Blue and Gold Forever: Homecoming 2024

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy welcomed current families, alumni and friends to the Main Campus Oct. 25-26 for Homecoming Weekend 2024.

On Friday morning, students, faculty and staff arrived at school dressed in their best blue and gold to show their support for the Saints. Kindergarten, first, second and third grade students from our Harbour View Campus quickly boarded buses to head to the Main Campus, where our mascot, Bernie, Varsity Football players and members of the Marching Saints were greeting families in the carpool loop. Upper and Middle School students started their morning creating spirited crafts with Lower School buddy classes and taught them about all the excitement that surrounds Homecoming Weekend.

Following buddy activities, everyone gathered in the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center for the annual Homecoming pep rally. Fall sports teams were introduced, and team captains spoke to the student body about their seasons and the importance of showing support for the Saints at upcoming TCIS tournament games. Students from all divisions participated in various pep rally activities, and members of the Upper School Homecoming Court were introduced. Ryan Nelms '26 was named Homecoming Prince and Howard Casterlow '25 was crowned Homecoming King.

We couldn't have asked for better weather for Homecoming Weekend, including for the annual break food sale for Upper and Middle School students and the Upper School powder puff football game, which were both held at the Arthur E. Jones Athletic Field. While the powder puff game remained competitive between juniors and seniors, the Class of 2025 ultimately emerged victorious.

Saints returned to the Main Campus Friday night to cheer on the Varsity Football Team in the Homecoming football game against Fredericksburg Christian. For some fans, this was the first time they were able to see the major renovations to the Arthur E. Jones Athletic Field up close and personal, which include new lighting, new bleachers and a new press box. While the changes are impressive, even more are on the way! Phase II of the stadium renovation will include the installation of a new track and enhancements to the playing field, concession area and restrooms. We look forward to sharing more information with our community in the future as we make progress toward these strategic initiatives to continue to enhance the student, faculty and NSA community experience.

Before kickoff, senior members of the Marching Band, Varsity Cross Country Team, Athletic Training Program, Varsity Cheerleading Team and the Varsity Football Team were recognized for their hard work and dedication to NSA. Voice of the Saints Mr. Bob Patterson read each senior's name, and students walked across the field with their family. After each senior was recognized, the Marching Saints took the field to open the game with a performance of the National Anthem.

Between the first and second quarter, NSA recognized state champions from the 2023-2024 academic year, including the Varsity Girls' Volleyball, Varsity Softball and Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Teams. Last fall, the Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Team defeated Covenant School 3-1 to win the fourth state championship in program history. This past spring, the Varsity Softball Team won the fifth consecutive state title by defeating Isle of Wight Academy 14-2, and the Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Team defeated North Cross 7-5 to win the second state championship in program history.

The Varsity Cheerleading Team kicked off the halftime show with a dynamic performance that pumped up the crowd. The Marching Saints followed with their halftime show, which took fans on a musical journey through some of the most iconic movies themes. The show featured the theme from "Ghostbusters," musical selections from "James Bond" and closed with "Holding Out for a Hero."

One of our favorite Homecoming traditions is recognizing our alumni families who have a child enrolled in kindergarten at NSA. This year, those families included Benson Bass '37, son of Rebecca Hofler Bass '09 and Chris Bass; Jack Gwaltney '37, son of Whitney Gwaltney and Ryland Gwaltney '05; Leonardo Keeling '37, son of Tyler Keeling and Chandler Cutright '08; and Ripp Thornburg '37, son of Brittany Thornburg '08 and Caleb Thornburg and grandson of Norman Wilkins and Linda Lassiter Wilkins '81.

After alumni families were honored, we celebrated the members of the Homecoming Court, whose family escorted them to the field. Head of Upper School Kim Aston '88, with the help of Jack Gwaltney '37, Leonardo Keeling '37 and Ripp Thornburg '37, crowned Christina Tabet '26 as Homecoming Princess and Haley Price '25 as Homecoming Queen. Thank you to the Duke family, who provided the vehicle for our Homecoming Princess and Queen!

Homecoming weekend continued Saturday at the Arthur E. Jones Athletic Field with Saints Fest, which is our annual Homecoming event geared toward Lower School students and their families. Students enjoyed a fun run, crafts, a petting zoo, inflatables and more! Please join us in thanking the Saints Spirit Committee for coordinating such an awesome event for our families!

While Saints Fest was underway, alumni had the chance to make their way back to the Main Campus to check out all that has changed since they left NSA. The Office of Advancement offered campus tours to showcase what's happening at NSA this year, including the renovated Hawks Library that was unveiled this fall. Much like the Arthur E. Jones Athletic Field, the Hawks Library is a gathering place for Saints of all ages, and we have enjoyed seeing students benefiting from the upgrades to the space.

Thank you to everyone who made our 2024 Homecoming Weekend a success! Please enjoy the Homecoming photo gallery linked below.

Homecoming 2024 Photos