After fighting for our team for almost three months, it was the annual sports banquet. We changed from our sports shorts and shirts into our elegant dress and high heels. The teams enjoyed pasta, desserts, and another moment where we unified as a team outside of our sport. The dinner was fun while we talked about our sport jokes and best bonding memories. This year Montrose has the most athletes ever, as more people choose to get involved into sports activities. After the dinner the rewards ceremony began.

As each team was called to unto the stage, we felt a little shy at first. However, as each coach finally announced the recipients of the rewards, all of us began clapping, cheering their names, and sincerely feeling happy for their achievements on the team. Moreover, this year, Montrose also had all-school awards for athletes who dedicate their efforts in leading school sport spirit. Check out the list of all-school awards at the end of this article!

Through the whole banquet, my favorite part was the video. The first scene was my teammates jumping into a rocky long jump pit. As a member of the track team, I still remember that Thursday afternoon that we spent one hour cleaning concrete on the corner of Montrose parking lot in order to build a long jump pit. I personally think that was the best moment in my track season. I believe every athlete began reminiscing those kind of bonding moments in their memories as the video went on. We saw our sweating, red faces. We saw the cheering and courage from our teammates. We saw our determination and perseverance, and we saw the moment we won the game. When we look back on the whole season we may think how hard we pushed ourselves. But more importantly, we all feel our effort are worthwhile because of our smiling faces and incredible achievements. We care about results, but we care more about helping our teammates and the process which we have put 110% energy into.  Everyone is proud of Montrosian athletes as we fight for our team and never give up.

In addition to the wonderful sport banquet that Athletic Director Ms. Ruggieri planned, Montrose will also have its first MAAC next year. MAAC stands for Montrose Athletic Advisory Council As Ms. Ruggieri said her goal is to create a council that will be composed of both athletes and non-athletes, student representatives from all grades. The ultimate purpose of this council is to to increase school spirit.

As members of MAAC, students will help:

• Plan for Homecoming 2018, which is Friday, September 21st and Saturday, September 22nd. There will hopefully be a pep rally prior to Homecoming as well.
• Think creatively on how to promote increased student and faculty attendance at all athletic games.
• Plan community service events during the year, such as breast cancer awareness games, MS walk, etc.
• Bridge communication between the student-athletes and administration.

Here is the list of all school awards for athletes. Let’s give them a big and warm high five to extend recognition for these hard working athletes who lead with team spirit.  

All-School Awards:
Frank Power, Jr. Award of Excellence – is presented to a Montrose junior athlete who most exemplifies the ideal of excellence, leadership, loyalty, dedication and sportsmanship. – Annie Irwin 19

The Montrose Portrait Award recognizes student-athletes who are seniors, and while at Montrose, best exemplify a spirit of camaraderie and fellowship with their demonstrated desire to assist their teammates. They are consistently attentive to the needs of others and bring out the best in them. They add depth and dimension to the team with their eye for unity and excellence. – Isabel Buckely & Hannah Marino ‘18

The Reverend Richard Rieman Award is presented to the Montrose student-athlete who exemplifies the ideals of faith, service, perseverance, and leadership with character, sincerity, and warmth. She serves an inspiration to others. – Ciara Dunn ‘18