Assemblies have always been a part of school life. There are times when students and staff come together to celebrate, cheer, and take a short break from the normal routine. Whether it’s for homecoming, recognizing athletes, or simply boosting school spirit, assemblies are an important tradition that continues to unite students.
Senior Mia Dudt, student body vice president, helps organize many of these events through the student government. Dudt said, “We do assemblies because it gives students all a good break from a normal, typical school day. Assemblies are something even our parents got to experience when they were younger. It’s such a nice high school tradition.”
Putting together an assembly takes teamwork and organization. The STUGO committees handle different responsibilities, each receiving its own portion of the overall budget. The assembly committee is responsible for themes, games, and performances that keep the event entertaining. Members come to school as early as 5:00 a.m. to decorate the gym perfectly. Then they have just ten minutes between the first and second assemblies to prepare for the next group of students. On top of that, they stay late to clean up and participate in every school event.
Christina Flack, one of the STUGO advisors, said the goal is always to encourage enthusiasm and pride among students. Flack said, “We really want more school spirit for Perry. It’s a great school with great kids, and we want everyone to be excited about our events and being part of the community.”
Of course, not every assembly runs perfectly. Sometimes skits go wrong or games take too long. But for STUGO members, those challenges are part of the experience. Senior Charlie Plant, who serves as class treasurer, said learning to stay calm and adapt has been a big part of the job. Plant said, “We just try our best to look past mistakes and move on. Sometimes things go wrong, but it’s all about keeping the energy up and making the best of it.”
Beyond the cheers and decorations, assemblies represent what school spirit truly means: connection. They remind students that success is not just about grades or wins, but about supporting one another. Each assembly boosts school spirit and morale. It gives students something to look forward to and makes the school a happier place in general.
In the end, the early mornings, late nights, and weeks of planning pay off. Assemblies give students a break from routine while reminding them of the spirit and pride that make this school unique. As STUGO continues to plan new themes and surprises each year, assemblies remain a fun and memorable part of what it means to be a Puma.
