Better Together: Duchesne Chargers bond over dance battles and team building

In the weeks leading up to Friday, September 26, Duchesne girls rush through the hallways and trade buzzing group chat messages about secret rehearsal spots. Sophomores huddle together, practicing lyrics and perfecting costumes. Juniors fine-tune choreography and polish dance moves in corners of the school. Seniors, extra secretive, try on costumes and stash props in backpacks and under desks. Hallways and classrooms are buzzing with extra excitement and frenzy.

All this preparation builds toward the closing ceremony of Unity Day, a spirited Duchesne school-wide event, that closes with classes facing off in an exciting lip sync battle. A complete surprise to the freshman: the sophomores, juniors, and seniors all vie for the spotlight- hoping to impress a panel of enthusiastic teachers. In the hours leading up to the long-anticipated performances, you can find students painting one another’s faces in between classes, playing volleyball alongside teachers in the gym, or making friendship bracelets in the art building. Some students might even be in the commons, petting service dogs; or in the chapel, listening to prayers written by each class minister on the student council. These activities allow students to relax and unwind as they come out of their first grading period of the year.

Junior choreographer and dance team member Daisy Clee shares her favorite part of leading her class’s performance: “My favorite part of choreographing was being able to include the entire grade and come together as a group for the dance. We all got to branch out of our friend groups and be together.”

The junior class takes the stage for their performance. (Photo: Peyton Morgan)

This year, the seniors claim their win - and with it, bragging rights - for the third year in a row, delivering an epic High School Musical rendition complete with backflips, teacher cameos, and bittersweet tears as they celebrated their final Unity Day. But the festivities don’t end here: students cap off the day with a water balloon fight on the front lawn, popsicles in hand, laughter echoing across campus.

Maybe your favorite activity is spending time with friends; or maybe you enjoy free time outside of classes. Regardless of how a Duchesne girl wants to spend her day, she can count on the support and community of her peers. Unity Day remains one of the most anticipated and spirited events of the Duchesne school year- a day that blends tradition, school spirit, and unforgettable memories. Enjoyed by teachers and students alike, it is a core part of Duchesne’s warm and welcoming environment that perfectly encapsulates the Charger spirit.