On Tuesday, Jan. 27, parents, teachers and rowdy students filled the gymnasium bleachers with flowers, posters and cut-out heads in hand. The night had come for SPFHS to honor its winter cheerleading seniors.
Before the boys basketball game, senior cheerleaders and basketball players walked down the court with family members on each arm. Each senior was recognized for the time and commitment they dedicated to the program. The ceremony represents a bittersweet reminder for SPFHS senior athletes that their time is coming to an end.
Seniors Marco Vidone, Taylor Prunty, Addison Richie, Alexa Lorusso, Alexa Birnbaum, Emily Clarke, Alyssa Scott, Erica Giuliani and Taylor Mingoia all celebrated their senior night.
For senior cheerleader Lorusso, the night carried special meaning. Lorusso, who spent years in the PAL Cheer program and joined the high school cheerleading team her sophomore year, described the night as “one last celebration.”
One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Lorusso, Alyssa Scott and captain Taylor Mingoia, all strong bases, had the chance to fly in a stunt.
“It was really scary, and I think I kind of blacked out,” Lorusso said. “But it was really cool because I don’t usually fly.”
Flyers are the cheerleaders who are lifted into the air by their bases, backspot and occasionally a front spot in stunts.
Beyond seniors creating last memories, the night was emotional for athletes’ families as well. The celebration serves as an opportunity to appreciate their students’ accomplishments —and maybe even reflect on their own.
The night was especially meaningful to Lorusso to have her sister, a former SPFHS cheer captain, in the stands.
“She loves coming to the games and experiencing it all again,” Lorusso said. “She was really emotional that night, too.”
Lorusso’s main base, Addison Richie, who has cheered since second grade and spent all four years on the high school cheer team, described the night as a “full circle moment.”
“I remember watching the seniors do this when I was a freshman,” Richie said. “It made me nervous, but excited for what was to come. It was nice to finally have that moment for myself.”
As seniors realized this was the last senior night they’d experience as SPFHS students, they reflected on their time in the cheer program.
“It’s bittersweet because it’s been a part of my life for so long,” Richie said. “I feel like I got everything I needed out of the sport, but it’s still sad because it’s my last year.”
Richie and Lorusso both emphasized that what made their season feel so special wasn’t just their practiced performances, but the bond within the team. The varsity team, ranging from sophomores to seniors, grew especially close this year.
“We’re not just teammates, we’re actually friends,” Lorusso said. “We did team-bonding outside of cheer and everyone was really close.”
Richie added that many cheerleaders on the winter team also cheered together during the football season in the fall, carrying their established chemistry into the basketball season.
When asked what advice they would give to underclassman cheerleaders, both seniors emphasized the same thing: attitude.
“Your attitude is the first thing people notice about you,” Lorusso said. “If you stay positive, that’s what helps you grow.” “You don’t have to be perfect,” Richie corroborated. “Just go into everything with a good mindset.”
Although the season is winding down, the seniors will still have more exciting games ahead. While Senior Night is a sign that the cheerleaders’ time on the sidelines is coming to an end, the unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and unbreakable spirit they bring to the winter season will be remembered long after their last cheer is called.
See SPFHS’s fantastic varsity cheerleading and girls’ basketball team at their next game on Tuesday, Feb. 3!
