Autumn Stevens
BY AUTUMN STEVENS
Gabriel Richard
Gabriel Richard Catholic High School held the 10th annual “Victory Day” on Sept. 11. Victory Day is an event started by cancer survivor and Gabriel Richard football Coach Aaron Segedi to allow children with physical or cognitive disabilities to experience what it is like to play in or cheer for a football game.
Football and cheerleading teams from schools, such as Gabriel Richard, Trenton, Riverview, Cabrini, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Woodha-ven, Carlson and Grosse Ile gathered for this event, along with the Trenton High School marching band. Fifty-five children with special needs from schools such as Jo Brighton, Madison, and The Lincoln Center, were each able to score a touchdown or work with the cheerleaders, depending on their preference.
To help make this day special, the football players and cheerleaders created a tunnel across the field, and as the children’s names were announced, they ran through the tunnel, high-fiving the athletes. Afterward, each cheerleader lined up on the sides of the football field and practiced cheers with their mentors from neighboring Downriver schools, while the football teams began running their athletes through a series of football drills and obstacle courses.
Each child was able to score a touchdown against a defense made up of high school football players. After scoring their touchdown, many of the athletes did victory dances and cartwheels in the end zone. At the end of the event, each child was awarded a medal for their accomplishments. It was wonderful for those who attended to see the joy on the children’s faces as they crossed the end zone to score their touchdown and receive their medal.
This event was a first-time experience for many Gabriel Richard students, but many remarked that it was beautiful to see the pride and excitement in the children’s eyes. Many Gabriel Richard students hope to hold Victory Day again in the years to follow. Events like Victory Day make many people realize that they shouldn’t take their abilities and skills for granted. Victory Day was and is a great way to allow students the opportunity to help out and give back to the Downriver community. Victory Day is a wonderful experience, and the Gabriel Richard community is looking forward to playing a part in this event again in the future.
In other news, the Gabriel Richard Catholic High School’s theater program is excited to perform this year’s fall musical “The Addams Family.” The program is currently run by director Brenden Delaney and his enthusiastic team. The musical follows young Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a “normal” boy named Lucas Beineke. This show is filled with many laughs, and the Gabriel Richard community is looking forward to seeing it performed.
“The Addams Family” is the first musical to be performed at Gabriel Richard since 2014, so the actors and actresses are anxiously awaiting opening night. The cast has been working hard to perfect the show since late August, and they encourage people of all ages to see the show.
“The Addams Family” will be running from Friday, Nov. 5-Sunday, Nov. 7, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.