Peppin' It Up at Diman!

The football team busts through into the gymnasium as the cheerleaders and crowd looks on at Diman's Pep Rally Football players look on as the cheerleaders take center stage at the Pep Rally Boomer encourages the crowd during a shout out at the Pep Rally

By Jenna Gagne '10

Once again, Diman successfully pepped up the football team members taking part in the Thanksgiving Day football game against New Bedford Voke! As you entered the gym's widely opened doors where the pep rally was ready to start, you were transported into a totally different atmosphere. Decorated by the Diman Cheerleaders, our gym was a sea of orange, white and black. The student body moved close together, trying to make as much room as possible for everyone to fit.

To kick off the events, the Cheerleaders welcomed everybody by throwing black and orange necklaces while cheering and hyping the crowd. The Football Team made a grand entrance by running and jumping with much excitement through orange paper that covered the back doorway of the gym. As they were presented one by one in order of class, they showed their enthusiasm by waving to the crowd. Next to be presented were members of the Cheerleading Squad, who did an outstanding job of running the entire show. All other fall sports were respectfully recognized by Mr. Bentley and given an uproar of applause.

From there, it was finally time for the Cheerleaders to present their amazing routine that they had created and used for competitions only weeks before. Boomer the Bengal did his thing and busted a move along with the girls. A competition between the four bleacher sections, separated by a few cheerleaders at each station, took place. Section four was the most definite winner and got rewarded with flying candy for their spirit and support. The next event was the competition of throwing a football through a tire. None of the volunteer contestants made it through the hoop. It wasn't until Boomer the Bengal took off his paw and gave it a shot that someone achieved what many strived for. He was awarded for his precise throw and graciously accepted the gifts.

The next event taking place in this year's pep rally was the presentation of the Fall River First Night Design winner, Agenda Book Cover winner, and the Christmas Tree Raffle winner. First was the Fall River First Night Design winner, from our very own Graphic Arts shop, Jessica Ferron. The Agenda Book Cover for next year's school planner was won by Office Technology's Tiffany Connors. Finally, and the most controversial win was that of the Christmas Tree raffle. The first names picked out of the hat consisted of Mr. Howayeck, Ms. Letendre, Mr. Aubin, and Mr. Librera, who all generously donated the tree back. Finally, Mr. Michael's name got called and he agreed to actually take the tree home!

One of the most entertaining sights was the coach toilet paper wrapping competition. The entries were Coach Vickery for the Football team, Coach Noversa for the Volleyball team, and Coach Rosie for the Cheerleading squad. At the end, the winner was Coach Vickery, awarded due to the loudest applause from the gym audience and football players.

One of the last events was anticipated by most everybody and the most fulfilling. Jared Cantin, Diman senior who has been out from a serious car accident, returned with his family to greet his friends and the entire Diman community for the first time since the accident. With the emotional introduction and the greatest applause of all, Jared rolled his wheel chair to the middle of the gym floor where he was given some gifts. Mr. Keogh had written a letter to the Boston Celtics about Jared because he was a fan of basketball, and the team sent Jared a signature Celtics' basketball, jersey, and hat. Jared's family had tears in their eyes but they were that of hope and thanks. When the check for $2,500 was presented to them, they were very grateful. In such a short amount of time, this money raised was surely a wonderful feat for Diman. We truly pulled it together for Jared.

This year, we were very fortunate to have had such a great set of teams and students to support their school with spirit and pride. The ideas and contributions of all who participated in the pep rally are to be commended for making this a memorable event!