Jessica Hooton, Ife Ajanaku, Charlotte Clyve and Sally Hoban enter the Canton High School gymnasium. Streamers are flying, balloons are roaming, posters of the girls are up, fans are cheering, and families are crying tears of joy. It was an emotional night in all senses of the word. The seniors of the girls' volleyball team were celebrated at their last home game of their last high school volleyball season, their Senior Night, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. 

 

The night began at about 6:00 pm when the senior girls of both teams were introduced, and flowers were offered by the Canton seniors to the seniors of North Attleboro. Then, the non-seniors of the Canton team offered flowers to the seniors of Canton. Pictures of the girls and their families were taken, and the rest of the team members celebrated the girls with heartwarming speeches and gifts like Owala bottles, gift cards, and various candies. There was joy, love, and pain felt during Senior Night. After four years of commitment, it was time for the girls to move on, and everybody felt that change in their hearts. It was a well-thought-out event that was almost tear-inducing. The team won that day against North Attleboro, adding on to their list of wins, 13-3 to be specific, a very substantial record to hold. 

 

Senior Night is a very important tradition in all sports at Canton High School. When asked about how important the event was to her, Ife Ajanaku said, “Very, it was important because it reminded me of why I play volleyball and how far I came.” The event also has a special place in the hearts of the players' parents. Ife says, “My mom isn’t really a sports person despite me playing for a little while, but she was very proud of me and was very happy and excited to be there.” The event (game included) ended around 8:00 pm, and during those two hours, there was a lot going on. I asked Ife what her favorite part of the night was, and here’s her response: “My favorite part of Senior Night was probably serving. I usually don’t get to serve in games because I play offense more than defense, but it was very exciting to be able to serve and get an ace as well.” 

 

It was a very beautiful night to witness, and even though I have not been in the school for that long, I felt the pride that was like a heavy musk in that gym. We are very proud of the Canton High School volleyball team, and we are very proud of all the seniors who have been a part of the team for years. We hope that the rest of their careers, wherever they may lead them, are successful and beautiful. Go Bulldogs!