In what can only be described as a "maroon and white out," Lehighton Area Middle School held a pep rally on Friday to celebrate school spirit.

LAMS Assistant Principal Michael DeAngelo surprised the entire student body by welcoming a "special guest" to the pep rally - FeRROUS. As popular mascot for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, FeRROUS is known as "Head Swinertainer" for the triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.FeRROUS "charged up" the crowd by helping to cheer on participants of various fall activities. Middle and high school students who take part in band; cheerleading; cross country; field hockey; football; golf; soccer; and volleyball were called forward and recognized.In addition, high school SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) officers and middle school Red Ribbon Ambassadors were featured.Sixth graders won the enthusiastic "We Are … The Indians!" cheering competition. Festivities concluded with high school students competing in a four-station, campaign-themed obstacle course with the middle school students cheering them on.The pep rally marked the final day of Red Ribbon Week activities throughout Lehighton Area School District. It was a special week to emphasize a strong message of anti-drug, anti-alcohol abuse, and anti-bullying.For more information about LASD, visit

www.Lehighton.org.