Eli Parker-Burgard was all caught up in the spirit Friday. School spirit, that is. Much like the hundreds of other St. Luke's School students packed into the New Canaan school's gym, he cheered loudly as classmates attempted half-court shots to win a "dress down day" for the student body. He cheered for the middle school spirit banners that the younger students paraded by. And he joined the near-deafening shout for the senior football players' highlight video.
"Everyone is really supportive and really pumped up," said Parker-Burgard, 16. "It feels great to be here."
The lousy weather couldn't dampen the spirit of the students Friday at the school's annual pep rally, the opening event of homecoming weekend.
Red-clad students and school staff, many with lightning bolts painted on their faces, cheered while watching videos of the varsity sports teams that will play Saturday. The loudest cheers came for the Storm football team, which will battle Rye Country Day at 3 p.m.
David Hirx, the alumni relations director, said about 1,000 people will attend homecoming events over the weekend. "There's a sense of community the school has with it," Hirx said. "We're expecting a great weekend. People want to see each other again and remember the good times of high school."
Kevin Young, 17, a senior on the boys' soccer team, said his final homecoming week as a student is bittersweet. But he enjoyed seeing his classmates dress up during the week and cheer for the athletes on Friday. "It's great," he said. "It's sad that this will be my last."
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