Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner: Renaissance seniors cheer on Sada Baby at the Pep rally. The four different grades had a contest on who could cheer the loudest for Sada Baby, the seniors, who won the contest will have Sada Baby sit with them in the future. “The crowd was great,” Sada Baby said. “I got a real workout.”

By Peyton Barham and Angel Andrews

The Renaissance High School gymnasium erupted with energy on Friday afternoon as students, athletes, and performers gathered for the school’s annual pep rally. The event kicked off at 12:47 p.m., bringing together students from every grade level to celebrate school pride and to welcome a surprise guest, Detroit rapper Sada Baby, who took photos with students and encouraged them to keep working toward their goals.

Students filled the bleachers as the cheer team started the rally with a high-energy routine, waving pom-poms and leading chants that echoed through the gym. The color guard and choir followed, performing a stirring rendition of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which had students waving their arms and singing along.

“You could just feel the excitement in the air,” said 10th-grader Jonas Seaberry. “Everyone was hyped, and when Sada Baby walked in, the crowd went crazy. It felt like the whole school came together for the first time this year.”

As the performances continued, ROTC members took center court at 1:33 p.m., marching in formation with precision and pride. Their routine earned loud cheers from the crowd, who clapped along to the steady beat of the drumline. The group’s performance showcased discipline and teamwork, inspiring students to get involved and represent Renaissance with pride.

“We wanted to show what ROTC stands for, leadership, unity, and dedication,” said Cadet Damian Wilson, an 11th-grader who helped lead the drill. “It’s about setting an example and motivating others to stay focused.”

After ROTC’s powerful performance, the floor’s focus shifted to Renaissance’s athletes, each  team introduced one by one, from football to track, with applause and cheers following each player’s name. Coaches and captains waved to the crowd, as students cheered loudly for their classmates and favorite players. The rally served as both a celebration of school spirit and a send-off for upcoming fall sports competitions.

Transitioning from the sports introductions, the gym lights dimmed slightly as the DJ played Sada Baby’s hit song “Whole Lotta Choppas.” The rapper entered the gym to roaring applause, greeting students, staff, and teachers. He took time to pose for pictures with each grade level and student groups, making sure no one was left out.

“Man, y’all got so much energy in here, I love it,” Sada Baby said with a grin. “Y’all remind me of myself when I was in school. Keep showing up for each other, keep believing in your dreams, and don’t ever let anybody tell you what you can’t do.”

The moment created a buzz throughout the crowd, as students captured videos and selfies to post on social media. Sada Baby’s message of perseverance and self-belief struck a chord with many.

“It meant a lot hearing him say that,” said junior cheerleader Amaya Collins. “Sometimes people don’t think we can make it from where we come from, but hearing someone who did it say ‘you can too’ , that is different.”

The pep rally concluded with a schoolwide hustle-off, where students from each grade level gathered in the middle of the gym to show their best moves. Teachers even joined in, adding laughter and lighthearted fun to the event.

Throughout the afternoon, the message of unity and pride shined brightly. Renaissance High’s staff and students worked together to create a moment that celebrated not only athletic and artistic talent but also community and connection.

“Days like this remind us why school spirit matters,” said Principal Johnson. “When our students come together, cheer each other on, and celebrate what makes Renaissance special, that’s what success really looks like.”

As the music faded and students began filing out of the gym, the excitement lingered in the air. Between the cheer routines, ROTC precision, choir harmonies, and Sada Baby’s inspiring presence, Renaissance High’s pep rally was a day to remember.

“I’ll never forget this day,” Sada Baby said before leaving. “Y’all got something special here, keep that energy and take it with you wherever you go.”