Samuel Hadelman Photo
City Hall was filled Thursday with champions, parents and students alike, as three Hillhouse sports teams were honored for league-topping seasons.
The squads honored included Hillhouse’s the girls basketball team, for their Class L state championship; as well as the boys and girls track teams for their Class M state championship wins.
Deshaune Poole and Dale Thompson.
Mayor Toni Harp, schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Birks, Track Coach Gary Moore, Varsity Assistant Coach Chanel Rice and NHPS Athletic Director Erik Patchofsky all offered remarks.
“I am confident you are all ready to lead,” Harp remarked to the graduating seniors of the championship teams.
“I am trying not to cry” Coach Rice exclaimed as she looked at her championship team in admiration. This was Rice’s first championship, while it was head coach Catrina Hawley-Stewart’s sixth Class L title.
The girls basketball team.
As the speeches began to wrap up, it was time for the spotlight to go where it belonged: the athletes themselves. One by one their names rang out in City Hall.
“The coolest part of today was getting the rings and hearing my name called,” said Leandra Allen Miller of the girls track team.
“The best gift I could have asked for,” added basketball point guard Tyree Allen (pictured).
Not trying to cause controversy, but does the city purchase the rings or is the funding provided by the athletes?