Glenvar High School held their pep rally on Friday, Sept. 21, prior to their Homecoming events this weekend. We have photos of the (as one teacher called it) “controlled chaos.”

Pep rallies at Glenvar are steeped in traditions: each year, the different classes compete to be named the class with the most school spirit. They compete for the chance to win the giant spark plug (which has been a part of Glenvar’s Homecoming week since the 70s when current principal Joe Hafey was just a student at GHS). They go all out decorating the school hallways, they wear their class color–freshmen wore red, sophomores wore blue, juniors wore yellow and seniors wore green–and they make their throats sore by cheering the loudest at the rally.

The classes also buy paper Spirit Links for 10 cents each with the hope of forming the longest class link. All the money from the Spirit Links is donated to the United Way.

This year, the junior class came away with a lot of wins–the most spirit links and the best decorations in the hall competition. But the seniors reigned supreme (as usual, according to assistant principal Sonya Cline) and came away with the coveted spark plug.

The pep rally marks the beginning of the big Homecoming events: later tonight Glenvar will step off for their Homecoming parade down Ingle Blvd. to Highlander Stadium at 6 p.m. and the Homecoming game will follow at 7 p.m. The Homecoming court this year is Samantha Batista, Alex Dunkenberger, Emily Bryant, Cameron Russell, Brianna Carpenter, Shaquille Bonds, Nikki Castellano, Tyler Crocket, Annie Corrin Doss, Nathan Michael Keffer, Anna Hall, Brandon Phillips, Katelyn Henson, Jake Roberts, Laura Hill, Bryce Mallette, Morgan Miller, Alvin Wheeler, Sarah Mullins, Daniel Brian Pinard, Cara Neikirk, Chris Bell, Emily Strom and Jon Wilson. Read on after the jump for more information about the ladies and gentlemen of the Homecoming court.

Tomorrow, the students will come together for the Homecoming dance (we’ll have Paparazzi photos from that event later).

Check back here for photos from the parade and the game. In the meantime, did you take photos during the rally? Do you want to share photos from Glenvar’s other Homecoming events? Send your photos to news@sosalem.com or upload up to 10 photos at a time using our share tool.

Samantha Batista is the daughter of Tanya Batista. Samantha’s hobbies include horseback riding and tumbling. She participates in Theatre Arts with Franco and FBLA. Her favorite food is Bubblecake cupcakes and Samantha’s favorite music group is Maroon Five. Samantha’s favorite subject in school is English with Mrs. Siska. Her favorite sport is competition cheerleading, and her favorite TV show is Dance Moms. Samantha’s plan after graduation includes attending a very nice university.  Samantha’s favorite thing about Glenvar is “our amazing school spirit and being able to know all the people around you.” Her favorite memory is “the booty crank and tennis camp freshman year.”

Samantha is escorted by Alex Dunkenberger. Alex is the son of Tom and Marybeth Dunkenberger. Alex’s extracurricular activities include National Honor society, varsity tennis, Theatre Glenvar High, Key club, and Spanish club. Some of Alex’s hobbies include tennis and pigeon training. Alex’s favorite food is chocolate chip pancakes. His favorite music group is Dave Matthews Band. Alex’s favorite subject in school is Mrs. Pry’s English class. His favorite sport is tennis and Alex’s favorite tv show is The Office. His favorite book is Death of a Salesman, and his plan after graduation is to attend a four year university. Alex’s favorite thing about Glenvar is Ms. Pry’s wonderful smile. His favorite memory about Glenvar is “going to states two years straight for tennis.”

Emily Bryant is the daughter of Margaret and Kenny Bryant. Emily’s hobbies include loving Cameron Russell and Alvin Wheeler and looking at the rain with Hannah Moran and Haley Quinn during Chemistry. Her extra curricular activities include DECA and Theatre Arts. Emily’s favorite food is shrimp, and her favorite music group is Lady Antebellum. Emily’s favorite subject in school is math and her favorite sport is competition cheerleading. Emily’s favorite tv show is Criminal Minds and Hunger Games is her favorite book. After high school Emily plans to go to college for nursing. Emily’s favorite thing about Glenvar is “coming to school to see everyone’s smiling faces!” and her favorite memory about Glenvar is “the ninth grade cheerleader lock in, playing hide and go seek at two in the morning.”

