Students returning to classes at Riverbank High School were welcomed back to campus with a rally at the end of the school day on Friday, Aug. 19.

The three lower class levels, freshmen, sophomores and juniors, cheered as the senior class members entered the gym. They took their places in the bleachers of the Ray Fauria Memorial Gymnasium to the sounds of music from the pep band.

The RHS Cheer Squad was soon on the floor, with enough participants to stretch the line from one side of the gym to the other. Soon they were doing aerial stunts while those performing back flips were criss-crossing the hardwood.

Following the acrobatics, friendly competitions cropped up, with representatives of each class relay-racing to don luau related costumes and return to the start line. A variation of beach volleyball broke out, with beach balls being bounced in the air, Olympic style.

A match between five teachers new to the RHS campus closed out the activities, a race to see who would end up with the final seat in a clash of Musical Chairs, set to Surfin’ U.S.A. by The Beach Boys. The rally featured a Hawaiian theme, coinciding with the theme of the dance later that evening.

Winding things up, Riverbank High School Principal Sean Richey spoke to the students. As he closed out his welcoming message, he urged them all to do their best, all year long.