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St Luke’s hosts its annual Homecoming on Oct. 21, inviting alumni, students, friends, and family to the Hilltop.

“Homecoming provides the environment for the alumni and the current students to be together,” said Head of School Dr. Mary Halpin Carter. “Homecoming is an event for all ages: generations of students, past and present – and little siblings representing the future – coming together to celebrate St. Luke’s, a school that has changed over time and yet remains constant in so many ways.” 

Alumni

St. Luke’s welcomes all alumni to the Hilltop for Homecoming, but this year will be celebrating milestone reunions for the classes of 1973 (50th), 1998 (25th), 2013 (10th) and 2018 (5th).

“Being together is an important part of what we mean when we say ‘One St. Luke’s,’ and events like reunions give our alumni the chance to reconnect and build new memories together on the Hilltop,” said Linsey Peterson, a member of the St. Luke’s Development Team. 

Being a part of the St. Luke’s community doesn’t end when you graduate from the Hilltop. The memories and relationships you build last a lifetime.

“Last year, there were two alums who hadn’t seen each other since graduating in 1954. They came to the Hilltop specifically because they had heard that the other was attending. The joy on their faces when they saw each other for the first time in 69 years was truly heartwarming,” said Peterson.

Adding to the joy on the Hilltop during Homecoming is the fact that several St. Luke’s teachers are alumni.

“I love running into classmates from my time at school and reminiscing,” said St. Luke’s alumni and current teacher, Sally Rose Zuckert ‘15. “But I also enjoy seeing my students experience Homecoming as a week to celebrate SLS and their place here. I think one of the best parts about SLS is that everyone belongs, so no matter how you engage with Homecoming, you can celebrate your connection to the Hilltop.”

Student Activities Fair

St. Luke’s has 34 existing student-led clubs and 10 activities, in addition to St. Luke’s athletics. During the activities fair at Homecoming, students are able to showcase their clubs or activities to the broader St. Luke’s community. 

“We are going to have a booth where people can pay to take a mini golf shot and proceeds are going to the Youth Mental Health Project,” said Mind Matters Club Co-President Peyton Ambrose ‘25. “We are also getting rubber bracelets to give out to students representing the club at Homecoming, as well as ribbon decorations for bags for varsity athletes.”

At 11:30 a.m. the students’ activities fair will begin. During this time, there will be family-friendly activities, a food truck festival, and the school store will open. 

“It is a day to connect to students and families, really showcasing our club and what we do. It’s an exciting day, and we love being a part of it,” said Ambrose ‘25.

Sports

St. Luke’s has 19 varsity sports teams and 90% student participation in athletics. On Homecoming, every fall varsity sports team will compete in home games.

“I think [Homecoming] is a time where you have all of your sports home, specifically, and everyone can go and support each team through the day, and they don’t have to choose,” said Michael Horvath, Director of Athletics and Physical Education.

Kicking off the day, Cross Country will be hosting its annual SLS Fun Run at 11 a.m. Cross Country meets are usually held off campus; however, at Homecoming the varsity runners lead a run for the rest of the community. 

Following the run, field hockey, standing at 1-6 (as of Oct. 9), faces Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School, who is winless on the season (as of Oct. 9). The field hockey game takes place at noon on the Class of 2018 Field. 

“As a coach and on behalf of the players, I know it means a lot to our team to perform well in front of the fans, especially the alumni of the field hockey program,” said Emily Allen, head coach of the St. Luke’s varsity field hockey team.

Boys varsity soccer plays at 12:15 p.m. on the Class of 2015 field. The Storm holds a 6-2 record and will be facing Brunswick, who is 4-5 on the season (as of Oct. 9).

Following boys varsity soccer, varsity volleyball takes the court at 1 p.m. in the Athletic Center Carry Gymnasium. Volleyball has a 1-7 record going into the game against Austin Preparatory School, who has a 3-4 record (as of Oct. 9). 

After the varsity volleyball game, football storms the field for their game against Albany Academy at 2 p.m., with both teams holding a 1-2 record (as of Oct. 9).

“[I’m] really excited. I think it’s a great opportunity to share our culture with everyone. I think it’s a great opportunity to have alumni come back, current students, and prospective students be able to enjoy the community that makes St. Luke’s so special,” said Head Football Coach Matt Giannettino.

To wrap up the day, girls soccer, with a 5-2 record (as of Oct. 9), faces Millbrook, who are 1-1-2 (as of Oct. 9), at 2:30 p.m. on the Class of 2015 field.

With all of the Homecoming athletic competitions, St. Luke’s athletic trainers Anna Knetchel and Nicole Guido will be busy treating athletes throughout the day. 

“There are lots of games to cover while also providing pre- and post-game treatment in the athletic training room. It’s a long day for Ms. Anna and me,” said Nicole Guido, St. Luke’s Assistant Athletic Trainer. 

Students

Homecoming is a time for all students to come together to show their pride for the school. Even new student-athletes are excited to play in front of the St. Luke’s community at Homecoming.

“I’m very excited for my first St. Luke’s Homecoming because I’ve heard it’s a great experience and environment for everyone,” said David Gjergji ’25, a new student and three-sport athlete.

Not only are new students excited for this event, but returning students also hold Homecoming close to their hearts. 

“Homecoming is a celebration of school spirit, memories, friends, and athletic achievements… Homecoming typically holds special meaning for many students as it marks a significant and nostalgic period of their high school experience,” said Sienna Pilla ‘24, who has been at St. Luke’s since fifth grade and is a member of the varsity girls soccer team.

Homecoming is not just an event for the athletes at St. Luke’s but for every member of the St. Luke’s community.

“Even though I don’t play a sport, I still feel Homecoming is a great time. It continues to get the entire school hyped for the rest of the fall season, and it is just a great time to hang out and support your friends by watching their games,” said Joe Derr ‘24, a member of the St. Luke’s theater program.

All students at St. Luke’s have the opportunity to play a role in the success of Homecoming.