Residents of Fellowship Community showed their school spirit Aug. 28 as they hosted a pep rally in support of Whitehall High School.

The 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, retirement community brought together seniors and students for a night filled with cheering, music and community pride.

“It was fun. It really was a blast, and residents had so much fun,” said Kelly Gould, vice president of marketing and development for Fellowship Community. “The residents got so engaged; they were so excited. I think it just brought a lot of joy to them and sparked a lot of memories.”

Whitehall High School cheerleaders and football players brought the energy, even taking time to connect personally with residents.

“The pep rally created a meaningful connection between the students and the residents. The residents felt a strong sense of pride in being able to support the team within their own community — literally in our own back yard,” said Kim Cseh, director of activities at Fellowship. “They truly appreciated the visit, especially the opportunity to share stories and memories with students.”

Mary Ann Giannelli, a resident of Fellowship and proud Whitehall alumna, said she loved every second of it.

“I always have a good time when I see them. This is the third year I’ve seen the football players and the cheerleaders, and they are such beautiful young people,” Giannelli said.

Giannelli graduated from Whitehall High School in 1956. She reminisced about wearing a uniform, being involved in the yearbook and acting in one of the school plays.

“When I got to Whitehall, I got to meet so many different kids that belonged to different churches. I loved it. I met so many people,” Giannelli added.

Giannelli continues to meet as many people as she can, including the current WHS students she will be cheering on all season long.

“You see their enthusiasm, and they want to do good. One of the cheerleaders said this (visiting Fellowship) was her favorite thing to do,” Giannelli said. “I think it’s marvelous. I love it.”