Saturday night was the first ever Pep Rally to get pumped for the upcoming school year at Independence High School. Held at City Hall, it was a chance to see the school band in action and to be introduced to the 2017-2018 sports teams. There was a large turnout of the community in support of the high school and its efforts to highlight the visions for the upcoming year.

Principal Davis LeGrand said the theme for this year is “BelIeve”, with the with a big and bold capital “I” in the middle. “We want our students to believe that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from, you can have access to the information and skills to be a success in life. We want them to have options, whether it’s college or a trade, to be ready for life when they graduate.” LeGrand said. “We are excited about some new faculty and staff members who will help us with that endeavor. We also want to increase parental involvement, and are asking parents to volunteer one hour a month to help us reach our goals.”

Elijah Ashley is the new Athletic Director. “I am excited about all the athletic programs at Independence. With all the spirit you see here tonight, we are sure to win and do well.”

Sheryl Smith, organizer of the event, said she was pleased with the turnout. “This is the very first rally we have ever had of this kind, and it seems to be going really well.” The various concession stands were doing brisk business, and there was a lineup for the inflatable attractions.

The marching band and the dance squad were introduced first, bursting through a blowup portal with the words “Independence” in bold letters, and playing a Stevie Wonder favorite. They were followed by each individual sports team, the cheerleaders, and the Booster Club officers. It was noted that, thanks to the efforts of the Boosters, they have increased their available scholarships from one to three.

When it was Principal LeGrand’s turn to step on stage, he asked who was ready to go back to school, but joked that those cheers were mostly from parents. He said, “We want to continue to focus on academic and athletic excellence. Out of 169 schools in the Charlotte Mechlenberg School District, we had the highest academic growth.” He then thanked the community for their love and support that the school counts on to be successful.