Under Eagle’s wings, our men shall always be; on October 3rd, the seniors on the Winslow Township High School Varsity Football Team received the honors bestowed upon them at the home opener of the 2020 season.  Ironically, this momentous occasion signalling the conclusion of a high school student athlete’s career, came at the opening of this pandemic-altered season.  However, it provided just the momentum needed to carry the players to victory!  All senior members of the football team, cheerleading squad, and marching band were honored during halftime by an enthusiastic and joyful procession of family and friends who walked in solidarity around the track.  Cameras snapped to capture the perfect picture and document a moment of triumph while the cheerleading squad roared life into the stands and onto the field.

The 2020-21 varsity football team consisted of thirteen seniors and every player contributed to the winning score of 15-12 against Camden High.  Celebratory applause rang out when they burst through the banner to ring in the joyous night.  As the players came off the field, adrenaline still pumping, Jaylen Cheek and Jamel Davis were all smiles, yet ready to share their thoughts.  When asked about their emotions towards a winning Senior Night, they both enthusiastically pointed out that this- a running goal of Cheek to go 6-0 for the season-was the moment they had been awaiting for four years.  Even through the Covid-19 altered football practices, they had been determined to not compromise their work ethics and goal to excel.   Cheek defined his role on the team by modeling motivation, strong work ethic and determined mindset.  Davis on the other hand, contributed the humor and optimism the team needed.  A die-hard Winslow Eagle to the end, he is noted as  exclaiming with a grin, “Camden to the beat, Winslow till the day I die.”

The glamorous Winslow Township High School Cheering Squad served as the perfect compliment to the football team.   Composed of many seniors, they seemed like a sea of white, glittery sashes gracing the sidelines.  Senior Night represented recognition after four years of hard work and dedication to their craft.   Three seniors, Diamond Draft, Sydnee Sephes, and Aminata Bereteh, shared their  excitement about holding the squad’s reins this year- a senior privilege.  Choreographer Sydnee Sephes remarked how the squad’s wishes were to leave their mark by transforming some of their older cheers into new and refreshing ones to spice up their routines. The long-awaited moment of recognition did come with tears and sorrow as they contemplated the separation ahead;  it is truly evident that their sisterly bonds will translate beyond the walls of WTHS.  As noted by the squad’s coach, Ms. Lee,  “the girls’ spirits are high,” and there was no lack of enthusiasm as they danced and waved their pom poms to the sounds of the marching band.  

Amidst the cloud of a year unlike any other, the Winslow Township family rallied around the seniors and created a night of positivity, honors and appreciation. The icing on the cake was the winning game – a true symbol of Winslow’s grit and excellence!