Homecoming week has arrived; excitement has been building throughout the halls of Cardinal Gibbons. From Spirit Week themes to the pep rally and the Homecoming game, the week brings the school together to celebrate what it means to be a Crusader. At the center of those celebrations is the Homecoming Court, made up of students who have been nominated by their peers to represent what it means to be a part of the Gibbons community.
This year’s senior Homecoming Court includes Avery Alladin, Mary Lee, Cora Levine, Lillie Jolly, Natalie Villareal, Braxton Burge, Griffin Cockerham, Xavier Hasan, Connor Licht, and Brooks Zygmond.
The junior court features Susanna Feldman, Emily Johnston, Ella Zarnik, Skylar Alston, Joseph Devine, and James Howard.
The sophomore court features Erin Ambrosio, Embrey Zola, Blake Ackiss, and Peter Ishak, who round out the court.
For the students nominated, being selected is about more than simply having their name announced.
For junior Susanna Feldman, the nomination represents the way her classmates see her as a member of the Gibbons community.
“It means a lot because it means that people think that you represent the Gibbons mission, which is faith, service, and leadership,” Feldman said. “And so that means a lot that several of my peers see me that way.”
Feldman’s comments reflect the larger purpose behind Homecoming Court at Gibbons: recognizing students who embody the school’s mission of faith, service, and leadership.
For sophomore Erin Ambrosio, being nominated is an opportunity to live out those values and serve as an example to others.
“It makes me feel as if people just sort of see Jesus in me,” Ambrosio said. She explained that the nomination makes her feel as though she is fulfilling the mission of “shining His light” and being an example to others.
While the Homecoming Court is an important part of the week, the students nominated are also looking forward to the traditions that bring the entire school together. For Feldman, one of the biggest highlights will be walking onto the field during the Homecoming game.
“I’m really hyped for the game,” Feldman said.
She remembers her friends cheering for her from the stands last year and is looking forward to that experience once again. This week will also feature a pep rally, yet another opportunity for students to come together and show their support for the school.
Beyond the Homecoming game, Spirit Week remains one of the most anticipated traditions of the week. Each day allows students to participate in different themes and bring their own creativity to school. That creativity is part of what makes school spirit so notable during Homecoming week.
For Feldman, Gibbons stands out because students are willing to participate and support their school whenever possible.
“I love Gibbons because I feel that we have a really good school spirit,” Feldman said.
She pointed out the pep rally, the home game, and the Homecoming dance as examples of traditions that bring students together. Even when events are optional, she believes students will show up because of how much they enjoy supporting their school.
As Homecoming week gets underway, the Homecoming court will help set the tone for a week centered around those same ideas: community, leadership, and school pride. Whether it is walking onto the field in front of the student section or participating in Spirit Week, the court represents a group of students who have been recognized by their peers for their presence within the Gibbons community.
Ultimately, Homecoming is more than a single game or a dance; it is a week where Crusaders come together to support their school and the people who make up its community.
