Niles West pep assemblies will no longer include videos made by sports teams, clubs, etc. starting with the upcoming winter assembly, according to activities director Katie Odell.
Odell said she made the decision to cancel videos after some teachers complained that some students were not able to see or hear the videos. In addition, Odell wants to make the assemblies more interactive.
“The point of the pep assembly is for live interaction, it’s an event not a video-watching ceremony,” Odell explained.
Sports teams who have been affected by this change are still able to perform whatever they want live for the usual three minutes, which replaces the potential video. This primarily affects sports like gymnastics and swimming, who need their own equipment to perform.
“I feel as though we aren’t going to be represented as a team at Niles West. And we can’t perform anything because we’re a water sport. We can’t just shoot baskets like basketball,” senior swimmer Matt Lefler said.
Others students said they were pleased about the change.
“I feel that it’s a good thing because then there is more talking and interaction involved than there would be if videos were playing. It’ll only lead to more involvement and interaction in the assemblies, which is better for everybody,” senior Maya Caballero said.
Odell said the decision isn’t necessarily permanent.
“It can always be changed back depending on how it all goes,” she said.
B.E. • Nov 22, 2014 at 9:14 AM
“Interaction from students?” Hahaha that’s rich. More than half the students just want to leave and some do ditch. The only solace for most students at the assembly is the swimmer’s video. And since when do decision on how to team pride fall in to the power of staff member? Last time I check there were hundreds more students than faculty. So instead of making a decision and then asking our opinion, perhaps do the right and responsible thing next time and only ask the students. That’s just some food for thought.
Swimmer • Nov 21, 2014 at 9:29 PM
Let’s be real y’all. The only reason anyone showed up to the winter pep assembly was to see the guys’ swim team video.
NW Veteran • Nov 21, 2014 at 8:50 PM
I don’t think you remember Eden Scott’s video for swimming, Katherine Odell.
Alum • Nov 21, 2014 at 5:57 PM
Back in my day before any fancy videos, the swim team tried performing on a slip and slide but used baby oil. A bunch of people got hurt. But there are things you can do without videos that aren’t that stupid.