Once a Charger, Always a Charger! 

One of the fun parts about being the Head at Shorecrest is getting to meet so many Shorecrest alumni and hear their stories about life as a Charger. As we celebrate our centennial, I have had a chance to talk with alumni from many decades and learn about their experiences at Shorecrest.

On February 3, 2023, more than 30 Shorecrest Alumni Chargers from around the metro New York area joined me for an Alumni Association reception at The National Arts Club West Gallery in Greenwich Village. It was so nice meeting these talented and enthusiastic alumni from the classes of 1985 to 2018 and reminiscing with them about their time at Shorecrest.

The Shorecrest Alumni Association brought this group together. Made up of over 2,000 members, the SAA works to assist and connect those members with one another as well as engage with the School. The mission of the Shorecrest Alumni Association is to foster a mutually beneficial lifelong relationship between the school and its members, in an effort to inspire loyalty to, pride in, and support for Shorecrest from current and future alumni. Shorecrest alumni have gone on to do some amazing things, and are encouraged to use the Shorecrest Alumni network to build both personal and professional relationships. 

Alumni now serve as members of the Board of Trustees, members of the Alumni Board, as Shorecrest faculty, as club advisors and coaches, and as guest speakers in classrooms. Many Tampa Bay Area graduates have chosen to continue their legacy at the School by sending their own children to Shorecrest. Alumni have a unique place in the community of Shorecrest and have earned special recognition from the School. 

Established in 2012, the Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award pays tribute to notable alumni who have used their Shorecrest experience to bring excellence to their professional achievements, provide inspirational leadership to others and develop exceptional qualities. The recipients are invited to campus to speak with our Upper School students and often impart valuable lessons learned from their days as a Charger. 

The Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 2009 by the Shorecrest Alumni Association and the Shorecrest Athletic Department to recognize athletes, coaches, teams, leaders and volunteers whose contributions to Shorecrest athletics and  athletic achievements have been of the highest caliber and have improved Shorecrest's reputation in sports. Homecoming in October is always a favorite time for Alumni Chargers to return to watch athletic events, honor the Hall of Famers inductees, and celebrate their reunion with old friends on campus and at festive dinners around St. Petersburg. 

Shorecrest Alumni have their own official social media accounts to connect online (https://www.instagram.com/shorecrestalumni/, https://www.facebook.com/shorecrestchargers). There are alumni social events throughout the year to connect in person, including a Summer Kick-Off Social at a local brewery, All-Alumni Reunion weekend and holiday gatherings for young alums home from college. This past Thanksgiving weekend, the Alumni soccer game, affectionately known as The Turkey Bowl, was very well-attended and saw spirited competition.

Whether you are living in New York City or St. Petersburg, Shorecrest Alumni keep the flame of Chargers pride alive and well! As we always say here at Shorecrest- Once a Charger, Always a Charger!

To get involved during our centennial year - in any way that is best for you - please email [email protected].