{{Short description|Gathering held at a school or college sporting event}} {{use mdy dates|date=June 2021}} thumb|300px|A group of students at their high school pep assembly. A '''pep rally''', '''pep assembly''' or '''pep session''' is a gathering of people, typically students of middle school, high school, and college age, before a school sporting event. The purpose of such a gathering is to encourage school spirit and to support members of the team. This is often done by wearing school colors or chanting school cheers. It is generally seen as an American and Canadian phenomenon, used to create hype before a sporting event.<ref name="2013-02-19 Huffpo" />
A pep rally often occurs before homecoming, prom, or even regional or national games for the school. It is usually held inside a school gym or other large sporting arena in the area. In an attempt to boost enthusiasm before an event, pep rallies are usually very loud and energetic.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-07 |title=Definition of PEP RALLY |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pep+rally |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref> They are used to encourage the team, enhance their spirits, and help them gain the confidence to perform their best by showing the school's support.
Often, businesses or speakers such a town mayor, law enforcement, or motivational speaker will come to promote their business or event happening in their field.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Pep rally Definition & Meaning {{!}} Britannica Dictionary |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/pep-rally |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en-US}}</ref> A pep rally may also be held after a sporting event, for example to celebrate the success or win of a championship game.
These school gathering are said to allow students to feel included, have a sense of belonging, or feel appreciated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thimirisetty |first=Shreya |title=How Important Are School Pep Rallies? |url=https://theshakerbison.com/2568/opinions/editorials/how-important-are-school-pep-rallies/ |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=The Shaker Bison}}</ref>
==See also== * Pep talk
==References== <references> <!-- dated sources sorted chronologically -->
<ref name="2013-02-19 Huffpo">{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Daniel M. |date=2013-02-19 |title=UK vs. USA - School Pride |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/daniel-m-cooke/uk-vs-usa-school-pride_b_2696346.html |url-status=live |work=The Huffington Post |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817004955/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/daniel-m-cooke/uk-vs-usa-school-pride_b_2696346.html |archive-date=2020-08-17 |access-date=2021-06-06}}</ref> </references> Category:cheerleading Category:sports culture
{{sport-stub}}