The Spirit of Homecoming Week
Source/Author: Nancy L. Spencer, Head of School
October 15, 2021
What a week it’s been! The tradition of Homecoming at Shorecrest is back in full, a week-long celebration of school spirit that culminates in tonight’s Homecoming football game and tomorrow’s Upper School Homecoming Dance which will be held outdoors at the Weiss Family Pavilion. While many of the events are focused on the Upper School, the excitement and enthusiasm can be seen all across campus as Chargers, young and old, embrace Spirit Days. It is also a special time to welcome Alumni back to campus and celebrate the generosity of the Shorecrest community as seen by a successful Giving Day.
Homecoming festivities are a rite of passage for Shorecrest Upper School students. Throughout the week, each grade competes to be crowned as the winners of Homecoming. There are special events including dress-up days. Costumes are judged during morning break and earn points for each grade. Classes also create banners to be judged that are hung in the Athletic Center for the rest of the year.
A highlight of the week is the highly anticipated class competition day where representatives from each grade compete in Powder Puff Football, Slip-n-Slide Kickball, Cheering, Brain Bowl and Volleyball, with their classmates enthusiastically cheering them along. Seniors are especially looking forward to this afternoon’s outdoor pep rally, where they will lead the school in cheers to celebrate all of our fall athletic teams. (I should add that for all activities, we will be following the rules consistent with guidelines provided by the Health and Safety Task Force.)
After a week of energetic class competition, it is heartwarming to see the school come together today as one by wearing their Spirit Wear. There is Green and Gold all over the campus! In this morning’s Lower School Town Meeting, students who are part of Little Sparks cheerleading led cheers of "Let's Go Chargers!” with such happy enthusiasm. The cheering was followed by an extraordinary performance of local Flamenco dancers, to celebrate the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month. We hope to see many of our younger Chargers at tonight’s football game, cheering loudly!
A highlight of the week is the highly anticipated class competition day where representatives from each grade compete in Powder Puff Football, Slip-n-Slide Kickball, Cheering, Brain Bowl and Volleyball, with their classmates enthusiastically cheering them along. Seniors are especially looking forward to this afternoon’s outdoor pep rally, where they will lead the school in cheers to celebrate all of our fall athletic teams. (I should add that for all activities, we will be following the rules consistent with guidelines provided by the Health and Safety Task Force.)
After a week of energetic class competition, it is heartwarming to see the school come together today as one by wearing their Spirit Wear. There is Green and Gold all over the campus! In this morning’s Lower School Town Meeting, students who are part of Little Sparks cheerleading led cheers of "Let's Go Chargers!” with such happy enthusiasm. The cheering was followed by an extraordinary performance of local Flamenco dancers, to celebrate the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month. We hope to see many of our younger Chargers at tonight’s football game, cheering loudly!
Homecoming is also a time to welcome Shorecrest alumni back to campus. Last week, we had the honor of presenting the Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award to Rob Grady '86. A graduate of Harvard and Stanford Business School, Rob spoke at an Upper School assembly where he shared lessons he has learned by working with the founders/CEOs at Starbucks and Amazon. Rob reflected on the importance of resilience; he encouraged Shorecrest students to pursue their passions and realize that setbacks are simply a part of the entrepreneur experience. Rob credited the teamwork he developed at Shorecrest and the support of teachers and coaches as important factors in guiding his later success, both professionally and personally.
Tonight, Chargers Alumni will have a Homecoming Tailgate & Athletic Hall of Fame Reception in the Wood Family Pavilion. Before watching the Chargers take on Academy of the Lakes at 7pm, alumni, alumni parents and friends are invited to enjoy music, food and fun and reminisce of their time at Shorecrest. Members of the Classes of 1980 and 1981 will be celebrating reunions this weekend as well.
During the Homecoming football game, the 2020-2021 inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame will be honored (delayed celebration due to the pandemic). Congratulations to Fred Rath '91, Zach Wendkos '02, Chrissy Mastry Michels '06 and Taylor Tremaine '07! Another traditional part of the Homecoming football game is the crowning of the Homecoming Queen and Mr. Spirit which will take place during half-time.
The excitement for Shorecrest that can be felt on campus this week was reflected as well by the enthusiasm demonstrated by volunteers who were a part of the Advancement Office’s Giving Day. The support for the Shorecrest Fund thus far has been incredible and we are so grateful for the community’s generosity. Our goal is to provide resources for students and faculty so that we can continue to offer an outstanding Shorecrest experience. We encourage community support as early in the year as possible; providing immediate impact for our programs.
Homecoming week is a time to build memories and enhance community spirit. I hope that everyone embraces this opportunity to be a part of Shorecrest. It is a very special place.
Homecoming week is a time to build memories and enhance community spirit. I hope that everyone embraces this opportunity to be a part of Shorecrest. It is a very special place.
