Wolfpack seniors recognized

DAYTON–Senior members of the Dayton-Waitsburg Wolfpack basketball, music and cheer programs were honored before a full house in the gym during Senior Night February 2.

Wolfpack basketball player Claudia Benavides, who bowed out of playing following an injury earlier in the season, was honored for continuing her involvement with the team for the remainder of the season.

Three Wolfpack boys basketball players headed for graduation were honored on Senior Night.

Benny Bryan was escorted to the floor by his parents and brother. Bryan's top memory of basketball was when Spencer Hansen gave teammate Monte Pettichord a haircut in the locker room during summer basketball, noting it was the best haircut Pettichord had ever had. He is planning to study business at Montana State University. "I want to give special thanks to my family, friends, teammates, and to Roy and Terry for helping me get to where I am today," Bryan said.

Gage Holm was surrounded by his mom, sister, and Spencer and Preston Hansen on the floor. He favorite recollection was team dinners and bus rides with the team. His future goal is to train to work on wind turbines. Holm thanked his coaches for their patience when he was injured, and the Hansen family for providing the opportunity for him to play at D-W, and Spencer for "getting him to the gym"

Monte Pettichord was accompanied by mother, step-father, brothers and sister, onto the floor during Senior Night. He fondly remembers pushing the van out of the sand at the Ilwaco Basketball camp, and will be attending Eastern Oregon University where he'll play football and study business. Pettichord thanked Coach Roy Ramirez for pushing him to excel. "He makes me laugh all the time and I am thankful to call him coach," Pettichord said.

Cheer Team senior Sarah Shutters was joined on the gym floor with her mother, Linda Weistaner and her grandparents. Shutters recalls an epic snow ball fight that happened before practice during her sophomore year, plus any of the stunt clinics she attended. Her future plans are to pursue theater directing at a college or university. She appreciated the support of Coach Vickie Hamann, her fellow cheer team members and the encouragement from her mom and dad.

Band senior Sarabeth McGowan was joined by mother Kimberly, father Tracy and brother Samuel, and chose Mass Band as her favorite memory among many. She plans to attend Walla Walla Community College and pursue elementary education, focusing on music.

Eve Talbott was joined by her mother and father Adalyris and Matthew, and other family members, remembering when the band won first place at Silverwood's Music in the Park competition. She intends to move to Seattle and attend North Seattle College after which she'll transfer to art school.

Shania Lynn and mother Bobbie were recognized, and from her eight years of memories, Shania especially liked being drum major, remembered winning first place at Silverwood, and her freshman year at Honor Band.

Dia Adkins was joined by her mother Alicia, sister Dori and Steven Adkins, counting as her favorite memory Mass Band. She plans to become a preschool teacher.

Brandon Leroue was escorted to the gym floor by music teacher Mrs. Jagelski. Leroue thought Mass Band this year was a fantastic memory and is going to train to become a commercial truck driver.

All band seniors expressed appreciation to their parents, family members, and band teachers Mrs. Jagelski, Mr. Sumner or Mr. Green.

-Loyal Baker