Cardinal Stadium was a special place to be Nov. 4. Not only were the 2011 State Champion football team acknowledged on the fifth anniversary, but it was also senior night. The football boys performed on the night against the Community Braves, winning 42-22, and the Mighty Cardinal Band gave a stellar performance on the night, with their own seniors giving a grand farewell.

Senior drum major Aaron McClean said “my last football game was an emotional rollercoaster. I have been going to every football game and performing at halftime since my eighth grade year, and I’m going to miss it tremendously.” At his final home performance with the marching band, McClean who worked hard to become the new team leader described the success of 2016; “this marching season has been without a doubt the best one I’ve been in. All of the mambers have grown so much as individuals. Even though we missed state by one point, I wouldn’t change a thing. We accomplished so much, and have grown so much since last year and I am very proud of them.”

Nathan Serna, a senior euphonium player, said “marching my last my home game was probably one of the saddest moments of my life, knowing I will not be a part of this program next year is truly heartbreaking.” The band is now led by Jerry Whorton, and he has led the group, along with McClean and the other drum majors to a very successful marching season. Serna mentioned “I hope the success continues for years to come.”

It was also the Melissa color guards’ final home performance for the year during the football games. Senior Priscilla Adejokun told The Red Banner “it was a pretty sentimental time, I think everyone wanted to cherish it, there were some good vibes but a lot of people were in tears.”

All of the seniors in the band and guard would like to thank everyone for their great support all year, and would like to wish their younger peers great success in the coming years, with McClean adding “keep pushing on and keep growing as a band, I cannot wait to see how much the band grows these coming years.”