This year’s Homecoming Weekend at Colorado Academy kicked off on a spectacular early-fall Friday, when students and teachers came together at the end of the school day to cheer Gus, the Mustang mascot, and enjoy gathering as a Pre-K–Grade 12 CA community during the All-School Spirit Assembly.

The kickoff happened on beautiful Stamper Commons, with Jon Hill, CA’s Athletic Director, emceeing the festivities. Pointing out the theme printed on the back of everyone’s matching CA T-shirt, Hill said, “We’re here together today to celebrate each other!” Helping to make the point were CA’s beloved bus drivers, who took the stage to the cheers of their appreciative riders.

Hill introduced CA’s State Championship-winning teams from last season, including Girls Tennis, Field Hockey, Girls Lacrosse, Girls Soccer, and Boys Soccer, who came to the top of the steps outside Schotters Music Center to be recognized. Hill also surprised the cheering crowd by ushering on stage CA’s Dance Company, whose polished routine upped the energy even more.

The dance party continued, music blared as C-Club members in hand-decorated overalls hyped up the audience, and Gus ran through the crowd waving the CA flag, to the delight of all. Students and teachers competed in relay races, with faculty in the spotlight as they downed creme pies in record time.

Friday’s fun was over all too soon, but the festivities continued Saturday morning, with Lower Schoolers arriving early to decorate bikes to participate in the annual parade around the campus with Head of School Dr. Mike Davis.

Families then moved over to the Carnival booths staffed by eager Middle Schoolers, who loved handing out cotton candy, popcorn, and prizes to young visitors enjoying traditional games and activities like the ring toss, rubber-ducky fishing, face painting, and many more.

Meanwhile, CA athletes competed all across campus—including on the freshly dedicated Newton Turf Field, where Field Hockey defeated St. Mary’s Academy 9-0. Volleyball also claimed a win over Eagle Ridge Academy, Boys Soccer tied The Classical Academy, Ultimate Frisbee faced Cherry Creek and Arapahoe high schools, and even Cross Country joined the action by organizing the first running of the CA Community 5K race.

All day long, families and alumni browsed the Harvest Market and Homecoming Bake Sale for sweet treats and other goodies offered by CA entrepreneurs.

Hungry athletes stopped by the Sculpture Garden after their games to devour lunchtime picnic fare served by Chef Paul Worley and his Sodexo Food Service team. It was the perfect celebration of a successful start to another great school year at Colorado Academy.