Charter’s 2025 senior class decided to revive an old event that has faded away from PPCHS history. The seniors hosted a tailgate before the USA-themed football game on September 19th and another one before the tropical-themed game on October 4th. Although the game was canceled due to weather complications, the seniors were able to push through it and still hold this momentous event. As music blared and the festivities began, the seniors were determined to make the most of their remaining time in high school.
An Instagram account called “ppchsmoves” was created by senior Isaac Nones; he explained that his intention in making this account was to inform the people of student-hosted events at Charter. He decided to make an Instagram account to help further spread the word. Additionally, Nones had stated that he and his friend, Jaelyn Perez (Student Government Association president) wanted to “create our own thing to make the class of 2025 stand out and be an extraordinary graduating class.”
Nones also mentioned that the tailgate was inspired by an inside joke within his friend group. He joked about the ‘fraternities’ and ‘sororities’ present at Charter, and thus the idea was born. Since tailgates are usually “frat” and “sorority” traditions at many colleges they found this as a fitting event. To Nones and his friends, this was a huge inspiration for the tailgates.
During these tailgates, there were many exciting activities planned. The parking lot was soon filled with eruptions of laughter, followed by dancing along to many popular songs. Many students were found playing cup games with energy drinks inside of them, and there was even a special appearance made by Charter’s own Jag Cam.
So far, due to several football games being canceled such as the Cooper City, and Mater Lakes games, the only events that have been hosted so far were the USA-themed and the Tropical-themed tailgates. Ironic enough, both of the tailgate themes aligned with the themes of the football games.
Senior Bella Ostendorf, one of the many seniors who helped with the planning and idea of the tailgates, wants to make the most of her last year before going to college and starting “real life.” She noted that “The bittersweet realization of high school ending and real life starting soon hit me, and I want to be able to experience the things that I have yet to experience.”
At each tailgate, the seniors are not just enjoying the moment; they are creating long-lasting memories and traditions that will define their high school experience and ensure their legacy as the class of 2025.
