Friday’s Fall Sports and Spirit Assembly looked a little different than previous assemblies, and for the better, Dr. Mark Maranto, Assistant Principal for Student Activities, said. The assembly took place on Friday September 12 in the Titan Dome during Block 4, and featured more clubs and activities than previous years, Maranto said.
The decision to make a larger focus on clubs and activities was made this year to fully represent South’s core values of Curiosity, Respect, Pride, and Inclusiveness, Maranto explained. Aligning with the core values, the assembly now includes broader coverage of all of South’s extracurriculars. Another change that came with the reform: Winter Assembly has been cut from the school year to align with Glenbrook North’s calendar, Maranto said.
“[Assemblies] were entirely focused on athletics and we’re a full school of 120 clubs and activities,” Maranto said.
With the newly reformed Fall Assembly, several clubs were chosen to speak about their group, and to promote their activities and causes, Maranto said. Clubs of all different calibres will participate to better encapsulate what South has to offer.
In the past, clubs had felt that they had not been properly represented at school-wide gatherings such as the assemblies, Activities Coordinator Julie Smith said.
“We’re trying to bring in a variety of different things- music, fine arts, clubs, activities, as well as sports- and making sure everybody has their opportunity to be highlighted in front of the school,” Smith said.
Not to fear- the Fall Assembly still includes much-loved favorites such as the sports feature videos for South’s sports teams, as well as engaging games, Brendan Gomez, Student Council President, said. The goal of the additional club features is to encourage students to get involved more in the clubs and activities that make South great, Gomez said.
“It’s not like sports aren’t being celebrated and honored- there’s still gonna be an aspect of that- but it’s going to be more highlighting of clubs,” Gomez said.