With their creative chants and dedicated members, the school’s Key Club Division competed in Winter Rally at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Six Flags), Jan. 24, making it further in the
competition then they ever had.

“Fall Rally is usually held during the fall, but this year it took place in January because it was postponed,” senior Ethan Muskoski said. “It’s an event where we celebrate and present the funds raised during the term. Those funds go toward the Pediatric Trauma Program.”

The annual event brings Key Clubs members together from all over the country. Winter Rally is specifically for the West District Key Clubs, meaning that the spirit-filled gathering includes representatives from various areas in California, Nevada and Hawaii.

“The rally itself takes place in a theater, and each division competes to be the most spirited,” senior Sophia Saravia said. “We practice for months to learn our chants. Every division creates its own chant and parody songs connected to their mascot. Our division is Division 16 West the
Axolotls, so our chant was themed around that.”

Winter Rally takes place at Six Flags, where Divisions get to spend the day with their friends, and make new ones on thrilling rides. The main event, though, takes place in the Six Flags theatre where the division’s split and partake in a friendly competition.

“Division 16 West made it past the first round this year, which had never happened before during my high school career,” senior Taye Sangkhae said. “I was really proud of them. When I previously led Division 16 West, we didn’t advance past the first round, so seeing them succeed this year was especially meaningful.”

With many members being involved for all four years of high school, their success at Winter Rally was very rewarding. All of their dedication and time spent with the club came into fruition.

“[We did well because] we practiced more, and the people who attended were really committed to learning the chant and performing it well,” Saravia said. “There was a lot more preparation and effort overall. As a senior, advancing to the next round felt special because it was like ending our final rally experience on a high note.”

The dedication of the school’s Axolotls allowed them to succeed in a way they have never. The enthusiasm and commitment from many of the club’s seniors will be passed onto the underclassmen in the club to continue the legacy for years to come. While they did in fact make Axolotl history, they also made lasting memories.

“My favorite part was reconnecting with students I
had met at District Convention (DCON), which is another Key Club event held
in the spring,” Muskoski said. “I got to see members from across California, places like Fresno and Long Beach, and it was fun catching up with everyone and spending time together at Six Flags.”

In addition to the friendships and connections that members have made from all over the state and even the country, Key Club has served as a place for them to build confidence and character. Even though it’s a high school club, the relationships and experiences that each person has had will leave lifelong meaning for them.

“Key Club has made me more attentive to people who need help and more comfortable working with many different kinds of people, both students and adults,” Sangkhae said. “It’s made me more caring overall and has really helped shape my identity.”