By Caitlin Acker

Staff Writer

    Is there anything more enjoyable than having seasonal traditions to practice each year? R.J. Reynolds students participate in various popular traditions from October to December. Many can agree that these fun customs bring the school together and encourage students to participate in school events.

    The seasonal traditions at RJR kick off with our Homecoming Pep Rally. The cheer team, dancing boots, color guard, and the band all come together on the Friday of the homecoming game to perform at this beloved school event. The pep rally is so magical because it brings all of our school spirit into one place. The crowd goes wild when Frií Sampson-Young, the RJR student body president, announces each fall sport and recognizes the work the teams have put into the season.

    Yet another fall event at RJR is this year’s fall play, All in the Timing. This event is a great way for students to enjoy the talents of their peers displayed on stage. Part of the fun during these fall traditions is the opportunity for our students to experience what different parts of our school community have to offer. Beyond the play, RJR hosts a number of opportunities for clubs to put on events and fundraisers. 

    Candy Grams are a great example of club events that tie into RJR traditions. Senior Girls Service Club (SGSC) sells candy canes every holiday season with a small card for the buyer to write a note on. This builds a fun connection amongst the RJR students by passing along silly notes and a sweet treat. 

    Playfair Activewear, a club run by Mackenzie Acker to help girls in need, has also picked up this tradition. These candy grams are sold over the week before Halloween and are usually passed out around the 31st or during the week of Fall Fest.  

    Fall Fest is a celebration of autumn and the end of the first quarter. All clubs create a booth to sell items and raise money for their club, which they use for the rest of the year. In addition to benefiting clubs, this is yet another opportunity for students to get out of class and interact with the different groups within the student body.

    In years past, the school used to host a Homecoming Parade along with the pep rally, where all the clubs would make a float. Club members would parade around the school with the floats, which they would often spend all night working on. This old tradition demonstrated the students’ commitment and would be a fun addition to our current homecoming festivities. 

    Another Tradition that RJR would love to resurrect is the old Key Club event displaying the donations from their food drive in the auditorium. This old practice was created with the idea that it could help remind students to be thankful.    

    RJR has always had an abundant history full of tradition that the students never fail to participate in. This creates a fun environment for new students, encouraging them to do the same and to spread the holiday cheer. These events provide students with a chance to indulge in holiday traditions with their friends, showing that RJR really is the place where everyone wants to be.