The joint was jumping at W.J. Mouat Secondary as more than 470 kids in grades 4 and 7 got a taste of what it means to be a Mouat Hawk at the school's first ever Character Rally Thursday morning.

Abbotsford Heat President Ryan Walter was on hand to give words of inspiration to all the students, and there was a lively dance off, featuring mascots Roc the Hawk (from Mouat) and Sasq'ets (UFV), along with groups of elementary students.

"It's so exciting. As Ryan Walter said, when you walk into Mouat, you can tell it's a team," said vice principal Vijay Manuel.

Kids from Sandy Hill, Roberta Bondar, Margaret Stenersen, Centennial Park and Ten Broeck elementary schools and Chief Dan George and Howe middle schools took part.

"In the end our character is what really matters," said vice principal Vijay Manuel.

After the rally the Grade 7 students took part in workshops led by Mouat's Character Council students.

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