1. PEP RALLIES DBQ
Question: Analyze the differing attitudes held by members of the A. C. Flora High School Community towards pep rallies.

2. Document 1
Source: Eural Joiner, IB Social Studies teacher at A.C. Flora HS
I don't like pep rallies. I don't like the pumping up of emotion and enthusiasm in people so that they cheer for only one special group.
It reminds me of what happens in dictatorships - people cheer the leader and feel a part of the crowd and so the leader can manipulate people to do what he /she wants.

3. Document 2
Source: Coryelle Pondy, Valedictorian of A.C. Flora High School, 2014
They're (pep rallies) such a waste of time. I could be reading something in the library or listening to my music or going home instead of watching all the jocks parade and the cheerleaders falling over themselves.

4. Document 3
Source: Tom Sunday, A.C. Flora H.S. Cross-country team coach
Pep rallies are great. Some teams, like ours, never really get many fans cheering for us. To have the kids at school recognizing our accomplishments in such a public setting is rewarding.

5. Document 4 Source: Rick McClure, Principal A.C. Flora High School
First, pep rallies provide an opportunity to bring an entire school together at one venue. This opportunity gives teachers and students the chance to see other students and teachers they might not see otherwise. Second, it presents an ideal time to convey to others the activities in which many students participate. Third, it provides for everyone a form of entertainment (when done correctly) related to diversity in personalities, talents, and perspectives of each other.

6. Document 5
Source: Reggie Fredrick, Drum line in the A.C. Flora H.S. band.
Pep rallies are a major drag. Our teachers get annoyed that we have to be excused early to set up. No one wants to hear us play. Then we have to sit there until the end of the rally for the last song.

7. Document 6
Source: Mark Cagle, Dean of Students, A.C. Flora High School
Sometimes I view the school as a family; therefore, I consider pep rallies as a family activity, like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
When I help organize the events, I want as many school groups to participate as possible; just like a family wants every member to participate.
School activities help people feel a part of the group, and that is very important to me.

8. Document 7 Source: Coach Harlin, Monitor at A.C. Flora High School
Pep rallies are a pain. Invariably there will be at least one fight in the stands that needs to be broken up in a crowd of students; and several kids will be wandering the halls unsupervised that we’ll need to round up. It is a real burden for us monitors.

9. Document 8 Source: Coach Shaw, Football Coach at A.C. Flora H.S.
It’s only right that the team members get some recognition from the entire school community for all their hard work. The majority of the school does not come out to our games. We should get some applause at school.

10. Document 9 Source: Marie Smith, A.C. Flora High School Cheerleader.
I love pep rallies! We get to lead the school in demonstrations of our school spirit and enthusiasm. I don’t mind losing my voice to get the crowds fired up. Those who do not like pep rallies are a few anti-social misfits whose opinions really don’t matter. Go Falcons!