wrapping up, Rishab was caught by Navya on his phone, “purchasing tickets” as a skit to promote the well-known annual Temptasion show, hosted by the Asian Cultural Club(ACC), which will be held on May 30. This skit led to a high-energy performance by the South Indian Dance Team, led by senior captains Rishita Nossam, Aayush Chebolu, and Pragna Buddharaju.
As we entered the second half of the Pep Rally, we were treated to an entertaining rendition by the 2026 Mr. SBHS dance, who recently held their big showcase on March 26, 2026. They showcased famous Disney songs, including “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid, “Arabian Nights” from Aladdin, “Let It Go” from Frozen, and the iconic “Ways to Be Wicked” from Descendants 2. The performance featured all of the senior contestants, Agustya Chinta, Arnav Mota, Rishab Kangyampeta, Jacob Walczyk, Aidan Fung, Emiliano Reyna, Alex Vega, Mario Williams, Ian Taylor, Dami Osinowo, and Mr. SBHS winner Ryan Santoro.
Following this came a stellar dance from the World Language Club, who also gave a captivating performance at their Global Voices Show earlier this year on March 6, 2026.
Interspersed with these performances, students had the opportunity to give standing ovations to all the following spring sports teams: Baseball, Softball, Boys and Girls Track and Field, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys Tennis, Boys and Girls Golf, and Boys Volleyball. 
This was a great opportunity for students to give appreciation for the teams who have worked really hard this following season.
In addition to sports and performances, the Spring Pep Rally also determined who would win the Spring Spirit Cup. Class council participated in games led by the Student Council to gain points for their class in order to win the Spirit Cup. Because the Pep Rally was rescheduled, Friday’s spirit week was black and gold. Everyone was told to wear the class colors on the postponed day. Knowing that freshmen won the Winter Spirit Cup, the senior, junior, and sophomore classes knew they had to redeem themselves this time. The event involved a variety of games, including being wrapped head to toe with toilet paper, and working as a team to pass a hula hoop back and forth.
Before announcing the winners of the day, students and staff were flabbergasted by a surprise return from Physical Education teacher Mr. Raymond Ostrowski, returning to SBHS for the first time after being deployed in the Middle East for the 25-26 school year as a member of the Army Reserves.
Then came the time that all class advisors and students had been waiting for. The seniors started spirit week in first place, while there was an intense tie between the juniors and sophomores, all while the freshmen were in last place. Until April 16th, when the freshmen did phenomenal on Thursday’s Athletes v. Mathletes Spirit Day and were back to being in first place. It all started to get quiet and serious when Nossam announced, “Advisors, you know what to do.” Students and admin were shocked to find out that the freshmen made an insane comeback and once again won the Spirit Cup!
As the rally came to a close, the energy in the gym lingered, marking not just the end of an exciting event but the closing of a chapter for the senior Class of 2026. From spirited performances to unforgettable moments of unity, the Spring Pep Rally brought the SBHS community together one last time this year. While the freshmen celebrated another victory, it was the seniors who walked away with something even more meaningful: lasting memories of their final pep rally and the school spirit that will stay with them long after graduation.