Emily is escorted by Cameron Russell. Cameron is the son of Steve and Denise Russell. Cameron’s activities include AMPed (prayer group) FCA, track, and DECA. His main hobby is mountain biking with Bryce Mallette. Cameron’s favorite food is a medium cooked steak with a loaded baked potato. His favorite music groups are Hillsong and Toby Mac.  Cameron’s favorite subject in school is science, and his favorite sport is football. Cameron’s favorite tv show is NFL network, and his favorite book is the Holy Bible. Cameron’s plan after high school is to attend Liberty University and major in Psychology and minor in youth ministries. Cameron’s favorite thing about Glenvar is “it’s a tight knit organization, you can take all of two steps into the high school to be greeted with the smile of a teacher, and if you need help with anything, you can ask just about anyone and they will happily help you.” His favorite memory is “Being in Mr. Neil J. Swanson 2011-2012 DE US/VA history class. We survived earthquakes, planned for the zombies apocalypses (you better do the same), made lovely new friends in Mexico, and also talked to the President directly.”

Brianna Carpenter is the daughter of Tom and Vanessa Carpenter. Brianna’s extra-curricular activities include cheerleading, vocal ensemble and preforming arts. Her hobbies are acting and singing. Brianna’s favorite food is Chinese and her favorite music group is Munford and Son. Brianna’s favorite subject is history, and her favorite tv show is pretty little liars. Brianna’s favorite book is The Fairest??. Brianna’s favorite thing about glenvar is that it’s a comfortable environment and all the teachers care about the students. There aren’t many groups; everyone hangs out with everyone for the most part. Brianna’s favorite memory was last year during sol season, Tyler Crockett, Ryan Jones, Nikki, myself and a lot of other people ran around the school playing hide of seek. After graduation Brianna wants to go to college for theatre.

Brianna is being escorted by Shaquille Bonds. Shaquille is the son of Elisha Jones, and Sean Bonds. Shaquille’s extra activities include basketball, football, track, soccer, and table tennis. His two hobbies are sports and xbox. Shaquille’s favorite food is meatball mozzarella, and his favorite music group is YMCMB. His favorite subject in school is math, and his favorite sport is football. Shaquille’s favorite tv show is Martin. His favorite thing about Glenvar is knowing everyone and being everybody’s friend. Shaquille’s favorite memory is going to states in basketball and beating Radford. After Shaquille graduates he wants to attend a four year college.

Nikki Castellano is the daughter of Deidra and Seth Castellano. Nikki’s activities include cheerleading, Theatre Arts, choir, and journalism. Nikki’s hobbies are wake boarding and hanging with friends. Nikki’s favorite foods are pizza, potatoes, and ice cream. Her favorite music groups are Paramore, Linkin Park, Flyleaf, and Nicki Minaj. Nikki’s favorite subject in school is English and her favorite sport is cheerleading. Nikki’s favorite tv show is Pretty Little Liars, and her favorite book is Charlotte’s Web. Nikki wants to attend a four year university after high school. Nikki’s favorite thing about Glenvar is the teachers, “Every teacher has ended up feeling like family to me. Everyone is so laid back and has impacted my life in so many ways.”   Nikki’s favorite Glenvar memory is freshman year when Taibbi would do Friday morning cupid shuffle.

Nikki is escorted by Tyler Crockett. Tyler is the son of Brian and Lisa Crockett. Tyler’s extra-curricular activities include basketball, golf, baseball, key club, and being Nurse Angie’s baby. Tyler’s main hobby is playing ping pong and knitting with his grandmother.  His favorite food is spaghetti, and his favorite music group is Journey. Tyler’s favorite subject in school is Woodshop with Beam, and basketball is Tyler’s favorite sport. His favorite tv show is the Big bang Theory, and Green Eggs and Ham is his favorite book. Tyler wants to play basketball of golf at a four year college after high school. Tyler’s favorite thing about Glenvar is “the closeness of everyone in the school and the great opportunities it brings.” Tyler’s favorite memory was beating Floyd and Radford in regions in basketball.

