Lisle High School athletes bond with elementary students at pep rally

Lisle High School football players, cheerleaders and the Lion mascot visited Schiesher Elementary School Thursday to kick up some school spirit before the football team's Homecoming game.

The elementary school students got to hear from head football coach Paul Parpet, learn the players' positions and watch the cheerleaders perform. Parpet also led the energetic youngsters in cheers during the rally.

"Every year, Homecoming is a pretty big deal, as it is with many school districts and high schools," Schiesher Assistant Principal Kathy Dineen-Hendricks said. "As far as I know, we've been having this pep assembly for years and the high school football players and cheerleaders and the mascot come over and help promote that school spirit with the younger students."

Schiesher student Charlie Shoemaker said his favorite part was when the cheerleaders were tossing their teammates in the air during their routine.

Senior Hannah Prindeville, one of the three cheerleading captains, said the rally gave them a chance to practice before their own Friday high school pep rally.

Dineen-Hendricks said the event prepares the younger students for high school, but also fosters a sense of community.

"It brings that sense of community in the school district, which is really important," Dineen-Hendricks said. "This is a small community and it's nice to see that the schools interact with each other and the students interact with each other."