To begin the month of December, the New Castle high school held a pep rally for NFL rookie, and former New Castle Red Hurricane Malik Hooker, as he made his return to the New Castle high school. Being endorsed by Jordan, Malik gave the varsity basketball team brand new Jordan uniforms for the current basketball season. The students and staff held the pep rally to both celebrate his return, and to show off the New Jordan basketball uniforms granted to the team.

Participating in the event were the boys varsity basketball team, cheerleaders, and the band. The basketball team roster and manager’s names were first introduced as they walked on the court to show off the jerseys and warm ups. Mr. Litrenta then introduced Malik and he then preceded to give a brief speech to the school. He spoke on what the city of New Castle meant to him, and how it brought back memories to when he played in the gym. Hooker also had some gifts to give to the school as five NFL footballs autographed by Malik were given to randomly chosen students.