Senior night for high school athletics is something that students dream about for their entire high school career. The special recognition and honor that students receive on senior night is one in a million. As the regular football season came to an end with the last in-season game being Friday, October 24th, seniors from football, band, Oakettes, and cheer were all recognized as they took another step towards their futures.
When thinking about senior night, most students reflect on what their entire experience has been like. I asked a senior from each team being recognized about their career so far and they gave some heartfelt answers.
Alex Marshall is a four year member of the Oak Hills High School cheer team. Marshall has been cheering for 10 years and has grown so much as not only a leader, but a respected returner to her team. Marshall mentioned that her favorite memory from cheer so far was, “Last year at nationals, when we stayed up and just talked all night with the people in my room. Also, when we were at UCA camp, I got All-American for the second time.” Marshall’s persistence and determination for her team make her stand out as a leader and as a person as well. Following this, I asked Marshall what she will miss the most about cheering, she responded by saying, “I am going to miss talking to my friends on the sidelines and just being able to be on the track while the football games are going on. It is an experience that not many people get to do, so I loved taking the time and getting to do it.”
Moving on, Cole Borton is on the Oak Hills High School marching band and competition team. Borton has played the Tenor Drums for the drumline since his sophomore year, but has been in marching band since 8th grade, and has played percussion since 6th. I also asked Borton what his favorite memory from marching band has been and he
mentioned that he “won 3rd place at our finals last year. We got the highest score and placement in school history. Hopefully, we can do even better this season! Along with asking Marshall, I also asked Borton what he was going to miss the most about the band and he said “I’ll miss performing in competitions and the full days of activities that go with them. Even if it’s a long day, it’s fun to be with friends doing something we enjoy.” Cole is the definition of a responsible leader. He has had many years of experience on drumline, and in band which makes him a great person for the freshman and new members to look up to.
After Borton, I interviewed Kaitlyn Erskine, a four year member of the Oak Hills Varsity Dance Team, the Oakettes. Erskine is a prime example of a team leader for the entire program. Dancers from all teams in the organization look up to her as who they want to become in a couple of years. Kaitlyns favorite memories are “getting 2nd at state in the Varsity Pom category, and the coaches circle we did at camp this year.” After hearing about her success on the team, I knew that Kaitlyn loves being a dancer. I asked what she will miss the most about being on the team and she said, “Spending time with the girls that have become family to me over the years.” Being on the dance team myself, I would agree that the girls on the team have become some of my best friends, and leaving the team after everything that we have experienced together is definitely going to be hard.
My final interview was Adrian Davis, a senior on the Oak Hills High School Football team. The football team has had some devastating losses this year, including the loss of the senior night game against Fairfield and OHHS old football coach Justin Roden. But throughout the season the boys have shown grit and determination to work for what they want. This has landed the Highlanders in a playoff position, playing Lakota East on Halloween. Davis mentioned that one thing he will miss will be “Hanging out with my brothers who work hard just like myself every day.” Davis is a hard worker and has been for the past 3 years on varsity football. Along with playing at the games, Davis won homecoming king at the game this year, and has sung the National Anthem with choir at a previous game.
Senior night was a night of reflection of memories and new opportunities for the upcoming year. These four students were able to have such a good senior night and also think back on their favorite memories when answering these questions. Although the football team lost 17-0, the night was still unforgettable. Oak Hills still has a chance in their playoff game against Lakota East on October 31st, so make sure to attend the game to support the Highlanders.
