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A young spectator stays cool while watching through a sunroof.

Warren Central High School cheerleaders perform.

Booths were set up around the perimeter of the pep rally area.

Spectators watch as they visit booths during Saturday's pep rally.

Those in attendance at the pep rally pause for prayer.

Warren County Sheriff's Office deputies bow their heads in prayer.

Kids stay cool with snow cones during Saturday's performance.

Hosts Charity Lockridge and Marcus James keep the crowd hyped up during Saturday's pep rally.

Host Marcus James shakes hands with Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace as host Charity Lockridge looks on.

Warren Central High School students show their school pride.

Vicksburg High School students show their school pride.

Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones addresses the crowd.

Members of the Vicksburg High School band wait to perform.

Warren Central High School cheerleaders keep the crowd entertained.

The Vicksburg High School Gator Girls make their entrance during Saturday's pep rally. (Photos by Blake Bell/The Vicksburg Post)

The parking lot of Vicksburg Mall was jammed full of spectators Saturday afternoon as local high schools came together for the first citywide pep rally since 2015 and hyped up the crowd in a community effort to kick off the 2024-25 school year.

Bands, cheerleaders and dance teams from Vicksburg High School and Warren Central High School were in attendance Saturday, performing for the crowd, and local officials chimed in with some advice for students.

“We are so happy to see all of these young people here,” Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said. “When you hear people talking about how upset they are with this generation, these are the good kids. These are who we need to have on the front page of the paper.”

Pace told students to keep the idea of a united community in mind throughout the school year and to remember their actions will determine their success.

“I want y’all to know we’re here to help you,” Pace said. “Life is a whole series of decisions. Life is about having choices, making decisions and living with the consequences, so think about those decisions that you’re going to make throughout this school year, young people. Study hard, know that those teachers and instructors are there to help you, think about the choices you have and the consequences from those decisions. Enjoy this school year.”

Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones was also in attendance for Saturday’s event and told students she believes 2024-25 can be the most successful school year yet.

“I want you all to uplift each other,” Jones said. “I want you all to network. I want students and teachers to encourage each other. I want you all to inspire one another to be great. You have the choice to make it or break it. You want to have a positive school year.”

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