Photo by Daniel Montoya

(L-R) Visual junior Aaron Nisbett, communications junior Elliot Hacker, vocal freshman Jaylen Thompson, band sophomore Adam Freedman, band junior Derrek Brown, social studies teacher and Basketball Coach Jeffery Stohr, and social studies teacher and Athletic Director Ross Vening recognize members of the basketball team for their accomplishments this season.

Throughout the year, hard work and dedication is shown by Dreyfoos coaches and athletes alike. Their contributions and efforts were recognized on May 17 at the Dreyfoos Athletic Banquet. The annual event is a time for Dreyfoos sports teams and their coaches to reflect on the season’s games and matches as well as be recognized in their respective sports.

“I think it’s nice how after a long season, [we] get to look back and reflect on the time spent with teammates and coaches,” social studies teacher and Basketball Coach Jeffery Stohr said. “I’m always proud of [my players] because they are really good kids. They’re hard workers [and] they don’t give up. They’re tenacious, and very positive. I don’t have any quitters.”

The banquet was organized by theatre sophomore Madison Burmeister and communications senior Naomi Kelly. The two athletes participated on the track and field team together this year and worked together again to plan the event. Among other responsibilities to make the night run as it has routinely in the past, Kelly and Burmeister sent out invitations to coaches and players and handled the catering budget.

“We have been preparing for the banquet since the week before regionals for track,” Burmeister said. “Mr. Vening is new to the school this year [and] he [didn’t know about] the banquet tradition. Since Naomi and I have been to it in previous years and enjoyed the event, we didn’t want it [to] not happen. We decided to take it upon ourselves [and] run the details of the event through [Mr. Vening].”

Despite Dreyfoos’ focus on academics and arts, sports are also a major part of students lives. Athletics at Dreyfoos are competitive for the reason that many people don’t always have the opportunity to showcase their athletic talent in front of a home crowd. This banquet emphasizes every player’s work and time spent in their respective sport.

“Being recognized tonight at the sports banquet felt great,” communications sophomore Zachary Stoloff said. “It’s always a good feeling to be recognized for your hard work, especially in front of all of my peers. Accepting my varsity letterman award [was an accomplishment].”

Not only do the players earn acknowledgement for their success and dedication, but the teachers who take time out of their busy schedules to coach do as well. Social studies teacher and Athletic director Ross Vening received a large round of applause as students, parents, and teachers showed appreciation for his contributions to the sports teams this year.
“The night turned out pretty good,” Mr. Vening said. “My first year as the athletic director was a lot of work, some stress, but I got to see a lot of growth in the programs. I think [the banquet] brings everyone together and makes everyone appreciate what they do and how hard they worked at [it]. It’s nice to get some kind of recognition for what they did.”