The stands of Portsmouth Colesium were packed with thunderous stomping and cheers as students from Portsmouth High School, Junior High, Elementary, and East Portsmouth Elementary gathered for a district-wide pep rally.
“This is the second or third time we’ve done this. It’s just great to see everybody and have everybody together in one place,” said Superintendent Scott Dutey. “We’ve had different theme days all week long and kids dressing up. This is kind of the culmination of all those events.”
The cheerleaders pumped up the crowd as the school band played and the football team took to to the field. After a rallying speech by football coach Bruce Kalb, the students and staff competed in a tug of war and a Battle of the Class. In the battle, competitors from each grade level were given just a few minutes to decorate their teacher, creating a Homecoming outfit out of a roll of toilet paper.
The event capped off a week-long series of Homecoming activities within the district, ahead of the football team’s game with Gallipolis Friday night.
“I hope that everyone comes out in red, white, and blue. The more school spirit we have, the more motivated our athletes are. It’s important that we get behind our kids, not just in football, and show some Trojan Pride,” said Athletic Director Joe Albrecht.