On Jan. 9, the Associated Student Body (ASB) hosted a “Wicked”-themed rally in the gym to recognize student-athletes and bring school spirit to campus.
The gym was decorated in green and black, with posters lining the walls highlighting athletes from sports such as wrestling, soccer, golf and swimming. ASB members worked throughout the week to decorate the gym, plan activities and organize performances for the rally.
The rally was energetic from the start, with loud cheering echoing throughout the gym. ASB members dressed as characters from “Wicked,” along with characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” which helped the rally feel immersive and on theme.
Students in the bleachers cheered during performances and joined games led by ASB on the floor. Between activities, ASB shared announcements to keep students informed about upcoming events, including prom tickets going on sale, the Midnight Market at Gabrielino and recent sports accomplishments.
Freshman Ashley Gonzales said the theme helped the rally stand out from others during the school year. “I loved Wicked when it came out in theaters, and I’m glad ASB realized how popular it had become because it shows they really pay attention,” Gonzales said.
One of the main events of the rally was a tug-of-war competition between the wrestling and soccer teams. As the teams pulled back and forth at center court, the crowd grew louder, and the wrestling team won the match.
Junior Victoria Gonzalez said recognizing athletes from different sports helped more students feel included. “Seeing names from different sports made people feel noticed,” Gonzalez said, adding that she appreciated how hard ASB works despite the size of the gym and how it continues to create new themes and activities.
The rally also featured performances by the cheer team, which executed stunts, while the dance team made an energetic entrance with music playing in the background.
“Over the past few years, I’ve seen how ASB has improved, and I see how Godinez, ASB adviser, puts a lot of work into events like this, which makes the few months I have left at Gabrielino feel special,” senior Xander Hand said.
From the banners on the walls to the final cheers in the bleachers, the rally reflected the effort ASB put into the event. Whether students were performing on the floor or cheering from the stands, the gym ended louder than it began, showcasing the school spirit Gabrielino is known for.
