In traditional AHS fashion, triumphant strains of music made by the Marching Atoms wound their way through the halls on Friday afternoon, Oct. 1. As the pep train made its way through the halls and the musicians, accompanied by the cheering varsity football, cheer and dance teams circuited the school, students peered out of classrooms with growing excitement.

“Bringing AHS spirit to the door is what it’s all about” said Band Director Andrew Loft. “I love the AHS tradition of going around and spreading spirit around the whole school.”

While preparing for the pep train, Loft “walked the route of the school and helped combine the band’s marching skills with the fight song.”

The pep train’s participants were very excited, not only to walk throughout the halls, but also to leave their r7 class about 30  minutes early.

“[The best part was] getting out of class and going around the school playing my drums,” said freshman band member Cristian Escobar.

Senior Banna Gebremichael, a member of the dance team, said her favorite part of the pep train is always “lifting everyone’s spirits.” Teammates Katie Bui and Maddie Smith say that the part they enjoy most is “getting out of class early.”

The pep train does not just come together by itself – it takes great leadership from both the Band Director and the cheer team.

“[We are responsible for] leading the pep train and getting the everyone pumped up and hyped to attend the game.” said juniors Kelly Goodison and Tatiana Niang, members of the varsity cheer team.

The pep train is a symbol of AHS’s tradition of great leadership, teamwork, and school spirit. It is a great way to get the school pumped up for the next football game.