MOULTRIE — During Wednesday’s track and field home meet, the seniors were recognized for their dedication to the Packer and Lady Packer athletics programs.

Twelve athletes were honored.

From the Lady Packer squad there were five: Yarely Zongua, D’Zeriyah Polite, Dalivia McBride, Talisha Edwards and Messiah Bender.

Each was escorted by family and presented with a gift as their introduction was given.

Zongua, escorted by her father Adan Zongua, has participated in the track and field program for one year.

After graduation, Zongua plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College to study in the nursing program.

Parents Dextra Polite and Katrina Polite escorted their daughter D’Zeriyah Polite, who has participated as a Lady Packer in multiple sports. Her favorite track memory is helping break the school record in the 4×100 meter relay.

With her sights also on nursing, Polite is planning to attend Georgia Southern University.

After three years of being in the program, McBride — also a multi-sport athlete — took her walk as a senior with the escort of her parents, Ana Gaines and Reggie Gaines.

Though she will miss hearing Coach Polite cheering from the sideline, McBride is looking forward to her future of becoming a veterinary technician.

Escorted by Daniella Edwards and Taurus Edwards, her parents, was Edwards, whose goal is become a barber. She has also competed in other sports as a Lady Packer, but Edwards will never forget hitting her personal record in girls discus.

The last Lady Packer who will be graduating this year is Bender, who was escorted by her mother, Tekeshia James, and her cousin, Tyrell Wright.

Bender had participated in the track and field program since seventh grade, and helped set the new school records in both the 4×100 and 4×200.

Signing with the Air Force Reserve after graduation, her long-term plan is to pursue a degree in psychology.

Matthew Bryant, who competed in track and field for two years, was the first Packer to receive his introduction and senior gift.

Parents Jessica Alexander and Victor Bryant escorted their son, who has plans on attending Kennesaw State University and majoring in accounting.

}Being escorted by his sister, Jocelyn Clay, was Johnny Clay, who assisted in setting records in track and also played football, which he plans to continue pursuing a career in.

On the track team for three years was Jahni King, who was escorted by his sister, Mya Haynes. King has plans on attending ABAC to receive a degree in business.

Grandmother Carrell Wilson and mother Erica Lamar escorted Ty’Querrius Lamar, who is a multi-sport athlete since seventh grade.

Future plans in the NFL and becoming a real estate agent are on Lamar’s mind as he moves into the next phase of life.

Wanting to become a project manager, Charlie Thornton was escorted by his sister Ayan Thornton.

Remembering when the team went to sectionals during his first year in the program is Thornton’s favorite memory; he also played on the football team.

The final track and field senior is Chris Williams, who has plans on becoming a barber and was escorted by his mother Ms. Trimble.

After five years participating in the program, his favorite memory was winning a medal for the first time and dropping his time in hurdles.

Smiles were on the faces of all the athletes and their families as the ceremony wrapped up and the events continued.