Waubonsie seniors say farewell to summer

It's unlikely that Waubonsie Valley seniors will have time to catch up on an entire summer of gossip in between passing periods Monday.

So they got a head start Friday afternoon.

The high school's student council sponsored its annual Senior Tailgate Friday, complete with sandwiches, drinks, outdoor games and a DJ.

"Most of us have been together for three years and we're a pretty close group," Senior Class President Michael Lyons said. "But we hope one last shindig before the year starts will really unify the group."

Rain showers moved the party indoors for most of the afternoon, leaving tailgates closed and the senior parking lot empty, but it didn't stop the party. They just moved it inside the field house.

"No big deal, we'll just catch up inside now," said senior Doug Moravec. "That's where the food and drinks are headed anyway."

Once inside, the DJ rocked the gymnasium while some danced, others giggled and gossiped and others talked about how "awesome" the football squad will be this year.

"Once the bells ring Monday it's going to be a little harder to do all this so it's a nice tradition we have here," senior Phil Jones said. "It's our own last fling."

Later in the afternoon, the Booster Club hosted its own party for students and their families, the 2008 Warrior Kickoff Classic Pig Roast, sponsored by Uncle Bubs, the winner of the "Best Ribs" contest at Naperville's 2007 Ribfest.

New Principal Kristine Marchiando was at the festivities doing all she could to soak up her "warrior spirit."

"I've been in districts where they've done cool things for back to school but they've got some great traditions here at Waubonsie that include everyone and get everyone excited for the year ahead."