Rolling, lifting, pushing. Hanging, untangling, tying. The dedicated USB members worked strenuous hours to make sure that the Performing Arts Rally was picture-perfect. Staying after school the day before the rally and working in the gym until late at night, the USB students transformed the plain, wooden gym into a mystical jungle-themed arena. Hanging up rope after rope, they tirelessly thought out plans to make every aspect of the gym feel like an outdoor scene of the wilderness.

Getting huge stand-up props and stages into the gymnasium is not an easy task. It takes much teamwork, commitment, and strength, both literally and metaphorically, to really set up a jungle-like ambiance. The students had to wrap all the tables in green and brown paper as well as paint wallpaper to embellish the simple walls. They created skits and videos to feature during the performance. And besides staying after school the day before the rally, the USB workers had to also arrive at school two hours earlier than usual on rally day to finish up final touches.

Not only did all the USB students invest countless hours into preparations, but the Class Committee members also spent days perfecting their class posters. With all the sketching, painting, and glitter-applying, representatives of every grade level were eager to see their posters proudly displayed during the rally.

But when the day arrived, Feb. 28, due to severe weather conditions, the Performing Arts Rally was abruptly cancelled. Though the message of cancellation disheartened many students and performers, knowing that being safe is better than being sorry, the USB members efficiently coped with the sudden change and swiftly began to take down the preparations that were so whole-heartedly set up.

“We found out that the rally was to be cancelled thirty minutes prior to the first rally. It was definitely more upsetting than stressful or tiring,” USB Junior President Daniel Chai commented.

The cancelled rally was postponed until March 20, where once again, the students of USB re-decorated the gym and hoped that this second trial would run more smoothly.

As of right now, due to new testing protocols, the Spring Sports and Top 10 Rally that was scheduled to be right after spring break may be rescheduled as well. The tentative dates are April 10 and 11.