Story by Christianne Duley
Staff Writer
Photos by Madeline Madrigal, Mac Shropshire, Zoe Chen, Kaitlyn Lee, Helena Easterby, and Emiko Essmiller
Staff Photographers, Staff Videographer, and Photography Editor
SPHS held its annual SAC assembly on Friday, Aug. 23 to welcome in the 2024–25 school year. The assembly included a class competition and PEP performances; it also advertised the school’s facilities and encouraged students to buy a SAC card.
The assembly began with Commissioner of Assemblies Zachary Lee abandoning the stage and allowing Commissioner General Austin Hwang to take over. The other commissioners took on the role of Commissioner of Assemblies as a way to introduce themselves to new students.
Commissioner of Activities Danielle Bass led a class roll call, followed by senior Amelie Geoffron’s rendition of the national anthem. Bass hosted a class competition which involved wrapping a classmate in toilet paper. PEP performed a new routine showcasing school spirit along with the skills of the school’s color guard, dancers, and cheerleaders.
ASB presented two videos displaying the benefits of a SAC card throughout the assembly. In the first video, ASB members divided into two groups competing for leadership, one led by Senior Class President Natasha Rey and the other by Hwang. The second video showed Rey and Hwang uniting after a metaphorically bloody battle, with Rey hinting at a future uprising.
“We mainly wanted to start off the year on a strong foot,” ASB Health and Wellness Officer Ava Hartstein said. “Our main goal for this assembly was encouraging people to get the SAC card, while also getting people involved.”
The Wellness Center showcased its services in a video led by the Health and Wellness Officers, Max Slattery and Hartstein. Students are free to stop by the center beside the Counseling Center for academic or personal assistance, or simply to take a break.
Commissioner of Athletics Abigail Errington then took to the stage to introduce the fall sports team captains and announce upcoming games. New staff and teachers were given introductions, such as band director Dr. Walter Simonsen, virtual enterprise teacher Janna Conner, and English teacher Marissa Locke.
The vacant role of Commissioner of Assemblies was almost filled by senior Samuel Whitman, runner up to the position the previous year, until Lee returned to his post and reclaimed the position. ASB put on a dance with all of its members to the song Hot To Go! by Chappell Roan, after which the assembly wrapped up with the announcement of the Icebreaker Dance taking place at the Tiger Patio on Aug. 30.
“I’m super proud of everyone who had a part in the assembly,” Hartstein commented. “The biggest part of each assembly is giving various programs on school the opportunity to shine, while also encouraging school spirit amongst students.”
