We Were Wearing Purple

Last Monday evening Lyons Township High School hosted its Senior Night festivities for the varsity volleyball team, and in conjunction with this year's celebration the LT community graciously honored Erin.

Flyers were posted throughout the school and in the windows of local businesses the week prior to the event, encouraging attendance and promoting awareness of Erin's foe ~ Ewing's sarcoma. Donations for the Sarcoma Alliance for Research and Collaboration were collected through the sale of T-shirts designed by the members of the volleyball team, and also through the collection of that evening's gate receipts.

$2000!

We love the shirts!  Thank you girls.

During this annual ceremony, each of the team's seniors is recognized for her high school achievements, future plans are highlighted including college choices and intended majors, and those who've earned volleyball scholarships are acknowledged. A booklet, created especially for the evening, details some of those plans and also includes fun facts about each of the girls.

Of course I had to dig out Erin's booklet

and photos from her Senior Night,
including THE OFFICIAL CAKE PICTURE.

Coach P reminded everyone that there is always
THE OFFICIAL CAKE PICTURE.

She's right. Here it is!

Erin played volleyball at LT during her freshman and sophomore years, and then was sidelined by her hip/femur replacement surgery following her cancer diagnosis in December of 2006, at which point she stayed involved in the program as a team manager during her junior and senior years.

I have no idea what was going on in this photo, but it just makes me laugh to see the expressions on the faces of the girls as well as Coach Joann Pyritz's reaction. From personal coaching experience, I know that sometimes you just shake your head at some of the comments your players come up with during a game situation!

Advil anyone?

This relationship began years ago, when Erin first met Coach P at the age of six as she ran around the sidelines during her sister Sarah's high school playing years. At that time she impressed Coach P with her confidence and tenacity by boldly informing her she would someday be "better than Sarah"!  The youngest child in the family tends to be a bit more forthright:)

As the ceremony began on Monday evening, Coach P spoke to the crowd about Erin, and through eloquent words did an extraordinary job of capturing the essence of her spirit. She highlighted Erin's drive and athletic ability as a player, and then focused on her courage and positive attitude as the team manager once she could no longer play.

When each senior player was introduced, she was presented with a sunflower ~ the symbol of hope for those with sarcomas ~ as she joined her parents on the court for recognition. It was another lovely gesture of remembrance included in the ceremony.

Thank you to ALL who were in attendance, our little community once again ~  this time a sea of purple who filled the bleachers and rose to a standing ovation that brought us to tears. There were so many of you,

~ LT principal, assistant principal, and several of Erin's teachers
~ LT students
~ Parents of many of Erin's teammates and classmates who are now off at college
~ The Nazareth Academy sophomore volleyball team
~ Erin's volleyball coaches, from LT and Lions/1st Alliance
~ Players and families from Queen of Peace, the opposing team that evening
~ Members of our St Cletus family
~ The current LT volleyball teams and families
~ Anyone else I may have forgotten to mention above!

Your presence that evening spoke VOLUMES about the continued support our family receives that extends way beyond the walls of the buildings in which we gather.

And a special thank you goes to this year's seniors 

featured below in THE OFFICIAL CAKE PICTURE,

 who generously shared their evening in the limelight
with the memory of our beloved Erin.

HURRAY FOR
THE GOOD TIMES!

The Potts Family

Dave, Mary,
Chris, Sarah, Matt


and ^Erin^