By Simren ’27
Fanatic Fest is Harvard-Westlake’s annual schoolwide pep rally, organized by Prefect Council and held during Community Time in Taper Gym. The event takes place each fall as part of the lead up to Homecoming and is designed to bring the Upper School community together to celebrate school spirit, student involvement, and athletic participation.
The assembly serves as an introduction to the fall sports teams competing in Homecoming games, including football, field hockey, volleyball, and water polo. Team captains are typically featured throughout the program, often entering the gym to music alongside Buddy the Wolverine. Performances by the Spirit Squad and Head Fanatics set the tone for the event and help energize the crowd from the moment students arrive.
Fanatic Fest usually includes a combination of choreographed performances, skits, and interactive games. These activities may involve symbolic competitions against opposing school mascots, student-led challenges, or lighthearted games that bring athletes, student leaders, and occasionally faculty members onto the gym floor. Visual elements such as music, lighting, videos, and props are frequently used to create a high energy atmosphere and keep students engaged throughout the assembly.
A major focus of Fanatic Fest is community building. Students are seated by grade level and often encouraged to wear designated colors, creating a visible sense of unity and friendly competition within the gym. The event reflects a long standing Upper School tradition and highlights how spirit events are woven into the school culture, particularly during Homecoming week, which often includes additional themed spirit days leading up to the rally.
Planning Fanatic Fest is a collaborative effort led by Prefect Council, with contributions from Head Fanatics, Spirit Squad members, athletes, team Captains, and other student groups. The process involves coordinating performances, organizing games, writing scripts, and managing logistics to ensure the event runs smoothly during the limited Community Time period.
Ultimately, Fanatic Fest is more than a pep rally. It is a celebration of shared identity at Harvard Westlake, recognizing the efforts of student athletes while reinforcing a sense of belonging across the Upper School. By combining tradition, performance, and school spirit, Fanatic Fest plays a central role in building excitement for Homecoming and strengthening connections within the school community.
