Students from Brush High School gathered at the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center on March 14, 2024, for their 17th annual pep rally. This spirited event not only showcased school pride but also fostered connections between students and the local community, with residents participating in the festivities.
Community Engagement and School Spirit
The celebration kicked off with the high school band performing the school’s Loyalty Song, energizing the crowd and encouraging cheers from both students and residents. As part of their outreach, members of the football team, along with the band and other students, distributed roses to residents, made possible by a donation drive organized by Fresh Foods in Brush.
During the event, students engaged with the residents, discussing school activities and sharing stories about past traditions. Many of the residents were alumni of Brush High School, allowing for a rich exchange of personal experiences and local history. Shaire Chavez, the Community Outreach Manager at Eben Ezer, played a key role in organizing the event and expressed the significance of these interactions. “The event brings a sense of excitement,” she stated. “Some of our neighbors were teachers, coaches, or parents of Brush students years ago. Seeing the next generation come through and take time to visit reminds them they’re still part of the story. It’s not just about the roses or the music; it’s about the time the students spend with our neighbors.”
Celebration Continues with Tailgate Party
The festivities continued the following day with a tailgate party held before the football game. Residents enjoyed complimentary hot dogs, chips, and water, generously donated by Unidine and the Eben Ezer Auxiliary. Chavez and her husband prepared the food while residents cheered on the team.
Joe Rosenbrock, the Brush Football Coach, emphasized the importance of the pep rally tradition for the players. “We’ve been part of this for years, and it’s something the kids really look forward to,” he explained. Events like these not only boost team morale but also reinforce the players’ understanding of their role within the community. “When they see their neighbors, alumni, and families coming out to support them, it reminds them that football is about more than just the game. It’s about being part of something bigger.”
The annual pep rally serves as a reminder of the strong connections between the school and the community, highlighting how such events cultivate school spirit and local pride. As students and residents come together, they create lasting memories that strengthen the fabric of their shared community.
