Vian Nguyen plays Madeline Topham in a game of Gomoku. The objective of the game is to be the first to align five in a row. (Photo by Finn Boggs)La’shon Austin enjoys the bubbles at the East Mecklenburg High School pep rally. Students filled the stands with cheers, music, and giggles to celebrate school spirit. (Photo by Finn Boggs)Riley Ketterhagen and Jane Young share secrets on the volleyball court before their game against Independence High School. Ketteragen and Young are two of the team’s most integral players, their positions being libero and outside hitter. (Photo by Maela Bazemore)Coach Buzzard observes students outside during a fire drill. These drills occur monthly (per North Carolina laws) to prepare students in the case of a real life at school. (Photo by Maela Bazemore)Ally Cort takes notes during IB Philosophy class while dressed up for celebrity day. Other spirit week themes included rhyme without reason, dress as your type, and color wars. (Photo by Maela Bazemore)A hidden chair sits behind the East Mecklenburg bleachers, rusting away. when East Mecklenburg students are on the track they see a chair rusting. (Photo by Elizabeth Thang)