Senior night at North Fort Myers High not just for athletes
Traditionally, senior night is an event where athletes and their parents are celebrated for accomplishments and dedication to the athletic program.
More often, schools are beginning to recognize the accomplishments of those who didn’t score a touchdown or spend four seasons at shortstop.
Thursday, at North Fort Myers High School, nearly 100 seniors earned the honor of walking to 50-yard line, escorted by their parents, siblings and loved ones, to get a handshake from the principal for a job well done in their time at the school.
They were members of the band, commanders of the JROTC, cheerleaders, and even mascots, and their contributions to the Red were just as important as anything else.
“It was a special night for a lot of students. We have so many seniors that we were honoring and these are memories they’ll hold with them forever,” said Matt Mederios, North principal.
It was an emotional time for some as, while it didn’t necessarily mean the end of their school careers, that day was approaching and soon they would be moving on with their lives.
Caitlin Robb, a JROTC member for four years, said it was great to walk out there with her mother, Stephanie, and see her sergeant and principal in recognition for something that often gets overlooked.
“I have spent almost all my time in ROTC. It’s taught me so many things and I’ve made so many friends,” Robb said. “In Raiders, you become such a family and you watch these people grow and get better.”
Ariel Claus, bass and trumpet player for the marching band, was given her honor during halftime of the football game with the rest of her marching seniors. She said it was exciting to be performing one final time on the field, even if it was after the game when most everyone had left.
“It hasn’t hit me yet that I’m a senior and that I’ll be moving on with the rest of my life and leaving this behind,” Claus said. “I’m going to miss the family and the Friday night games and band camp.”
For some, the emotions were too great. Cheerleader Miliani Roman shed some tears as she hugged her fellow cheerleaders with her family by her side.
“It’s the last time I’ll be a varsity cheerleader on the football field, which is so different than the basketball court,” Roman said. “My four years have been amazing. So many memories made every year and each was so different. I’m going to miss Friday Night Lights so much.”
And, yes, it meant a lot to the football players such as Nathan Paras, who also teared up following his last regular season home game, a blowout victory over Dunbar.
“I wanted to win for my family. I wouldn’t trade this for anything else. I just loved coming together as a family for four years. I love them,” Paras said.