In addition to sporting a number of participants not normally present at a pep rally, the Feb. 10 event brought members of Stepping Out Club a rare opportunity to perform in front of SHS.

At first, members of the club, which assists students with special needs by hosting social events, were apprehensive about their involvement in the pep rally.

“We were really worried that people would gossip about us,” said Emily Edelman, 12, a Stepping Out board member, who also mentioned that faculty members were concerned that the group’s dance routine would not be accepted.

However, the group’s performance of the Electric Slide alongside the Step Team was received more warmly than Edelman had anticipated.

“At the end of the performance, they were cheering for us,” said Edelman.

According to Stepping Out Club co-president Christine Touvelle, 12, other students decided to join in on the dance, which was originally planned to include only a handful of Stepping Out members.

All in all, the dance was a roaring success for Stepping Out Club, as it truly integrated the members with the school community.

“We really did prove our point and do what we’re supposed to,” said Edelman.