WOODBURY — Nonnewaug students filled the gym Feb. 2 to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at the winter pep rally. 

When the final score came down, the juniors were the champions of the red-out pep rally, beating the freshmen by a half-point. Events included a human snowman-building competition, staff vs. student basketball games, tug of war, and red-light-green-light.

Senior Luke Cenatiempo, who has been to the past three red-outs, felt that this year was the best one he’s attended.

“I honestly think this year was the biggest show-up for the red-out,” Cenatiempo said. “I thought everyone was showing their spirit. It was just a great day.”

Freshman Cam Jones, who was at his first red-out this year, participated in the staff vs. freshman basketball game. 

“Playing the basketball game was pretty fun, and there was a pretty big crowd,” Jones said. “It kinda felt like I was on stage when I was playing.”

“The red-out was a lot of fun,” Jones said. “There was a lot of energy and a lot of people were in red and participating. It was fun to see the school come together.”

The pep rally was the kickoff to the Chiefs’ red-out spirit week from Feb. 2-9. Nonnewaug’s basketball teams both beat rival Shepaug that night before a packed student section. The LLS fundraiser will continue through March.

The fundraiser, which is sponsored by the Student Events Planning Committee and spearheaded by the Cancer Crusaders team, led by juniors Andrew Grivner and Gavin Sandor, made over $6,000 during the two peak fundraising days of STALL, which allowed students to buy study hall time during block classes. 

The group raised even more money during sales of red-themed accessories and red-out shirts during the spirit week. 

“The sales are going very well,” said junior Eva Ripperger, a member of the Student Events Planning Committee. “People have been showing a lot of support for us, the basketball teams and other sports.”