With the start of a new school year, on August 29, 2025, Sierra Vista held their annual back-to-school assembly, themed “New Year Same Pride” to match the school year’s theme, “25 Years of Excellence.” As students arrived, they were immediately encaptivated by the dazzling mountain lion decor paired with colorful lights that illuminated the gymnasium. While all the grade levels began to fill in the stands, students were welcomed in by Student Council spirit students and were directed through blue,white, and gold balloons overarching the entrance. A 480 square foot backdrop covered in mountain lion paw prints hung from the ceiling, complimented by the additional four surrounding banners labeled by grade that hung from the ceiling above each set of bleachers, demanding the assembly attendee’s attention and awe. Along the railings of the bleachers, extra streamers and banners added highlights of vivid color around the gym, serving as the “cherry on top” for the overall radiant decorations the students got to admire.
The assembly began with ROTC’s presentation of the flags accompanied by Mr. Baltera’s Chamber Choir’s performance of the national anthem. Following that vocal performance, Hannah Reed ( 12 ) and Nyema Tippins ( 12 ), the hosts of the assembly, quickly introduced SVBeats member, Junior Rodriguez ( 12 ), and campus security monitor, Mr. David Purcell, to perform their new song, “Black Polaroid.” Both musical performances got the gymnasium settled and on the edge of their seats for more– and luckily they did not have to wait long for the next stellar act in line. In homage to Sierra Vista High School’s fall sports, Reed and Tippins brought the students’ attention to the various fall sports, such as football, boys cross country, girls cross country, girls volleyball, girls tennis, boys tennis, girls soccer, boys soccer, and cheerleading ,sat in sections on the gym floor. Shortly after, the hostesses introduced musical chairs as the next game, calling one player from each sport team to come to the center. After the fiercely fun match, Ellison Trillo ( 11 ), varsity cross country runner, stole the spotlight by stealing the final chair and securing their victory. With the crowd still buzzing from the SVBeats performance and the musical chairs game, the hostesses introduced Synergy’s spotlight performance, where their energy, spirit, and stage presence captivated the audience, elevating the excitement of the Welcome Back Assembly. Afterwards, Reed and Tippins introduced the next game, bringing out students from the audience and challenging them to the quick-thinking game of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cup.” The game built up to the final showdown between two contestants, where John Santiago ( 9 ) managed to snatch the final cup, claiming victory. As the game came to an entertaining close, Reed and Tippins segwayed into the next performance, calling Sierra Vista High School’s Cheer Team to the floor with a high-energy routine that featured stunning stunts and unmatched school spirit. The audience raved from start to finish, proving once again why cheer keeps the spirit going for Vista. Subsequently, Reed and Tippins called one person from each grade to participate in “Ready, Set, Dress,” allowing each student to assemble and style their own outfits using a pile of clothes placed in the center of the gym. Within three minutes, the students swiftly composed outfits that left the audience dazzled, showing why each grade has their own style that dresses to impress. Closing the assembly, Reed and Tippins joyfully welcomed all students back to school, celebrating not only the start of a new academic year but also Sierra Vista High School’s 25 years of excellence.
Setting the tone for an exciting and memorable school year, The Welcome Back Assembly served as a celebration of the new school year and Sierra Vista High School’s 25 years of excellence, showcasing the pride, unity, and passion that builds the community. With such an exciting start orchestrated by Sierra Vista’s Student Council and featuring the various extracurriculars throughout the assembly, there is no doubt that this school year will be one to remember.
