Saints Shine in Blue and Gold: Homecoming 2023

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy welcomed current families, alumni and friends to the Main Campus Oct. 20-21 for Homecoming Weekend 2023.

The festivities kicked off on Friday morning at both campuses, with enthusiastic students, faculty and staff dressed in blue and gold to display their NSA spirit. The Varsity Football Team and Varsity Cheerleaders set the tone for the day by greeting Lower School students at the Main Campus and assisting with carpool. Upper and Middle School students spent the first part of the morning with the Lower School students, creating spirited signs to support the football team and getting everyone excited for the game against Norfolk Christian later that night.

Then, the entire school gathered in the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center for an unforgettable pep rally. We celebrated all of the fall sports teams and crowned our Homecoming King, Cooper Goss '24, and Homecoming Prince, Howard Casterlow '25. The festivities then moved outdoors, as Upper and Middle School students headed to the Arthur E. Jones Athletic Field for the annual break food sale and the thrilling powder puff football game, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already memorable day.

That night, students and their families returned to the Main Campus for the highly anticipated Varsity Football game against Norfolk Christian. The Marching Saints stole the show as they kicked off the evening, playing the National Anthem with passion and precision, setting the stage for the Saints to conquer the field. 

Between the first and second quarter, VISAA Division II state champions were recognized, including the 2023 Varsity Softball Team and Becca Howe '23, who claimed the title of discus state champion with an amazing throw of 95 feet. At halftime, fans enjoyed a lively performance from the Marching Saints, and alumni families who currently have a student enrolled in kindergarten were recognized. Afterward, we welcomed our Homecoming Court to the field, and Julia Adams '25 was crowned Homecoming Princess and Rylea Nelms '24 was crowned Homecoming Queen. The evening ended with the Saints defeating Norfolk Christian 44-0.

On Saturday, alumni and current families returned to the Main Campus for another round of festivities. Lower School students and their families attended Saints Fest at the Arthur E. Jones Athletic Field, where they enjoyed a fun run, hands-on crafts, a petting zoo, inflatables, yard games, concessions and more! Please join us in thanking the Saints Spirit Committee for coordinating such an awesome event for our families!

Also on Saturday, the Office of Advancement took alumni on a walk down memory lane by offering campus tours. We had such a fun time showing Saints all that has changed at the Main Campus since they graduated! 

We can't thank everyone enough for their enthusiasm and energy throughout the weekend! Please enjoy the Homecoming photo gallery linked below. It was an absolute delight to witness our community come together in a spectacular display of Saints pride and unity! 

Homecoming 2023 Photos

Class of 2036 Legacies:

• Emma Averett, daughter of Beth Holland '99 and William Averett, granddaughter of Rebecca Padrick '77, and Charles Padrick
• Riley Billings, daughter of Lauren Billings '03, granddaughter of Dr. Ralph L. Howell, Jr. '78 and Tammy Howell
• Madelyn Ford, daughter of Claudia Verdarime Ford '01 and Chris Ford
• Findlay Host, son of Bridget Host and Finn Host '01
• Rhandi Morgan, daughter of Kadena Kulnis '07
• William Paul, son of Meredith Law Paul '03 and Todd Paul '03
• Adeline Gray, daughter of Sydney Pharr '11
• Caroline Pohlit, daughter of Courtney Walters Pohlit '00 and David “DJ” Pohlit
• Jake Pond, son of Cristin Hall Pond '01 and Christiaan Pond '95
• Virginia Rivenbark, daughter of Tyler Rivenbark and Andy Rivenbark '04
• Charlotte Sawyer, daughter of Melanie Sawyer and Matt Sawyer '99
• Elyse Todd, daughter of Tori Breslauer Todd '10 and Josh Todd '10
• Parke Webb, son of Emily Webb and Jarratt Webb '99
• Carson Winslow, son of Megan Winslow and Brent Winslow '00