By Thomas Pan’ 14, Feature Editor and Elizabeth Merrigan ’16, Staff Writer

Homecoming is an event that takes place annually in October at Newark Academy. The event invites alumni back to the school to join in a wonderful day of festivities. This year’s Homecoming featured numerous athletic games, the Senior Grill, face painting, music by Newark Academy’s own jazz group the Funk Messengers, and much more.

Ms. Grider, Director of Institutional Advancement, describes Homecoming as an event that “increases school spirit in the whole community.”  At a glance, this statement seems to be valid. Homecoming is always an event that seems to have positive connotations. Just looking at pictures on the school website or social media outlets can induce feelings of longing and happiness.  At the same time, for some students, Homecoming does not seem to be worth attending. The question then arises: does Homecoming really raise school spirit, as a whole?

Spirit Week, held each October, concludes with Homecoming and a semi-formal dance. Ms. Galvin, Dean of Students, argues that Spirit Week is a nice lead in into Homecoming. Galvin commented, “The addition of a ‘spirit weekend’ to spirit week has been really great. Homecoming day is a really recent idea, and I think that it’s been organized really well, and ties the week together”. Between the many sporting events and the dance at the end of the day, Homecoming has become an integral and important part of spirit week, and is certainly one of the best ways to end such a fun event.

It is also important to note that Homecoming is not only for students and alumni. It is also for the faculty. According to Ms. Grider, “This year probably had the best faculty turnout. We try to let our faculty know how much they are valued here at Newark Academy.” Mlle Moore, French teacher, said she attended the Women at NA Luncheon and also the volleyball game on Homecoming day. “Homecoming gives new faculty a chance to become even more familiar with the school and see the collective school spirit at once rather than in just daily activities,” Mlle Moore said. She also praised the day in general. “I’m impressed by how students really get into it and show support for the school,” she added, “I think it raises school spirit in general.”

It is also worth remembering that Homecoming Day features the array of Newark Academy’s Fall athletic teams. Most of the Fall teams play, including Football, Men’s and Girls’ soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball, and Women’s Tennis. Athletes seem to always love playing on Homecoming. Matt Cowen, Varsity Men’s Soccer Player, said about Homecoming, “The atmosphere at Homecoming is certainly conducive to winning. The crowd is always the biggest of the season, and the Homecoming Game is always the first date we circle on the calendar when the schedule comes out. The fans give us a boost, and the school spirit that Homecoming brings out is tremendous.”

The alumni office as a whole seems to be very content with Homecoming, but will still work to revise and improve the event. Ms. Grider informed, “Every year we hold a feedback session to talk about the good or bad things. Overall we’re very satisfied, but every year we want to look for improvements. Right now, we’re thinking about some minor changes to entertainment and maybe some new activities during the day but nothing huge.”

When everything comes together, it is fitting to conclude that Homecoming increases school spirit for everyone. Homecoming is a must for the Newark Academy community.