Assistant coach of girls’ swimming Amanda Forsberg said senior night is a long-running tradition among high school sport teams.

“It’s the last home meet of the season, where we honor the swimmers for their dedication and effort over the last three to six years,” Forsberg said.

Forsberg said it’s a nice way to finish the regular season and recognize the seniors’ time and dedication to the team before advancing to sections. According to Forsberg, the swimmers’ family typically attends, along with some other Park students.

Senior captain Katie Orton said the events are planned by the juniors on the team.

“This year, we have three (juniors),” said Orton. “They do a speech for each senior about what it’s like being on the team with them and their favorite qualities of that senior. The seniors (also) get a gift from the rest of the team.”

Orton said senior night is always really emotional and meaningful, especially since some of the swimmers have spent six years on the team.

“There’s always some tears, but there’s always a lot of laughs. It’s really emotional saying goodbye to everyone,” Orton said.

Sophomore Mazie Lainsbury said senior night is still a celebration, even though it’s sad to say goodbye to the seniors.

“It helps you remember the good things that the seniors did for the team,” Lainsbury said.

Senior night will take place after the team’s final home meet against Kennedy at 6 p.m. Oct. 18.