An unexpected fire alarm went off at the beginning of the annual homecoming court pep rally on Monday.  Due to the mishap, the band’s performance was shortened, and the Color Guard did not perform at all.

Fire alarms rung during pep rallies appear to elicit different reactions from students than fire alarms set off during class periods.

There are rumors circulating about whether or not the alarm was pulled as the result of a student prank. “I’m sure someone pulled it because I guess they didn’t want to [attend the pep rally],” said Sara Watkiss, sophomore.

When the alarm sounded, students were quick to leave the assembly, but they were not necessarily willing.  Some performers were not able to execute what they had practiced.

“It was kind of disappointing because we got all our instruments, and five minutes in we had to run outside. When we got back in, we didn’t have another chance to play,” said Michael Chang, a member of the band.

Conor Johannesen, sophomore, thought that the fire alarm was unnecessary, and that, if a student did pull it, the prank was not funny. “It was during a really bad time, and Hinsdale Central should have a lot better character than that,” Johannesen said.

On the other hand, students do not seem as frustrated with fire alarms that get them out of class.  “During the day, [fire alarms] take up time in your class period, so I don’t see why you should hate them,” Watkiss said.

“I like them during classes, but not during pep rallies. During classes, you get to miss class time, but during pep rallies you are missing out on fun stuff,” said Madhavi Ramakrishnan, junior.

Principal Michael McGrory said on an intercom announcement that the fire alarm was not pulled but was set off by a sensor.