Lower School Pep Rally Kicks Off Year with Spirit and Belonging

On Friday morning, the entire Lower School community of more than 900 students, faculty, and staff came together for a spirited pep rally to launch the new school year. From the moment the first notes of the school song rang out in both English and Mandarin, the gym filled with energy. Tiger pride instantly set the tone for the morning. 

The event began with a warm welcome for new students and faculty, highlighting the importance of every individual in the TAS community. Over 200 new students were asked to wave when called on, a gesture that, as Lower School Associate Principal Rick Rabon noted, ensured they “felt known, valued, and welcomed.” Students sang favorite songs and joined interactive chants, and the morning culminated with cheers led by none other than Tiberius the Tiger, who brought big smiles and even bigger school spirit. 

A highlight of the morning was the teacher relay race, where faculty teams competed to “fill the school bag” with essential items, much to the delight of the students in the stands. Laughter, cheers, and chants echoed as students eagerly anticipated the winning team. 

While the morning was filled with fun, the event carried deeper meaning. “So much of learning cannot be measured with traditional assessments, such as connection, fun, curiosity, and pride,” Rabon explained. “By providing varied experiences and opportunities for students to learn and grow through others and themselves, we show our enduring commitment to learning.” 

Bringing together more than 900 students and 150 faculty and staff was no small task. “When we do, it shows that we value community, unity, and the importance of school pride,” said Rabon. He emphasized that the pep rally allowed students to see themselves as part of something larger: “They see themselves as part of a bigger community and become connected through a common experience with shared values.” 

In a community that welcomes many new families each year, tradition plays a vital role. “In a transient community, tradition is important as it provides familiarity and stability,” Rabon said. “As students move through the school, they are better equipped to participate in more frequent assemblies and pep rallies. Additionally, they grow in confidence through participation and they become more spirited.” 

The pep rally also reinforced the importance of cultivating pride. “Pride results from being part of something bigger than yourself, and today’s pep rally helped kids connect to others, the Lower School, and TAS,” Rabon reflected. “Hopefully, it instilled in them a sense of Tiger pride.” 

The pep rally was about more than fun and games. It reflected TAS’s mission to cultivate a lasting commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service. By starting the year with such a unifying experience, students were reminded that they are not only part of a classroom but also members of a vibrant community built on honesty, kindness, respect, courage, and responsibility. 

With voices raised in song and cheers led by Tiberius, the pep rally set the stage for a year filled with connection, tradition, and Tiger pride.