From left, Gianna Aglio, Arabella Savannah and Kenna Knos wait to be announced before making their way through the auditorium to perform at the Slippery Rock Area School District’s Light Up Night on Aug. 23. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle.

Students, faculty, staff and families of Slippery Rock Area School District gathered for the district’s annual Light Up Night on Wednesday, Aug. 23 as the 2023-24 marching band, cheerleaders and fall sports teams were introduced to the community in the high school auditorium. Teams included players from junior and varsity football, cross country, golf, soccer player and cheer.

The event celebrates the start of the school year and the beginning of fall sports. Earlier in the day, Slippery Rock students attended the first day of school.

Light Up Night kicked off with members of the marching band performing the national anthem, the school’s fight song and other musical renditions, including “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

The district changed the location of the event from Troy-Alan Stadium due to the rainy weather.

Slippery Rock High School’s Rocket marching band prepares to go inside the auditorium for the district's annual Light Up Night on Wednesday. Band members said they rehearsed for approximately a month ahead of the event, and performed the national anthem, the school’s fight song and other musical renditions, including “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle.

Eighth-grader and junior high soccer player Epifani Trufley holds a soccer ball after playing with classmates in the hallways following Slippery Rock's Light Up Night celebration on Wednesday. This is Epifani's second year on the soccer team. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle

Junior High cheerleader Kenna Knos waits outside the Slippery Rock Area High School auditorium before a Light Up Night performance on Aug. 23. Irina Bucur/Butler Eagle