GA/PC day and spirit week are some of the most anticipated and thrilling days of the year. The week prior to the event, students and faculty unite to display their spirit and excitement.
Spirit week started off with pajama day on Monday, then led straight into “what’s in my closet/ anything but a backpack” day on Tuesday, the GA community embraced their creativity and school spirit for this special school tradition. On Wednesday, GA students and faculty had the option of dressing as a “surfer” or a “greaser,” and Thursday was “dress your age” day, where 9th grade dressed as babies, 10th grade dressed as “awkward teens,” 11th grade dressed as “middle-aged”, and 12th grade dressed as “senior citizens”. Friday was color day where a specific color represented each grade – white for 9th grade, red for 10th grade, blue for 11th grade, and black for 12th. The day concluded with senior strut and the annual pep rally.
A difference from past years was hallway decorating, which this year became golf cart decorating. Each grade decorated a golf cart to the best of their abilities and it was then presented at the pep rally with a performance to go along with the theme. The Juniors won with their “Patriot Pride” themed golf cart. The GA community went above and beyond in wearing wacky outfits and expressing their positivity and spirit at the pep rally. Displaying immense pride throughout the week, GA was more than prepared for the big events on Saturday.
Superfan leaders Bri O’Hara ‘22, field hockey captain, and Matt Andress ‘22 led the excitement leading up to GA/PC day. When asked why GA/PC day is important to her, O’Hara said, “it’s one of the only times where the whole GA community, students, and alumni, come together, and I love being able to play in the field hockey game every year and then watch other games.” While talking about how preparation for this year’s GA/PC day differed from previous years, both Andress and O’Hara touched on the annual pep rally, which for the first time was held outside at the stadium. Andress said, “We overcame difficulties like the music and weather and ultimately put on a great show that I’ll never forget.”
In a recent interview with boys soccer captain Sean Lipschutz ‘22 and goalie Joe Joe Cava ‘22, the two mentioned the importance of this year’s GA/PC day for the team as opposed to previous years. Lipschutz said that this year they are playing for “the pride of the team, the athletics program, the school, and the Inter-Ac title.” Cava said, “We haven’t won since 2009. We’ve shown a lot of perseverance since losing our first two games to come back and win 8 straight and secure the Inter-Ac title.”
As for the actual game outcomes, four GA teams came out with a win. Boy’s soccer secured their Inter-Ac championship title with a 3-0 win. Field hockey was a close game, and GA prevailed with a score of 1-0. Golf competed earlier in the week and won with a score of 7-1. The girl’s tennis match was postponed to Monday due to rain and won 4-3. GA teams fought hard but the few that lost were boys and girls cross country, boys and girls water polo, girls soccer, and football. Overall, Penn Charter won the day.
GA/PC day, although not ending with the outcome we hoped for, was a competitive and exciting way to return to normal and bring back beloved GA traditions.