State testing began March 19 for all Zachary High School students in 9th thru 11th grades. Some seniors also tested.

This is the first year Louisiana schools have implemented the Common Core Standards, which most other states already follow.

To get the students pumped up and ready for testing, Superintendent Scott Devillier, ZHS Principal Wes Watts and district and school administrators held an academic pep rally last Friday, March 15, in Bronco Stadium.

Several grand entrances were made including Principal Watts via a Baton Rouge Police Department helicopter flown by Pilot Jeremy Guidry; Superintendent Devillier, who arrived in a Zachary Police Department ATV; and ZHS Coach Robbie Yellott, who rode into Bronco Stadium on a horse like a true Bronco.

Yellott, and Academic Dean Erica Henry, organized the pep rally, which they began planning nearly a month ago.

Students were also treated to a surprise visit by Earl Easton, known as DJ Ya Boy Earl through radio airwaves on Baton Rouge’s urban radio station Max 94.1FM. Easton has his own show every evening from 6 p.m. to midnight.

DJ Ya Boy Earl joined three other DJs from the Baton Rouge area and the four spun records for the student body.

Watts challenged the high schoolers saying: "They don't think you guys can do it again...they don't think you can be number one again. But we do. I know you will do well on your tests."

Students were told by Henry they should study over the weekend, leave their cell phones at home on testing day and bring their student i.d.'s.

Free frisbees and other prizes were thrown by ZHS Cheerleaders and Bronco Belles, who also performed.

Band of Blue students played - challenging beats played by the DJs - and teachers danced, although briefly.

Next week, the Zachary Community School District begins a week-long Spring break.

Students and teachers return to school Tuesday, April 2.

(For more ZHS Academic Pep Rally photos, click on Photo Galleries at the top of this page!)