At Chastain, activities kicked off with a pep rally in the auditorium. Chastain cheerleaders, drill team, and band members performed. Students introduced special guests speakers including Mr. and Miss Tougaloo College and Dr. Brian Anderson, a professor from Mississippi College. Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority also took part in the College Spirit Day program at Chastain.

Author Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes visited with students in the library during the celebration. Dr. Rhodes talked with students about being an author and her recently released book Ninth Ward, the story of a Hurricane Katrina survivor from the Ninth Ward in New Orleans. She also had copies of the book available for the school.