NEWELL—The whole school showed up, along with some family and friends, to celebrate the accomplishments of eighth graders Lucille Ahart and Jessi Bachman. The two were gearing up for a trip to Huron, SD, to take part in the State Cross Country Meet.
A pep rally, specifically for the duo, also took time to celebrate the other fall sports teams at Newell High School. Head Football Coach Ryan Niman introduced his team and discussed how hard the football team worked this year. Even though they didn’t have a full season, they still managed to outscore their opponents, 114 to 33.
Head Volleyball Coach Amy Williams called her players down to the front and shared with the audience about a recent tournament win the team had. It was a breast cancer awareness tournament, and as the winners, they received a bright pink star quilt. Players held up the quilt and shared that it would be on display in the school soon.
The spotlight wasn’t working, but organizers wanted a dramatic introduction for the special guests of the pep rally. They asked everyone in Austin Auditorium to turn on their phone flashlights when the lights went down to illuminate the runners.
Stephen Simpson, MS Social Studies, Reading, and Science teacher, went on to announce them. “Ladies and gentlemen, standing five-foot-seven inches from Newell, South Dakota, Jessi Bachman!” She ran out while the crowd cheered. Simpson went on to introduce the next state-bound runner, “Standing five-foot from Nisland, South Dakota, ranked first in our region, Lucille Ahart!” And again the crowd roared!
The big sisters to Lucille and Jessi, Evelyn Ahart and Bristol Bachman, not only helped put together the celebration, but also took time to give their little sisters a pep talk to prepare them for the State Cross Country Meet. Bristol told Jessi how proud of her she was and added, “I guess all the times you were chased with a side-by-side really paid off! You are so fast—like lightning!”
Lucille’s big sister, Evelyn, gave her some words of encouragement as well: “Good job being number one in the region—it suits you! You are amazing! Good luck at State!”
The event ended after a few cheers led by the volleyball players and an attempt at a wave through the crowd. A good time was had by all!
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