Addison Spillers, Editor-in-Chief
Under the Friday night lights on October 31, 2025, at Eagle Stadium, the crowd filled the stands to celebrate the Class of 2026 during Senior Night at Trinity Christian Academy. The event honored the senior football players, cheerleaders, cross country runners, and the senior drumline members who have each individually left their mark on the school through their hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
Before the game, many families, friends, and fans lit up the stadium as the seniors were recognized one by one and escorted onto the field by their loved ones. This event is truly meaningful because it shows how TCA is not just a school, but a family. Senior Night allows the whole community to come together as one and celebrate those whose time is slowly coming to an end, but who have left a never ending impact on their teammates, coaches, and underclassmen. As the names of the seniors were announced, the crowd showed their love and support by cheering and applauding each individual.
The two TCA senior cheerleaders, captain Addison Spillers and co-captain Tara Holt, bring extra spirit to their last and final night of cheering under the Friday Night Lights. These two seniors lead the crowd with big smiles and lots of energy as they support their fellow classmates one last time. When asked how 14 years of cheering have shaped her, senior Tara Holt said, “It has encouraged me to be more involved and to show greater school spirit.”
Along with the two senior cheerleaders, the six senior football players, Rhyder Dawson, Patrick Gullatt, Caleb Hart, Kadin James, Dane Southworth, and Christian Valdez, were also escorted by their loved ones and recognized for their outstanding dedication not only to the sport of football, but to their teammates and coaches as well. The excitement of this heartfelt event did not end after the senior recognitions, but it got even better as these six senior leaders fought their last fight and absolutely dominated the football players from Founders Classical. This win made Senior Night even more unforgettable. Each senior played with their whole heart, leaving it all on the field in their final home game. When asked what he will miss most about TCA football, senior Caleb Hart said, “I’ll miss preparing with my teammates and getting ready for the games ahead, and I’ll also miss kicking because it has always been my favorite part of the game.”
Senior Night not only recognizes the senior cheerleaders and football players, but it also recognizes the two senior cross country runners, Ezra Burk and Bo Merril. These two seniors were honored for their outstanding motivation, waking up in the early mornings, competing in tough and hot races, and their perseverance through the season. When asked what kept him motivated to run throughout the season, senior Ezra Burk said, “My teammates’ encouragement pushed me to give it my all and keep running.”
The hard work and dedication in the senior class does not end on the field, but it is also carried over on the sidelines. Adding the rhythm and the excitement throughout the night, the TCA drumline seniors, Cooper Blanton, Cole Nicely, and Teagan Pace, delivered a powerful performance that kept the crowd and student section energized. When asked what his favorite part of drumline is, senior Cooper Blanton said, “When the people get hype and excited for certain cadences.”
As the night came to an end, emotions ran high, tears, laughter, and hugs marked the end of an era for these seniors. Though their time at TCA is nearing its end, the memories made on this field will last long beyond graduation.
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