Fair Grove High School celebrated senior night, an event hosted to honor and celebrate senior athletes from volleyball, football, boys soccer, and cross country. Seniors shared their favorite memories, and the lessons they’ve learned through high school sports.
Senior night for the Lady Eagles Volleyball was full of tears, laughter and gratitude. Senior, Sofee Garret described her senior night as emotional and unforgettable. She said, “Standing by my mom and dad and seeing their reactions made me realize how loved I am.”
Garrett shared her advice to younger athletes, “…not to stress about the future, and to try your best in school and sports, but don’t hold it against yourself if things don’t go perfectly.”
Garrett said her favorite memories include the float trip with another senior on the volleyball team, Leila Huff, when they raced in the rain, and winning state.
Senior Lee Van Cleave, cross country member, said the best part of his senior night was the team bundle after the ceremony. His advice to younger runners was simple but powerful. Van Cleave stated, “Even if you think you can’t, still try.” Van Cleave explained that one of his favorite memories was during practice, “…a dog hopped the fence and ran with us all the way back to the school.”
Senior Jackson Austin, a member of the football team, shared that walking out onto the field one last time with his parents by his side is a moment he’ll never forget. Austin explained what he learned during the years of playing football, “Football has taught me accountability, leadership, and has given me friendships that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Senior Gavin Brock, another member of the football team, said his favorite part of the night was also walking with his mom and dad. He shared advice to younger players, “Focus on your passion and make your own decisions. Don’t let the outside world decide for you.”
Brock said what football is to him, “…football feels like a family.” He also explained that football had taught him mental toughness, respect, and discipline.
For soccer senior Macklen Johnson, senior night was all about gratitude, “Receiving a gift from a teammate that was from the whole team showed how close we are.”
His advice to underclassmen, “Take things one day at a time, and the good lord willing, things will work out.” Macklen continued to say that winning the Marshfield tournament earlier this season was his favorite memory, calling it a moment he’ll never forget.
Senior nights for each sport took place at one of their home games. Senior night for cross country was on October 2nd. Senior night for boys soccer was held on October 13th. Girls volleyball senior night was on October 14th. Senior night for both football and band was on October 17th.
