Well before the start of the home game against Jackson, Holt held Senior Night proceedings for the graduating class of the football, cheer, and dance teams. This night served to recognize the hard work and commitment of those who were departing their respective sport, as well as to highlight the plans that each person had for the years after high school.

First, after their pre-game practice, the seniors of the football team lined up with their parents behind the inflatable helmet. Pat Coine read through the list of seniors, along with their plans after graduation. Brayden Burthardt (‘23), kicker for the varsity team, says “it was really enjoyable seeing all of our teachers come out and show their support.” Having played for so long, Senior Night was bittersweet. “The team becomes more of a family as it goes on, almost like a brotherhood. It’s a journey that I don’t want to end,” Burthardt said.

The cheer and dance teams’ seniors followed the football players, clad with sashes proclaiming their seniordom and carrying bouquets of flowers. “It was nerve-racking, but I knew it would be fun to be recognized. Seeing the underclassmen cheering us on was really cool,” said Mia Barbero (’23).

The team reflected on what made Cheer a special part of their high school experiences. “I liked being involved in one of the more fun parts of school, it was really easy to get to know people because we spent a lot of time together,” said Barbero.

Before their halftime show, all of the seniors in Band and Color Guard lined up on the track. Mr. Cunningham called their names along with their parents’ over the microphone one by one, culminating in a senior salute led by a drum major. Andrew Bufalo (‘23), a clarinet player, reveled in the tradition and how it signaled the end of his marching at Holt, saying “the senior salute felt so far in the future until this year, and now suddenly we’re in the spotlight that all those who came before us had been in.”

Senior Night allowed the seniors to bask in the finality of this year’s season in each of the activities and sports honored, giving them a grand and heartfelt sendoff.