At our beloved California High School, there’s a unique annual tradition: Night Rally. This highly anticipated event stands as one of the few on campus that brings together students from all backgrounds, coming from all campus organizations, and hailing from a variety of grade levels. After all, who wouldn’t want to watch their class leaders go at it for a chance at perpetual glory? (At least until next year’s competition rolls around!)
What most students don’t see, however, is all the hidden effort that goes into putting this magnificent performance on. From the student laborers who prepare for months to put together decorations for the event itself, to the leadership that helps coordinate the unique themes exhibited each year, the night rally at Cal represents a culmination of months’ worth of work on a grand endeavor.
It’s a truly sad thing ,though—all that effort, and yet most of these student leaders are never heralded or recognized for the invaluable labor they provide for the school and student body. Let’s delve into what truly goes on at California High School leading up to the Night Rally—and show what a variety of different groups contribute to it to make the event the annual smashing success that it is.
Initial Planning and Theme Development:
The initial spark for the event comes from our assiduous ASB officers. These leaders decide on the potential themes far in advance—often 2+ months prior to the actual Night Rally itself. From there, a general theme for the Night Rally is decided upon—with ASB and class council leaders deciding what subcategory of the theme each student class should embody.
After permission for the actual event to proceed is procured, as well as the general theme itself, these theme subcategories are then built upon by the general membership of the varying class councils—various votes are held regarding everything under the Sun. From the specific decorations for each class’s section within the gym, to what songs should be played for the intro music for each subcategory, each detail is carefully planned out such that the event runs as smoothly as possible. Don’t take the wrong impression from this and assume that the general class council has no say in the potential choices for these various aspects of theme besides voting on officer-provided options—each member of a given class council is given the opportunity to put forth their own ideas, which are then pushed forward and developed in the actual event itself.
Preparing the Stage for Success:
Night Rally as an event couldn’t exist without the delineation of the details that provide a suitable atmosphere for the games and festivities of Night Rally to occur. From the posters that line the walls, to the outfits our performers wear—every aspect of the rally is lovingly crafted by our student leadership.
As of late, an exhaustive schedule of weekend work days to provide for these items has been instituted—this requires the varying class council members to take time out of their busy schedules to curate the best possible centerpieces of each theme. It’s a team effort—after all, a 30 foot long poster can’t be made alone! During these work days—which have become increasingly prevalent over the past month—the aforementioned posters are painted, as well as other decorations designed (to dazzle the crowd!)
According to a Junior Class Council member, “The experience is rigorous yet rewarding—it feels good to know that my efforts are being seen and appreciated by the whole school community. It gives me a kind of silent satisfaction that my work contributes to such a key part of the social life at Cal.”
Preparing for a Production:
As a part of Night Rally, each class council puts on a variety of performances, which are typically rated through the 100% objective metric of who can cheer the loudest. (A lot of the time, the freshmen win this: this is potentially attributable to some remnants of their middle school lungs remaining!) Regardless of who provides the “best” performance, each class puts on a spectacular show. Without physical prep work, though, these performances wouldn’t be possible—students create their own choreography routines, which are then run through endlessly to show off a spectacular and smooth final showing at the night rally itself. This sometimes has a steep learning curve—compare the first dance recital with the actual Night Rally performance, and you’d swear you’re watching an entirely different set of people.
Final Remarks:
Overall, Night Rally provides everyone on campus with an opportunity to bond and grow as a community—from those watching the result of work put in, to those who contributed behind the scenes to make it all come together. Don’t let labor go to waste and go to a Night Rally—it’s well worth it!