Annie Corrin Doss: Annie is the niece of Tammy Martin. Annie’s activities include Varsity Volleyball Team, Theatre Arts with Franco, Fellowship of Christian athletes, and Powder Puff. Annie’s hobbies are “doing the deer call” and hanging out with Katie Sue Smith. Her favorite food is strawberry shortcake, and Lady Antibellium is her favorite music group. Annie’s favorite subject in school is math, and her favorite sport is football. Annie’s favorite tv show is Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and her favorite book is the Last Song. After graduation Annie plans on going to Radford or Jefferson to become a pediatric nurse. Annie’s favorite thing about Glenvar is “it’s a small school so I know everyone. It’s nice to know almost every person you see walking down the hallway.” Her favorite memory is “Going to New York with theater junior year. We went into an Italian restaurant; the food was great, but the best part was seeing Mr. Hafey dance on his chair while waving his napkin around in the air.”

Annie is escorted by Nathan Michael Keffer; Nathan is the son of Terry and Karen Keffer. Nathan’s hobbies include gardening and spitting some sick rhymes. His extra-curricular activities include FBLA, golf, soccer, journalism, and vocal ensemble. Nathan’s favorite food is spaghetti, and John Mayer is his favorite music group. Nathans favorite subject is journalism, and kickball is Nathan’s favorite sport. His favorite tv show is Awkward and his favorite book is the Adventures of Captain Underpants. When Nathan graduates he wants to study sports broadcasting. Nathan’s favorite part about Glenvar is that it’s a chill atmosphere. Nathan’s favorite memory of Glenvar is hearing Mr. Bayless voice for the first time.

Anna Hall is the daughter of Robin and Andy Hall. Anna’s extra-curricular activities include DECA, and Keyettes. Anna’s hobbies are shopping, hanging with her family, friends, and boyfriend. Anna’s favorite food is cheesecake, and her favorite music is country music. Her favorite subject in school is government.  Anna isn’t much of a sports person, but she likes to watch baseball.  When Anna graduates high school she wants to attend a nursing school. Anna’s favorite thing about Glenvar is “I can walk down the hall and name almost everyone.  I have also made lifelong friendships. Lastly I’ve had some pretty cool teachers. Anna’s favorite memory is Mrs. Pry’s AP English classes and psychology with Swanson.

Anna is escorted by Brandon Phillips. Brandon is the son of Mike and Stephanie Phillips. Brandon’s hobbies are hanging out with Anna and hanging out with friends. His extra-curricular include playing baseball, Vice President of Key Club, and being Ms. Norris’ favorite teacher’s aide ever. Brandon’s favorite food is ice cream, and his favorite music group is Kid Cudi. His favorite subject is Psychology, and his favorite sport is under water basket weaving. Brandon’s favorite tv show is Workaholics. Brandon’s plans after high school include going to a four year college. Brandon’s favorite thing about Glenvar is that everyone is really cool and has no problem coming to school every day. His favorite memory is coming back and beating Floyd in last year’s basketball season.

Katelyn Henson is the daughter of Mike and Karen Henson. Katelyn’s activities include softball, FCCLA, and being a Glenvar student! Her hobbies are playing softball and shopping. Katelyn’s favorite food is chicken and rice, and her favorite musician is Luke Bryan. Her favorite subject is history, and her favorite sport is softball. Katelyn’s favorite tv show is Keeping up with the Kardashians, and her favorite book is Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. Katelyn’s plan after high school is to attend Radford University and get her Masters in Elementary School Teaching with her bff Laura. Her favorite thing about Glenvar is having teachers like Mrs. Brookshier who care if you do well and she also likes the small hometown feel. Katelyn’s favorite memory is bus rides to away softball games with her favorite team.

Katelyn is escorted by Jake Roberts; Jake is the son of Rich and Ashby Roberts. Jake’s hobbies include competitive arm wrestling, dog whispering, and singing in the shower. His extra-curricular activities include golf, being the Secretary in Key Club, and FBLA. Jake’s favorite food is taco salad, and his favorite music group is Jack Johnson. His favorite subject is Chemistry, and his favorite sport is golf. Jake’s favorite show is tosh .0, and his favorite movie is The Help. Jake’s plan after high school is to become a dentist.    His favorite thing about Glenvar is “the small size and the great chemisty between everyone. Another favorite thing is the lunch, “my compliments to the chef.”  Jake’s favorite memory is getting to stay at the Homestead with the golf team for the Region tournament and every car ride back home from matches with Austin Fox and Tyler Crockett.

