We, the undersigned parents, students, athletes, families, and community members respectfully ask Chopticon High School administration and the Athletic Department to reconsider the proposed changes to Senior Night and allow senior athletes to be recognized on the field or court with their parents/guardians before the start of their varsity game, meet, or match, as has traditionally been done.

Senior Night is a meaningful tradition typically held on the last or nearly last home game. It is a recognition of a senior’s years of commitment, dedication, and service to Chopticon athletics. For many students, it is a moment they have looked forward to after watching older siblings, teammates, friends, and classmates experience it. Seniors only get one Senior Night, and they deserve the opportunity to be recognized in a meaningful and memorable way.

Traditionally, seniors and their parents or immediate family members were introduced and walked onto the field or court together before the game. Teammates, coaches, families, and spectators could celebrate them as a community before competition began. Teams could then choose to hold an additional celebration or dinner afterward. These are two separate events, and we believe one should not have to replace the other.

We understand that this year coaches have been given the options of postgame recognition on the field/court or a senior dinner. While we appreciate that recognition is still being offered, we do not believe either option provides the same experience as pregame recognition with families. After a game, emotions are already high and spectators may be leaving, making it more difficult to give seniors the attention and celebration they deserve. The pregame ceremony allows the entire school community to come together specifically to honor these athletes before competition begins.

We also understand there are concerns that Senior Night could distract from competition or delay the start of games. In our experience, pregame Senior Night ceremonies have been organized early enough to allow games to begin on time. We support reasonable guidelines regarding timing, organization, and coordination with officials to ensure this continues.

We are also concerned this change uniquely impacts Chopticon’s student athletes. Many other schools continue to provide pregame Senior Night recognition with families, while Chopticon seniors are being asked to accept a different experience. This creates an unnecessary sense of separation from a tradition their peers at other schools continue to experience. Our students should not have to lose a meaningful tradition when there is no requirement preventing Chopticon from continuing it.

We respectfully ask: Why can’t seniors have the traditional pregame recognition and a postgame celebration when the two serve different purposes and can successfully coexist?We ask Chopticon High School to:

 * Restore the traditional pregame Senior Night recognition with seniors and their parents/guardians on the field or court.
 * Continue allowing teams to hold a postgame senior dinner or celebration.
*  Establish reasonable guidelines to ensure Senior Night is organized, efficient, respectful, and does not interfere with competition.
* Allow this year’s seniors, as well as future senior classes, to experience the same meaningful pregame recognition provided to previous classes.

Studies and reports indicate that traditions such as Senior Night can have lasting positive impacts on students’ morale and academic engagement (source: Education and School Events Journal). Furthermore, maintaining such traditions is crucial for fostering school spirit and community involvement. Let's honor our seniors with the respect and recognition they have earned through their commitment to their sports and education.

We respectfully ask the administration and Athletic Department to reconsider this decision and preserve a tradition that celebrates the years of dedication our senior athletes have given to Chopticon athletics.

Join us in our mission to keep the spirit of Senior Night alive. Your support can make a difference in ensuring that this cherished tradition continues for current and future graduating classes. Sign the petition to show your support for our senior athletes and their families at Chopticon High School.

**Note: No donations are being asked for. Please do not donate any money when signing this petition.**