Tavis Sanders ’26 Captures Eagles Parade from the Media Stage

For more than a million people who attended the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX Parade & Celebration on Friday, Feb. 14, joining up with fellow Birds fans who 'bleed Green' to catch a glimpse of the players as their buses passed by on Broad Street in Philadelphia was in itself a dream come true—even after waiting in the cold for hours. 

But for Tavis Sanders '26, the perspective was a bit different. In fact, the Honors Photography III student got to experience the parade and speeches at the Philadelphia Museum of Art up close and personal through an entirely different lens: his Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera.

"I came across the opportunity to obtain a media pass to shoot at the Eagles Parade through networking at the event with other media people and photographers and just taking the risk to put myself out there," Tavis explained. "I was asked if I’d be interested in shooting the event, and of course, I said yes!"

Tavis said it was an "amazing experience" to capture this monumental moment while listening and watching the Eagles celebrate on stage. "It gave me an opportunity to observe the players' unique characteristics and personalities up close and witness the close bond they have as a team and their respect for each other," he said. "Coach Sirianni said, 'You can't be great without the greatness of others,' and that's exactly what it felt like being on the stage that day."

"It was a surreal experience to watch others celebrate accomplishing their dreams while I was living out mine," Tavis continued. "It's hard to explain it, but I thank God for the experience, and I am forever grateful." See his photos.

"I have had Tavis as a student since his Middle School photography elective," said US Photography Teacher Ellen Erikson. "From the beginning, Tavis has been enthusiastically passionate about photography. Not only has he full advantage of the photography offerings here at EA, but he also has taken courses and sought mentorship outside of school. Tavis photographs not just for assignments, but to fulfill his own desires/call to do so. He also has a well developed artistic voice, both in his personal aesthetic and his ability to talk about photography in an insightful and articulate manner." 

The EA junior has already started to establish a career in photography and is determined to continue to grow and develop as a professional photographer. "However, I still plan to pursue a degree and career in engineering, and I don't believe I have to sacrifice one dream to pursue the other," he quickly added. "Work hard, dream BIG!"