What contributes to Homecoming’s strong appeal? It is one of the most anticipated events of the year for both the youngest and oldest members of the community, and attracts alumnae, parents, and students alike. Perhaps what accounts for this popularity is the wide range of activities available, or simply the opportunity to display some school spirit.
The events began on Friday with the pep rally, which this year was supplemented by the hundreds of Academy students who sported their school colors. The pep rally included the introduction of our varsity teams, many of which have enjoyed winning seasons thus far. There were also races between both the AA kindergarten class and the senior boys as well as between the AAG lower school and senior girls. The younger set won both events, which was a great cause of excitement.
Unfortunately, the torrential downpours caused most of Friday’s sporting events to be cancelled; however, the varsity volleyball game was held in the Sillipigno facility and the varsity swim team participated in an intramural competition. Though the volleyball team lost 3-0 to Ravena, they were supported by many of their fellow students. The swim meet was cheered on by much of the younger Academy community, and many swimmers were happy to have the opportunity to perform on their Homecoming Weekend. “It was fun,” said one team member enthusiastically. The support shown for the volleyball team and the energy of the swim team really exemplified the message of Homecoming Weekend: school spirit.
The movie “The Blind Side,” shown on Friday night, was held inside this year due to the state of the fields following the rain. Although many upper school students attended, they mostly spent the evening socializing. Following the movie was a bonfire, and while the staff had difficulties starting the fire, it was definitely the high point of the evening for most. Most of the attendees were alumnae and parents, and despite the chilly night, the Academy community enjoyed a relaxing end to an evening of exhilarating homecoming events.
The boy’s varsity soccer game against Albany High (L 4-0) was the first event on Saturday morning, followed by a popular tailgating party that included several activities for younger students. That afternoon brought the much-anticipated football game, and the suspense was palpable. Although the Cadets suffered their first loss of the season to Bishop Maginn 35-23, the overwhelming support that the team witnessed was true to the Academy homecoming spirit.
Later that night, at 7 pm, high school students returned to the pool lobby for the Homecoming Dance. This year marked the beginning of a “breathalyzer” policy, under which all dance attendees must be tested for the presence of alcohol on their breath. The new rule did not deter students, however, and many remarked that this year’s dance seemed to be the most crowded yet. One went as far as to describe the event as having “too many people, too little space.” Nevertheless, brief interviews with those who attended revealed sentiments such as “fun,” “exciting,” and “memorable.”
Indeed, aren’t all of those things exactly what Homecoming is about? Fun — for both the young and older members of the Academy community — keeps the alumnae (and current students) coming back; exciting: the build-up and anticipation of the many different events that take place over the weekend; memorable: because Homecoming, perhaps more than any other weekend, is an opportunity for the school as a whole to assemble together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Corny though it may sound, when it comes down to it, those three qualities are what make homecoming such an irresistible weekend.