By Alexander Goff ’15, Staff Writer 

From beautiful ice sculptures at the Dance, to free popcorn in the lower lot, Homecoming was a festival of amusing activities. “Successful,” and, “aesthetically pleasing,” Freshman student council member, Matt Tekketala ’15, and Senior student council member, Carissa Szlosek ’12 replied respectively when asked if they could describe the event with only one or two words. The feeling of the student body concerning the event was overwhelmingly postive.

However, the students of Newark Academy did not monopolize this exciting event. Thankfully, many families, which included parents and younger siblings of the students, came out to show their support for the school’s community. It seemed that all of the younger brothers and sisters (and some students as well) were infatuated with the bouncy castles and inflated tubes set up inside the lower gym. On the other hand, most of the parents couldn’t help but to rejuvenate their youth and devour the free popcorn and s’mores provided by the school.

Another highlight of this fantastic day was the number of spectators that came to observe the thrilling sporting events. Those who came early at 10 a.m. were highly entertained by the dramatic overtime time tie played by the Boys Varsity Soccer team against Caldwell. The Girls Varsity Soccer team basked in a more pleasing outcome: a 2-1 win against Princeton Day. After the field hockey team played Koinonia Academy, and the other sporting events had concluded, the focus and attention of everyone shifted to the Newark Academy Football Game.

Even though Newark Academy’s Team was handed a tough loss, the overall outcome of the number of spectators at the game, resulted in gratitude from the players and a new sense of inspiration. The previous day’s pep rally’s goal was clearly met, as the bleachers for the Newark side were stuffed. “Homecoming has a larger fan attendance,” Soven Bery ’15, a player for the team says, “and that helps support us and it creates a better environment for us to play in.”

The Advancement Office’s coordination in gathering many former alumni to attend the dinner is admirable. Carissa Szlosek ’12 attended a luncheon at the event, claims that she, “Was so impressed when the members of the advancement office were able to recognize each alumnus that walked through the door.” Each year, the Advancement Office at Newark Academy does an exceptional job at recognizing the accomplishments of former alumni, and allowing them to be an everlasting part of the Newark Academy community.

This spectacular Homecoming Day ended with the remarkable dance designed by faculty, student council representatives, and volunteers. The music, lighting, and ice sculptures were great, and what else does an amazing dance really need? Every planned event, Senior grilled meal, and song by the Steve Miller’s Band only piled on to the excellent and spectacular tradition that Homecoming is.