Students ‘Yell Like Hell’

Midterms might be in full swing, but that didn’t stop more than 400 students from screaming at the top of their lungs Thursday night.

“Yell Like Hell” was one of the 10 events the Indiana Student Alumni Association hosted this week for Homecoming. Twelve student organizations participated in the event – a competition where students showcase their talents – Thursday inside of Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union.

The night started off with the skits portion of the event. Although students were celebrating Saturday’s Homecoming game, it was clear that politics were on everyone’s minds.

The Black Student Union performed a mock vice-presidential debate in which Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden was cheering for IU while Republican vice-presidential hopeful Sarah Palin was cheering for Northwestern. 

BSU placed second in the skits part of the competition.

Sigma Phi Epsilon won first place for its comedy skit of a Coldplay song. Members used their comical and musical talents to perform the song using a triangle and a piano.

The two student groups that got the crowd cheering the most during the night were the coed dance troops Hip Hop ConnXion and IU Essence.

Hip Hop ConnXion won second place in the dance competition, and IU Essence placed first.

“We have a lot of new members (and) worked really hard,” said senior Monique Palmer, member of IU Essence. “We put our energy into it.”

Not all agreed with the outcome of the night.

Sophomore Emily Stout said she went to “Yell Like Hell” to see her friends who were part of Hip Hop ConnXion, the group she thought deserved to win.

Other highlights of the night included the Student Athletic Board’s dance-off and Straight No Chaser’s a capella performance.

All participants received points toward their participation total for the entire week, but the winners received the most, said Trish Surfus, associate director of student programming at the Alumni Association. Whichever student group acquires the most points by the end of Homecoming week will receive a trophy during Saturday’s football game.

Hip Hop ConnXion member freshman Charlotte Janus said the group painted a window for Homecoming earlier this week. They also plan to participate in Saturday’s football game.

For some students, such as senior Meaza Yalew, the Homecoming events aren’t about the points earned, but rather the school spirit behind them. 

“I like the performances that show case everyone’s excitement for Homecoming,” Yalew said.