By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

“We’re doing what?”  Literary Magazine staffers asked after last spring’s announcement.
“Lit Mag is finishing the football program in the fall,” I said. “You’ll get a refresher course in InDesign so that you’re ready to start the literary magazine—and you’ll provide a valuable service for your school.”
With fewer students and teachers, everyone at PHS is multitasking to maintain, revive and reinvent the school’s vast array of tradition and activity.
The year’s first PHS pep rally featured all Pelham students breaking loose on a Friday afternoon, cheering for their school and their teams – fitting comfortably in the gym. In addition to recognizing the football team, the cross country team and the volleyball team were introduced. The football captains’ excitement infected the student body urging everyone to come to the game. The band, dance team and cheerleaders gave great performances — and the seniors won the spirit stick.
When the band played the alma mater, all of the seniors, juniors, football players, cheerleaders and visual ensemble groups were on the floor. The freshmen and sophomores were taking note — knowing that their upstairs days will pass quickly.
After the pep rally, students were ecstatic following their first true PHS pep rally with every class in the gym. They saw alums and their parents arrive to support them. They heard pep talks from PHS teacher and alum Karen Varner and from their retired Mayor Bobby Hayes.
“You all know about the trophy that the winner of the Pelham vs. Thompson game brings home every year,” Pelham Mayor Gary Waters said. “I’ve got an incentive for PHS to start a new tradition. Win that trophy back tonight by beating Thompson — and you can keep it right here at PHS instead of at Pelham City Hall.”
Ultimately, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your closest friends united for community pride and a common cause bolsters spirits and strengthens resolve.  In a fight to the final buzzer, the Pelham Panthers prevailed with a comeback victory over the Thompson Warriors.
At PHS, our student body is smaller, but their huge heart makes them larger than life.