Laura Hill is the daughter of Steve and Kim Hill.  Her extra-curricular activities include Tennis, FCA and FBLA.  Laura’s hobby is playing tennis.  Her favorite food is fried chicken and her favorite music group is Lady Antebellum.  Laura’s favorite subject in school is Algebra II with Mrs. Brookshier.  Her favorite sport is tennis.  Laura’s favorite tv show is the The Bachelor/Bachelorette and her favorite book is The Last Song.  Laura’s plans after graduate include attending Radford University and rooming with Katelyn Henson.  Her favorite thing about Glenvar is the small size and Ms. Norris.  Laura’s favorite Glenvar memory is TAing for Ms. Norris.

Laura Hill is being escorted by Bryce Mallette.  Bryce is the son of Mark and Kathy Mallette.  His extracurricular activities include acting in Theatre Glenvar High, FCA, Basketball, AMPed and Choir.  Bryce’s hobbies include mountain biking, skiing and fishing.    His favorite food is cantaloupe and Luh-Cray is his favorite music group.   Theatre Arts is Bryce’s favorite subject and football is his favorite sport.  Bryce’s favorite TV show is Sports Center and his favorite book is the Bible.  After high school Bryce plans to go into the ROTC at Virginia Tech or attend Roanoke College majoring in communication or ministry.  The teachers are Bryce’s favorite thing about Glenvar.  They not only care about your education, buy how you’re doing as a person they also make an effort to help you in life and with your future.  His favorite memory is acting under the direction of Steve Franco every fall and spring with an awesome cast and crew.  Those were the best times of my life.

Morgan Miller is the daughter of Brian and Myrtle Miller.  Morgan’s extra-curricular activities include National Honor Society, Keyettes, Varsity Cheerleading, Competition Cheerleading and Spanish Club.  Her hobbies include All Star Cheerleading and reading.  Morgan’s favorite food is anything Italian and her favorite music groups are Maroon 5 and Luke Bryan.  Her favorite subject in school is History and her favorite sport is baseball.  The Harry Potter Series are her favorite books and Criminal Minds is her favorite television show.  Morgan plans to attend a 4 year university majoring in political science.  Morgan’s favorite thing about Glenvar is having English 2 years in a row with Mrs. Pry.  Her favorite Glenvar memory is winning Regions during freshman year for competitive cheerleading.

Morgan is being escorted by Alvin Wheeler.  Alvin is the son of Gary and Lisa Wheeler.  His activities include football, vocal ensemble, French Club, Theatre, and Spanish Club.  Alvin’s hobbies include spending time with the love of his life and organizing his rubber band collection.  Alvin’s favorite food includes anything his momma cooks.  His favorite music groups are Taylor Swift and Eminem.  History is Alvin’s favorite subject in school and football is his favorite sport.  Holes is his favorite book and Pawn Stars his favorite tv show.  Alvin’s plans after graduation include going to college, getting married and having babies.  His favorite thing about Glenvar is it being a small school and everyone seems to get along.  He also loves every teacher because they really care about the students. Alvin’s favorite Glenvar memory is going up into the projection room with Pete Deaver when they were juniors and talking into the microphone in deep seductive voices.  Then Mr. Hafey walks into the auditorium with an adorable smile on his face.  YOLO.

Sarah Mullins is the daughter of Scott and Charlene Mullins.  Sarah’s activities include basketball, softball, FCA, Latin Club and Art Club.  Her hobbies include riding horses and playing travel softball.  Chocolate is Sarah’s favorite food and Eric Church is her favorite musician.  Sarah’s favorite subject in school is Latin with Miss Odom and softball is her favorite sport.  Her favorite tv show is the Big Bang Theory and her favorite book is the Harry Potter series.  Her favorite thing about Glenvar is steak and gravy Thursdays.  Sarah’s plans after graduation include attending Virginia Tech or Middle Tennessee State University to study equine science.  Sarah’s favorite Glenvar memories are surviving an earthquake in Mr. Swanson’s class and beating Floyd during the Regional Tournament last basketball season.

