Spartan Pride Filled the Air During Spirit & Homecoming Week

Spartans turned up the energy during an unforgettable Homecoming Week, showcasing their school spirit.

“I love how our school comes together during Spirit Days,” said Gabby Lasalle ’25. “It was so much fun seeing all the Grus and taking pictures with them.”

Each weekday included an element of surprise and creativity as students participated in special dress-up days.

On “Minion Monday,” Middle and Upper School students busted out their overalls, goggles, yellow face paint and attire. There were also a handful of Grus in the mix.

“Twinning Tuesday” brought out matching Garfield pajamas, a trio of inflatable dinosaur costumes, and best friends dressed in identical concert t-shirts. The group with the highest number of team members sporting matching outfits was athletics, with 10 coaches and trainers wearing black shorts and the same bright red Spartan head polo shirt.

 

Wednesday’s theme of Western versus Westlake Country Club (or Wizards) roped in the most participation. Cowboy boots, large belt buckles, and cowboy hats were spotted all over campus. Students wearing polo shirts, tennis skirts, and sweaters tied around their shoulders made their mark as well. A handful of tall, pointy wizard hats were also spotted on The Hill.

 

“TV Thursday” brought out popular TV characters such as Bart and Marge Simpson, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Curious George, and Lightning McQueen from the Disney movie Cars.

 

Red and purple ruled on “Fan Friday” as Spartans styled their favorite spirit wear, and rocked the school colors. First up on the jam-packed Homecoming game day agenda was the energetic fall pep rally. With pom poms and tons of spirit, cheerleaders formed a human tunnel as students walked into Clayton Gym. As they entered, each student was gifted a brand new “Spartan Country” t-shirt. Not only was the celebration full of student spirit but faculty and staff joined in too.

Head of Upper School Aaron Snyder, Middle School History Instructor Octavia Sadler, Soccer Academy Coach Andy Lopez ’14, and Upper School Physics Instructor Ace Furman ’12 competed in a spicy hot wing eating contest. While sitting at a table in the middle of Clayton Gym, each contestant was tasked with answering trivia questions while students—dressed in white lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles—delivered wings with a sauce that kicked up the heat. Sadler took first place when she outsmarted the competition by knowing the exact number of six-man football teams in Texas, which is 296.

The school day ended with a Spartan tradition—a Block Party and Campus Cookout in the Clayton Gym circle, hosted by the St. Stephen’s Parents’ Association. The entire school community enjoyed food trucks, face painting, a dunking booth, a magic show, a DJ, and a performance by Apollo percussion.

After the block party, fans walked on over to the volleyball court, the hockey field, and the football stadium to cheer on the teams.

Under the Friday night lights at Denius Stadium, the Madrigals performed the National Anthem prior to kickoff and the Spartan cheerleaders and Apollo Percussion kept the fans engaged and energized all the way until the final buzzer.

On Saturday, Spartans wrapped up the jam-packed week with the Upper School Fall dance in Clayton Gym, organized by the Student Government and faculty and staff.

“Thank you to all the volunteers for all the work you put into making the Block Party and Campus Cookout a success!” said PA President Krista Dillard. “From donuts to burgers to the dunk tank, magic show, and face painting—fun was had by all!”

A special thank you as well to parent volunteer event chairs Amy Schutt, Akanksha Mehrotra, Sowmya Subramanian, and Tavia Conkling, and to the Director of Custodial Services Tristan Brown, Sage Dining Services, Director of Security Donna Cowling, and the entire security team.

 

Let’s keep that Spartan pride and spirit going strong!