On Oct. 24, Cardozo’s varsity football team took on John Jay High School for their annual Senior Night and last home game of the 2025-2026 season.
Senior Night is an annual event that celebrates the last days on a team for those who are graduating this school year. The annual Senior Night event was a special moment for all the players and athletes, whether it be senior football players or cheerleaders.
During the game, there was a time of dedication for the seniors on the football team, where their friends and family were able to walk down to the field to congratulate them on their final year of high school. Students kept the energy high in the stands, cheering for their fellow peers.
The team’s only kicker, Micah Cheng, looked back on how he cherished the season and friendships he created over the last three months playing on the team. “This team will always live in my memory, especially when I walked down the field with my family and received my poster,” he said. “For most of my years at Cardozo, I wasn’t particularly involved in many team sports so joining the football team made me realize how valuable it was in growing as both a person and athlete which is something that I realized I missed out on until this year.”
Cardozo’s cheerleading team also has several graduating seniors who all showed love for each other. Through words and posters, the team made each other keep sake posters to show appreciation for their seniors and to make a memorable night for them.
Vivian Zhou, one of the captains and senior cheerleaders, stated, “My last and final home football game cheering was truly unforgettable and more than I could’ve imagined. It was bittersweet leaving a team I helped grow.” Although the senior captains won’t physically be at Cardozo next year, they’ll always leave an impression on those they’ve helped become better cheerleaders and peers.
“It was super sad seeing the boys walk down the field with their parents, knowing it would be the last time they step foot on the field to play,” Zhou said. “Every cheer felt meaningful knowing that it would also be my last time cheering. I’m super grateful to have been able to experience what I have with the team I can call a family.”
The game was eventful, although the Judges ended up forfeiting the game due to an illegal play on the field. Ayden Bussie, #78, got blindsided by one of the John Jay football players mid-game. Due to this move being illegal, the football player ended up suspended for the remainder of the season. In addition, the Judges did not continue the game in solidarity.
Along with the football game that night, Cardozo also hosted their annual Halloween carnival for children in the Annex. Several children from the neighborhood and children of staff members enjoyed various activities run by students at Cardozo. Volunteers from the Leadership class, Key Club, and the NJROTC program put together an exciting event with a bouncy house, face and pumpkin painting, music, and food.
“I helped members of the student organization set up the event. I blew balloons, hung up posters, and carried around heavy items,” said one of the volunteers who helped set up the Halloween carnival, Eric Kam. “It was a really fun experience since I got to see how well the kids could aim while playing activities that were provided.”
One of the leadership members, Isabel Song, also shared, “The Halloween carnival is one of my most favorite events that is hosted in Cardozo. Halloween is able to bring out the spirit for kids and it was exciting to see all the smiles.”
Other than bringing joy to children, she had fun herself with the help she could provide. “Decorating the Annex building with my classmates was fun and somewhat chaotic. It was a rewarding feeling to see everyone working together and watching everything come together. I felt excited to know that I played a part in making it all happen!”
