Sardis Elementary was abuzz as students filled the gym, knowing they were about to be celebrated but unaware of the exciting surprises awaiting them. The Carolina Panthers and The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation held a high-energy pep rally to kick off the new school year, as part of Classroom Central’s initiative to distribute 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies across the Carolinas. The partnership provided a Panthers’ t-shirt and a backpack for each student.
The event started lively as DJ Chanel spun favorite tunes, and students eagerly showed off their dance moves, setting the tone for the fun-packed event. Carolina Panthers Director of Community Relations Riley Fields, Coach Cal and Coach Dave, soon took over, leading the students in cheers and games that filled the gym with even more energy and excitement.
The students were overjoyed when the Panthers' beloved mascot, Sir Purr, made a grand entrance. Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan followed, walking down the blue carpet with boundless enthusiasm and school spirit. Principal Kelly Frycz soon followed and was honored as The Best Principal Ever.
The rally took a playful turn early on when Thing 1 and Thing 2 made their grand entrance, instantly stirring up fun chaos. The mischievous duo dashed around the gym, causing laughter and excitement as they playfully disrupted the event. Their antics did not stop there—they soon sneaked off to visit a few classrooms, leaving a few things out of place and some notes letting students know they had been there. Zymeir Weaver, a third-grader, loved it when they came out.
“It was really funny to see Thing 1 and Thing 2 running around and doing the opposite of what they were supposed to,” said Zymeir.
Beyond the fun, the rally delivered an important message about the value of reading and staying active. Riley emphasized how a healthy lifestyle can boost academic performance. It was the perfect segway into a relay race where students and teachers competed with enthusiastic cheers from their peers.
Next, UCPS Reading Specialist Lesa Williams introduced the Reading Stick of Awesomeness and recognized Leila Evans, a fourth grader, as the school's Super Star Reader. Leila walked down the blue carpet and sat on the Reading Chair of Awesomeness with Williams, where she received a Reading Star jersey.
The celebration concluded with colorful confetti filling the air. After the festivities, students returned to their classrooms to receive their backpacks and supplies.
"Today was so cool! I got to see all my friends and I love the backpacks. I'll be using it and all the supplies," said Daniella Rivera, a third-grader. "My favorite thing though was when we got up to dance."
Principal Frycz expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the day possible, noting how seeing all the students together in the gym was incredibly fulfilling.
"To see all the students together in the gym made my heart so full. This adds an awesome layer to the start of the school year. We are so thankful for the honor," said Frycz. "Our students had no idea what the celebration was about. They didn't receive Panthers' t-shirts until right before we started, so it was a surprise. I'm proud of the leadership we are building between staff and students. It's going to be a pawesome year!
08/28/2024
