Senior Cheerleaders were among those honored on Senior Night, held prior to the season-opening home football game against Morristown, on Friday, Sept. 6.
Before the game began, families gathered on the field to celebrate the annual recognition of senior athletes, this year, from the Class of 2025. Cheerleaders, Marching Rams and varsity Football players paraded down the field, each taking their moment in the spotlight.
The event was particularly special for the five varsity cheerleaders—Ella Peretz-Gonzalez, Gigi Ciottariello, Laila Winbush, Scarlett Cantada and Sarah Reyes—who were honored for their dedication to the program, which has been a significant part of their lives throughout school.
These five share a profound connection to the sport. Three of them have been involved in cheerleading since the early years of pee-wee football. The rest joined the squad right before middle school, and they’ve been working together ever since. For them, this night was more than just a ceremonial recognition; it was a time to reflect on their growth and the impact cheerleading has had on their lives.
Varsity captain Scarlett Cantada was the first to walk the field, with her mother, Abrielle; father, Erik; and younger brother, Cole. “It’s always felt like a second home,” she said about the sense of comfort cheerleading has given her. “The moment I step on the mat, the rest of my problems are gone, and I can perform a routine that I know I will be proud of from all our hard work.” Cantada stressed that she feels like cheerleading has been a consistent and reliable home amid life’s challenges.
Varsity captain Peretz-Gonzalez was accompanied by her mother, Gallia; father, Joel; and younger sister, Mila, onto the field for her senior recognition. “I’ve evolved with cheer as I grew because the older I became, the more fearless I became, which led me to try new skills and push myself,” she said. Peretz-Gonzalez’s journey with cheerleading has not only brought her cherished friendships but has also been a source of comfort. She explained how cheerleading provided her with an outlet to manage stress, giving her “something to look forward to at the end of the day.”
Reyes, another varsity captain, walked down the field with her mother, Barbera, and father, Jeff. “Being a captain has taught me to lead by example,” she later reflected on her leadership role within the team. “I love having a team both looking up to me but also always being there when I need someone. It creates a special bond that’s unmatched.”
All of the girls were gifted large bouquets of flowers and met with applause from the bleachers as they took their walk to the center of the field.
The Senior Night ceremony was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the seniors’ dedication and hard work throughout their cheerleading careers. As the night concluded, the cheerleaders, surrounded by their families and teammates, embraced the sentimental nature of the night, trading stories of cherished experiences they’ve had over the years.
The event not only celebrated their past achievements but also set the stage for the upcoming football season; the varsity cheer squad performs next on Friday night, Sept. 13, at Mount Olive.
