Ravens’ spirit was in full force last week, as the school community celebrated Spirit Week in preparation for the excitement of Homecoming and the annual Fall Community Event.

Throughout the week, students in all three divisions showed their school spirit by dressing up for special themed days, ranging from wearing their favorite team’s jersey on Monday to wearing green in recognition of Doreen Kelly’s 21st and final year as Head of School on Friday. 

Then, on Friday morning, everyone gathered for a pep rally celebrating fall-season athletes on Stephanou Field. Ravenscroft’s cheerleaders and rally emcee Aryan Ghodrat ’24 helped get students, faculty and staff pumped up for the multiple home athletic events taking place that afternoon and evening.

“My favorite spirit day was Wear Green for Doreen because I liked to support my Head of School because she has helped our school in so many ways,” fifth-grader Asali Smith said. “My friends and I had a lot of fun at the pep rally, and it helped increase my spirit and love for Ravenscroft.”

“Ever since I attended my first pep rally in 2010, I’ve dreamt of emceeing at one myself. Finally, that dream became a reality my senior year, and it exceeded all my expectations!” Aryan said. “Hearing the roar of our school’s pride from the stands is something I’ll never forget.”

On Friday afternoon, the campus green started to fill up with families arriving for the Fall Community Event and Homecoming dinner, co-sponsored by the Parents’ Association and the Ravenscroft Athletic Club. Beautiful weather made for a fun afternoon of giant inflatables, lawn games, a climbing wall, photo booths and a video-game truck. New this year was the mechanical bull-riding station, which saw Ravens of all ages gamely trying to keep their seat as the “bull” spun and bucked. Families enjoyed cold treats from several food trucks and meals from Ole Time BBQ and the RAC concession stands open for the day’s many athletic events.

Everyone enjoyed being a Raven as multiple home athletic competitions took place, with the varsity volleyball team wrapping up their undefeated season and taking their place as conference champions. The night ended with the varsity football team, under Jim Gibbons in his first year as head coach, defeating rival Wake Christian 42-14. 

“What an amazing afternoon on campus with something for everyone to enjoy. It was exciting to have the whole community together cheering on our teams,” RAC president Kari Shoemaker said. “Soccer, volleyball and football all turned in big wins for the crowds. It was a gorgeous day, and it felt like we had record attendance. This event really embodies what makes the Ravenscroft community so special!”

At half-time, members of the Upper School’s 2023 Homecoming Court — selected for their outstanding contributions to the school community — were presented. Congratulations to ninth-graders Reed Cummins ’27 and Riley Davenport ’27; 10th-graders Jack Holt ’26 and Gus Wolf ’26; 11th-graders Gaddyn Cole ’25, Peyton Gallagher ’25, Jai Gupta ’25 and Michai Sanders ’25; and 12th-graders Andrew Abbott ’24, Aryan Ghodrat ’24, Alexa Gillon ’24, Anna Haywood ’24, Jodie Loturco ’24, AJ Peterson ’24, James Pretzer ’24 and Jackson Rein ’24. In keeping with the division’s practice of voting for two honorees from the senior court who best represent the school’s ideals, Alexa and Anna were recognized with Homecoming sashes. 

In addition, the school paid tribute to Doreen Kelly in her 21st and final year as Head of School. The cheerleaders performed a special cheer, and Assistant Athletic Director Grace Edwards, acting on behalf of RAC, presented Kelly with a custom Ravenscroft jersey emblazoned with her last name and the number 21. Way to go, Ravens!