Posted on 10/26/2018
By Sophia Jacobson, FHHS senior
On Oct. 12, the Francis Howell community came together for the 4th annual First Responder’s Night football game. Viking fans, friends, and family joined together to recognize first responders and military personnel. The event is a joint effort between Activities Director Sean Erwin and the 12th Man Football Boosters.
Although the evening was cold and rainy, students still came out to participate in the USA theme and support local first responders. “First Responder’s Night has always been one of my favorite football games,” senior Shayna Crosby said. “Although, I was disappointed the weather caused some of the events we were all looking forward to being canceled.” Because of the rain, the police K9 demonstrations and the landing of the Metro Air Support Helicopter were canceled.
The football team made an entrance with a fireworks show sponsored by the Peoples Savings Bank. Students then brought all 50 state flags onto the field for the National Anthem alongside the Riverview Gardens ROTC who presented the colors. “It was really cool to see multiple schools come together to support such an important cause,” said senior Nithin Goriparthi.
Senior Alyssa Jones’s family was honored at the beginning of the game for their service as first responders. “They had my dad on the field and read his background. At that moment I felt really proud of my family,” Jones said. “It’s an honor to have such a role model in my life. I’m lucky I was born into it because first responders aren’t just a group, we are a family.”
At halftime, people in the stands were given the chance to donate to the BackStoppers, an organization that supports families of first responders. The Viking community raised $850 in 90 seconds with the dash-for-cash challenge. Money was also collected through a variety of other fundraising events.
The Vikings beat Holt by a final score of 67 - 28, bringing home the GAC South Championship.
