Senior gulls recognized with drive-by celebration

OLD ORCHARD BEACH —Typically, the end of the school year brings much fanfare for the seniors on the Seagulls softball team. They get honored at a banquet and after the very last game, they make a celebratory final trip around the bases.

This wasn't a typical school year. Classes are being held remotely, schools are closed, and sports are canceled. The Seagulls didn't even get a chance to showcase their talents on the softball field.

Coach Jason Webber wanted to honor the two seniors on the team, Zoe Young and Riley Blatchford, and do something special for them, even though they weren't able to play this year.

"I can't imagine, as an athlete, losing a sport senior year," said Webber.

Old Orchard Beach Coach Jason Webber holds a softball to give to Zoe Young as Zoe and her mother Kate pose for a picture outside their home on Saturday.

Webber rallied friends, members of the community, and police and fire departments for a parade to give the graduating seniors a celebratory goodbye.

The procession started at Old Orchard Beach High School on Saturday morning, stopping first at Blatchford's house and then Young's amid honking horns and shouts of enthusiasm. At each house, Webber gave the athlete a softball with a special message, and flowers for the teen's mother.

Old Orchard Beach Softball Coach Jason Webber gets emotional as he gives senior Riley Blatchford flowers outside her home on Saturday