At the Park

Leaving It All on the Field

Mary-Elizabeth Penhos, Staff Writer

September 9, 2024

The student section known as the Park Pit is where even those off the field can make memories.

Where’d all the time go? It feels like just yesterday the class of 2025 walked through the doors of Wheeling Park High School for the first time. Now it’s their senior year, full of excitement, fun, anticipation, and thrill. Being a senior means a lot of last firsts, and events to participate in at the high school–especially Friday night lights!

The players support their team from the sidelines.

Our football team here at Wheeling Park works so hard to make sure our games are fun as well as lively, and that we win. The members are an important puzzle piece in making Friday night lights happen. Without their dedication, we wouldn’t have the football games to begin with.

Senior football player Jayden Woods-Davis shared with me how he felt about it being his last year playing football for Wheeling Park.

“It’s very exciting but also very sad at the same time because it’s crazy that all the time went by so fast and now we’re here in our last season,” said Woods-Davis.

“We’re a family, ” said Kieran Moses, another senior team member of Wheeling Park’s football team.

It’s bittersweet to see some of our best and favorite athletes play their last year at Park. And all the more reason to go to the games and cheer our team on.

The football team brings energy out onto the field, that’s no doubt. But the Band team brings the excitement into the bleachers for the students, players, and family that come to support. This wouldn’t be possible without Avah Young, a senior band member and most importantly Field Commander for Wheeling Park’s Band team.

Field Commander, Avah Young, prepares herself to conduct the first home game.

As this is Avah’s last year playing the flute for Park, many emotions, happy and sad begin to surface.

“It’s definitely hard that I’m a senior and that this will be over, but I do wanna study music education in college so I will be in the band and marching band and everything there,” said Young.

Growing out of highschool doesn’t mean growing out of music. Avah’s passion and commitment will carry her far in life. And for her hard work taking part in Friday Night Lights, she is greatly appreciated, and honored.

Getting those on the field, and in the bleachers to be lively is no easy job. The sideline cheerleaders amp up the energy and encourage those playing.

Senior and member of Wheeling Park’s Cheer Team Amber Yanchak has been tumbling since she was a kid. After four years of being a member of the team, it’s sentimental knowing that it’s coming to an end.

A moment of pause, before the cheer team begins.

“I am grateful that I get to end this journey with my best friends. It’s going to be an amazing end and I can’t wait to enjoy every last second,” said Yanchak.

The cheer team seniors have been through many ups and downs throughout the last four years. Their perseverance is admired, and forever applauded.

“I am going to be sad to go, but will always cherish my memories that I made as a Wheeling Park cheerleader,” said Yanchak.

One thing to remember is that these people made Friday Night Lights happen, and they make it memorable and fun. Make sure to go to the games, and show your support for our active participants as well as our school. Time flies, so appreciate the high school football games while you can.

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About the Contributors

Mary-Elizabeth Penhos, Staff Writer

Mary-Elizabeth Penhos is a staff writer for the Park Press and a senior at Wheeling Park High School. When she is not writing for the Park Press, she is writing free hand poetry and listening to countless hours of music. Mary-Elizabeth is proud to be a member of the National Honors Society, Thespian Society, and the Quill and Scroll Society. She is a specialist of all things artistic and unique, and enjoys participating in extracurriculars that showcase creativity. Mary-Elizabeth’s favorite place is a room full of people where she can be a social butterfly, and surround herself with lively energy. She exuberates positivity, enthusiasm, and a friendly vibe. Mary-Elizabeth is very good at using her voice, and feeling confident in which she speaks and writes about. Regardless of being put down and rejected, she always keeps going and never gives up.

Kelsey Holeczy, Staff Writer

Kelsey Holeczy is a senior staff writer for the Park Press. She is never one to take no for an answer and always makes a point to keep a close watch on what’s happening around her. As a proud, involved community member of both Wheeling and Claysville, Kelsey is connected to countless individuals beyond just her immediate community. A proud documentary enthusiast, Kelsey can explain the most outlandish events with detail and vividness like you’d never imagined. Her insane obsession with any and all slightly interesting happenings fuels her storytelling and helps her take an approach to stories in a way you’ve never seen before. Whether she’s unraveling stories from the past or is covering current events, the documentary-obsessed side of her always shines through and makes every story memorable. Kelsey is the Secretary of the iconic Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate Team and, with all the time and work she puts into her team, she is considered an unofficial coach. She has won countless trophies throughout the past two years she has spent on the team, her favorite being her first-place Original Oratory plaque from the 23’ Pine Richland Invitational, and is excited for what’s to come in her senior year. While she excels at interpretation events, her true expertise lies in writing and performing persuasive pieces. She is always eager to voice her opinion and encourage others to see things from a new angle.