Every year at Herriman High we have opening assemblies — some fall flat, some are phenomenal, and according to the student populace, the 2014-2015 opening assembly was a smash hit.

The assembly featured much of the usual: comedic videos, performances by the Herriman Dance Company, and Drill team, etc.

The drum line also performed, hammering out some rad rhythms. The lights were put out partway through their piece, and balloons containing glowsticks were released from the catwalk. All you could see of the stage were the vague, glow-lit forms of the drummers and their gear. People stood up and raved.

No, seriously, they partied so hard. If this mood of school spirit endures throughout the year then this year is going to be fabulous.

Also, kind of important, this year’s school theme was revealed by the SBOs — you’ve probably heard of it, but it bears repeating:

WE ARE HERE.

Tanner Guss, SBO president, explained the theme:

It’s Herriman High’s fifth year of being a school and in those five years the student body has done some pretty fantastic things. We’ve made a name for ourselves. We are here, and we won’t be ignored.

There’s more to it, though — “We are here” also involves the single student, how being different is okay, great even. Individuality is key, Guss expressed.

This year is about being part of something huge and mind blowing, but also “finding your voice in the crowd.”