Many high school sports teams host a "Senior Night" in which the team honors that year's seniors. These events typically involve every athlete on the team, and may include parents and faculty advisers. Popular Senior Night events include parties, dinners and movie celebrations. Some events include awards and speeches, while others focus on fun.
Senior Night Party
A party serves as an excellent Senior Night for any sports team. You can save money by hosting a party at your home, or you can have a more lavish party by renting a clubhouse or ballroom. Give the party a fun theme to allow students a chance to dress up -- and adults a chance to decorate. Possible themes include the Islands, Rock Stars, Disco and the '80s. Include snacks, such as fruit and cookies, and non-alcoholic drinks, such as punch or soda, so the athletes do not get hungry or thirsty. You can keep the party loose and informal, or include specific games such as charades.
Dinner
Some sports teams keep their Senior Night structured and easy to plan by having a dinner at a local restaurant. If you host your Senior Night at a restaurant, the restaurant takes care of food, drinks and decorations. Make reservations for your dinner, since many restaurants require advance notice for large groups of people. Allow students to see the menu before visiting the restaurant so that individuals with special diets can make appropriate accommodations. Expect to pay an extra fee for a private room or area. Additionally, some restaurants charge an extra gratuity for large parties.
Movie Night
Take athletes to a movie night to celebrate the end of the season or school year. Visit a local movie theater with seniors and purchase tickets and snacks for the athletes. If possible, watch a sports-related movie. Since most high school seniors are 17, you may be able to attend an R-rated movie, but you should ask parents for their permission first. Some teams enjoy going out for dinner or snacks after a movie. You may wish to take your team to an ice cream parlor or a coffee shop for refreshments.
Speeches
Some sports teams use their Senior Night as a chance to let seniors give speeches, sharing their experiences on the team and wishing the next batch of athletes good luck. If you include the tradition of speeches, give seniors a time limit of five to 10 minutes each, and lay down some ground rules for speeches, such as no profanity. Allow all the seniors to give a short speech each, or give seniors a chance to volunteer for a limited number of speaking slots -- maybe five speeches total.
Awards
If you feel certain members of the team deserve special recognition, hand out awards at your senior night. You may give a personalized award to every athlete with messages such as "Most Likely to Kick Butt" or "Best Catcher." Give out traditional awards such as "Most Valuable Player" or "Team Favorite." Try to include everyone in the awards by giving out small tokens of appreciation such as gift certificates, candy or memorabilia.
