Nazareth Academy pulled out all the stops to fire up students at the homecoming pep rally Friday morning in La Grange Park.
In addition to stirring school spirit, the rally served as a kick-off for the high school’s 40th annual fundraising walk of 3.5 miles to support academics and extracurricular activities. Previous years’ totals have topped $180,000 to benefit the school.
With a country theme tied to the popular TV series, “Friday Night Lights,” Nazareth students and staff celebrated their own real-life football powerhouse with high hopes pinned to the team’s 6-0 record.
The varsity team was scheduled to take on Joliet Catholic Academy at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11.
Aglow in the spotlight, economics teacher Anthony Gonzalez sported a neon pink blazer, Western tie and white cowboy hat as he shared emcee duties with guidance counselor Brendan Green.
The duo traded jokes and microphones with Student Council representatives in introducing various groups. Performances by the junior varsity and varsity pom squads, cheerleaders, color guard, drum line and band elicited thunderous cheers.
Performances were interspersed with a series of school videos, which have becom increasingly popular with students, said Therese Hawkins, director of student activities.
A definite crowd pleaser was the faculty’s take on the “Friday Night Lights” cast and celebrity look-alike interviews.
Capping the rally was the introduction of homecoming court members, who received a tiara or red cowboy hat. Crowned as homecoming queen and king were Tony Calles of Cicero and Elena Sofia Westchester.
Following the 3.5-mile walk through LaGrange Park, students looked forward to lunch, a bags tournament and faculty-senior softball game, as well as music by 2006 graduate John Gurney, who recently recorded in Nashville “The Lookout” with Tyler Filmore.