On Nov. 3, HHS Cheerleaders celebrated their Senior Night along with the football team and marching band. Seniors Gina Clementi, Chelsea Chin, Asia Cunningham, Jenna Deane, Savannah Hunter, Rachael Levonaitis, Sabrina Portilla, Gabby Quagliato, Sara Tomson, Erica Volpe, and Vicki Wendover were honored in a ceremony preceding the football game. After three years of looking up to their upperclassmen, members of the class of 2018 got to celebrate their final year as leaders of the team.

“It’s different being a senior because everyone on the team looks up to you as a role model,” Levonaitis said. “But it feels so good to help the younger girls succeed.”

Each cheerleader was recognized in front of the spectators of the Hillsborough vs. Montgomery game as they were announced individually and were escorted by their parents to the center of the field. However, celebrations began much earlier than the game, as the girls were honored with dinner and festivities following the school day.

The underclassmen on the team were responsible for organizing senior night activities, such as decorating lockers and writing letters for each of the seniors. After a long season together, the seniors and underclassmen formed a tight bond that made each of these gestures special.

“My favorite part of senior night was walking into the locker room with my fellow seniors and experiencing the night that I have waited for since freshman year,” Clementi said.

Cheerleading coach Danielle DePirri recognized the seniors by creating individual pink sashes for each of them, distinguishing them from the rest of the team as they cheered during their final home game on the track.

“I remember freshman year as I cheered I looked up to the seniors and wanted to be like them,” Hunter said. “I really hope this year I was that person for someone else.”