Lots of pep, plenty of tradition at West homecoming
Friday, October 13 was a lucky afternoon for the students at Cranston High School West, Western Hills Middle School and Hope Highlands Middle School, as it was the annual Cranston West Homecoming Pep Rally.
Student council representing both Cranston middle schools whose students will attend CHSW were welcomed to the event along with the entire CHSW student body, fall sports teams, That Falcon Band, the school choir, the West cheerleaders, the Red Storm, the Westernettes and the Falconettes, as well as faculty, staff and coaches. Additionally, honored guests at the event were Dr. Andrew Lemoi, son of Ed Lemoi, former CHSW principal, for whom the rock on the West field was painted earlier in the day, unveiled and dedicated that afternoon, and Mayor Allan Fung.
Rhode Island National Guardsman and West faculty member, Dennis Mendes, led the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a moment of silence to honor Olivia Verrechia, a member of the senior class who passed away earlier in the school year.
Principal Tom Barbieri welcomed everyone to the pep rally, citing the fact that over 2000 people gather at the pep rally each year to celebrate West spirit and pride. Mayor Allan Fung spoke on behalf of the city, noting that falcon pride was running strong.
A new tradition was established this year, with the senior students handing down their class color – purple – to the eighth-grade student council representatives. Seniors were on hand to gift the middle school students with purple t-shirts and accessories, which they can utilize during their four years at West.
Each sport team had their senior students highlighted and was announced on the field, and the annual senior dance culminated the event. Performances from the cheerleaders, band, choir, Westernettes and Falconettes also highlighted the afternoon event.
