Despite this newspaper’s consistent push for merging schools — especially when a number of athletic teams are already combined — there is no denying the magic that comes from a championship run. While northern Chautauqua County was disappointed in the Forestville softball team’s 5-1 loss at the state Final Four, the moment will be cherished for years to come.

During a Board of Education meeting this month, discussion centered on some of the memories that were made by the Hornets’ run. The team was escorted out of town by the Forestville Fire Department on the morning before the semifinal game in Binghamton, then welcomed home by the Fire Department with an escort back into town later that weekend. Students and staff from all levels of the district participated in the send-off, as well as residents and businesses in town that lined up along Main Street.

“The children really had a lot of fun. It was very meaningful,” said Elementary Principal Shauna McMahon. “… It was just such a wonderful experience.”

As reporter Braden Carmen wrote this week, what is unique about the varsity softball team is that of all the sports Forestville offers, it is the one team that is hosted and comprised of only Forestville students. Every other program is shared and hosted by another district.

This team was super special. It’s something that will keep the community buzzing about for years.