Story by Ella Apisakkul
Staff Writer
Photos by Theo Thompson, Adrian Lopez, Philip Kwak, Maximo Benitez & Mac Shropshire
Staff Photographers, Videographer, & Photography Editor
On Friday, Aug. 21, SPHS ASB held its annual SAC assembly to kick off the 2026-27 school year, highlighting school facilities and programs, as well as encouraging students to purchase SAC cards. This first assembly of the year included performances and activities from Band, Color Guard, PEP, class representatives for games, and more, with the SAC promotional video referencing the popular movie “Obsession”.
The SPHS marching band welcomed students as they entered the auditorium with a collection of songs. The assembly opened with a skit including sophomore class president Liam Painter, senior Commissioner of Spirit Emi DeFelice, and senior Commissioner of Clubs Talon Ebbert voicing their complaints about junior Commissioner of Assemblies Denis Blekhman. After confronting the trio, Blekhman led the annual school-wide roll call, followed by Kiana Tenegalo’s performance of the national anthem.
The first part of the SAC card promotional video was then played, in which members of SPHS ASB attempt to convince Blekhman to buy a SAC card. The video ended with Commissioner of Correspondence Evan Chang breaking a One Wish Willow as a last resort, similar to “Obsession”.
Then, Senior Commissioner of Noontime Activities Dylan Bartnes led all the classes in a wig-snatching competition, which the senior class representative won after facing the freshman representative. New arrivals to the SPHS staff were introduced, followed by senior General Commissioner Sam Allen interviewing new SPHS assistant principal Jessica Zavala. A video promoting Peer Mediators was played, including directions on how to access the program. Then, SPHS Color Guard performed to “Lights” by Ellie Goulding.
The fall sports captains were brought on stage and interviewed. Next, varsity and JVPEP performed to four different songs with their flags team. SPHS Principal John Eldred provided a message encouraging students to be thankful towards others and to have a good start to the year.
The second part of the SAC card promotional video was played. Blekhman is scarily fixated on purchasing a SAC card, and he attends school activities with Chang, including more scenes referencing “Obsession” and ending with a note pushing students to buy a SAC card to escape a possessed Blekhman.
The assembly closed with a fun performance led by Blekhman, with all of ASB dancing to the song “Let it Grow” from the movie “The Lorax”, bringing the year’s opening assembly to a satisfying and lively end.
