The Island Trees Lady Dawgs Varsity Basketball team held its annual "Spot Light Night" game Saturday, Feb. 9, where they played host to South Side. The Lady Dawg underclassmen saw to it that the gym was festively decorated with banners, balloons and posters, to honor the last and final home game for their senior friends.

Before a large crowd the lights were lowered and the fans grew quiet as a lone spotlight shone at the entrance to the gym. The four senior girls kicked off the night by announcing the names and recognizing the efforts of their nine under classmen friends. They entered the gym one by one in the spotlight, as DJ Rich Ahrens played a special song chosen just for them by the seniors.

The microphone was then handed over to Coach Schneider who spoke fondly about his four seniors, Alysha Ciaramitaro, Kristen Walsh, Angelika Paskins and Valerie Ahrens. One by one each senior walked in the spotlight one last time as Coach Schneider recognized and honored each girl for her individual contribution, efforts and outstanding achievements to both her team and the community of Island Trees. Coach Schneider, Coach Naughton and the nine underclassmen presented the seniors with gifts and flowers.

The seniors in turn presented gifts to the underclassmen and coaches. As the game was about to get under way, an anxious crowd listened as Angelika Paskins stood in the spotlight and sang the national anthem. The crowd cheered as each senior was announced and brought out to center court to begin the game. This wonderful night ended victoriously for the Island Trees Lady Dawgs as they went on to win an intense and final home game against South Side 57-52.