Sarah’s escort is Daniel Brian Pinard.  Daniel is the son of Stephen and Martha Pinard.  His activities include cross country, track, concert band, National Honor Society and Key Club.  Daniel’s hobbies include pigeon training and running.  His favorite food is mama’s fried chicken.  Daniel’s favorite music group is Nathan Keffer and Matt Ohl.  His favorite subject in school is Spanish and his favorite sport is track and field.  Lizard Lick Towing is Daniel’s favorite TV show and Fox in Sox is his favorite book.  Daniel’s favorite thing about Glenvar is cross dressing men and his favorite Glenvar memory is State Championship Cross Country meet Junior year.  Daniel plans to attend Virginia Tech after graduation.

Cara Neikirk is the daughter of Steve and Dreama Neikirk.  Cara’s activities include softball, cross country, Keyettes, National Honor Society and SCA.  Her hobbies include cycling and badminton.  Cara’s favorite food is her Grandmother’s Red Velvet Cake.  Her favorite music group is Maroon 5, favorite TV show is the Big Bang Theory and favorite book is Redeeming Love.  Cara’s favorite subject in school is US/VA History with Swanson and her favorite sport is softball.  When asked about her favorite thing about Glenvar-  Cara said two words: Dickie Myers.  Cara’s favorite Glenvar memory is getting to pitch the entire state quarter final game against John Battle and with the help of my wonderful team, going 9 scoreless innings until losing by 1 measly run in the bottom of the ninth.  After graduation Cara plans to attend a 4 year college.

Cara is being escorted by Chris Bell.  Chris is the son of David and Sara Bell.  Chris’s activities include National Honor Society, SCA, Key Club, Soccer and Jazz Band.  His hobbies include motocross and playin’ music with his boys.  Chris’s favorite food is the Boston Zone at Mac and Bobs and his favorite music group is REO Speedwagon.  His favorite subject in school is US History and favorite sport is synchronized swimming.  The Colbert Report is Chris’s favorite tv show and The Lost Symbol is his favorite book.  Chris plans to attend a 4 year college after graduation.  Chris’s favorite thing about Glenvar is being able to have such great relationships with the teachers and staff.  And Mrs. Cromer….he loves that woman!  Chris’s favorite Glenvar memory is importing a mini fridge from Craig’s List into Coach Gray’s room and then placing a large “tri-denominational” Buddha statue on top of it- hence the Buddhirator.”

Emily Strom is the daughter of Karen Strom and Jeff Strom.  Emily’s activities include sideline and competition cheerleading.  Her hobbies are tumbling and sleeping.  Emily’s favorite food is biscuits.  Her favorite music group is Death Cab for Cutie, favorite tv show is The Office and favorite book is Beautiful Creatures.  Her favorite subject in school is English and favorite sport is basketball.  Emily’s favorite thing about Glenvar is having classes with all of her friends and having lots of parties and food days.  Emily’s favorite Glenvar memory is eating food and cheering on Friday nights with her best friends Morgan and KG.  Emily plans to attend a 4 year college after graduation.

Emily is being escorted by Jon Wilson.  Jon is the son of Marc and Mary Wilson.  His activities include marching band, jazz band, vocal ensemble, Theatre Glenvar High, and Mrs. Cline’s Biggest Fan.  Jon’s hobbies include jamming out with Chris Bell, Colton Walls and Julian Higginbotham.  He also likes rock climbing.  Jon’s favorite food is Sam Yates’ cupcakes.  His favorite music group is Dave Matthews Band, favorite tv show is Turtleman and his favorite book is One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.  Jon’s favorite subject in school is Mrs.  Pry’s English Class.  His favorite thing about Glenvar is Mrs. Routt. Jon’s favorite sport is band and his favorite memory is once at band camp he broke his femur, but laughed it out and marched the rest of the week, leading the drumline through a challenging show.  After graduation, Jon plans to study music and business at JMU.