Bishop Verot seniors say goodbye with 'Spellamania'

Seniors at Bishop Verot Catholic High recently spent more than an hour and a half saying goodbye to their school, friends and teachers the day after final exams in south Fort Myers.

The class of 2008 performed their final tribute to the school called "Spellamania," a variety show that pokes fun at teachers, staff and events of the last year.

"Every year they come up with ideas and we start casting and getting it all together," said Matt Herting, the school's basketball coach who dressed as Jesus - the host of the show. "It's something they remember and are a part of forever."

"This is one of the best things we do at this high school ... it's become so unique. It's hard to explain," said Jim Redmond, the brainchild behind the show that was originally a spelling bee. "It's become part of the fabric and culture of this school."

But winding the show into the school's end-of-year schedule wasn't always easy. Spellamania was a spelling bee but the audience were bored of watching students spell words, Redmond said.

"It's a family atmosphere here and the kids have a strong sense of community," said Principal Father Chris Beretta about the show he participated in as a guitar player and singer dressed as the devil. "I don't mind embarrassing myself for a few laughs."

The laughs continued on until the last few moments of the show - a tear jerking video dedicated to seniors who are seen waving goodbye and several photos of an empty Bishop Verot campus.

"It was an opportunity for all of us and it was a good goodbye," said Sam Ravenna, 18, a senior who performed with his guitar during a few skits in the show.

At the conclusion of the variety show, seniors are asked to take the stage, or gymnasium floor, and be together one final time.

The juniors in turn take their place as seniors by seating in the senior section of the stands.

"Seeing the younger students give them a standing ovation is exactly what this school is about," Beretta said. "That isn't created in one day ... it takes four years."