Francis HowellHigh School

by FHHS Senior Riley Weber

The fifth annual First Responders’ Night football game was held on Friday, Sept. 6. The event was organized by Activity Director Sean Erwin with the help of the 12th Man Football Boosters.

The pregame festivities included a flyover from a World War II B255 Michele Bomber. Soon after a police helicopter landed, and the game ball was handed to Jennifer Heismeyer, the president of the 12th Man Football Boosters.

Heismeyer has been working to help organize the event since it began, and was the one responsible for getting the helicopter to land on the field for the original First Responders’ night.

“After the first year, we thought they would enact a policy against it,” Heismeyer said. “But everyone loved it so much that they let us continue.”

A fireworks show of red white and blue accompanied the entrance of the team. The show was paid for by several companies, and MO Pyro donated the technology to set off fireworks in a safe manner. The First Responders were welcomed by the Howell Middle band and the Howell marching band who joined together to play the National Anthem.

“It's the game that everyone goes to,” freshman Noah Peters said. “Seeing the helicopter and stuff is always really fun.”

Before the game began, First Responders were asked to come down to the field, and veterans were asked to stand so that the over 5,000 people in attendance could honor them.

“Recognizing the first responders is what makes the night special,” sophomore Daniel Fields said. “It's the night dedicated to them for what they do for us every day. It's more than a thank you could ever do.”

During half-time, students conducted a dash-for-cash in the stands. The collection was for Backstoppers, an organization that gives money to the families of fallen first responders. The Viking community raised $2,000 with Heismeyer presenting the proceeds to the Cottleville Fire Department on Sept. 11th.

The Vikings beat Kirkwood by a final score of 24-14.