Carrollwood Day School's 2024 Homecoming Week was a vibrant celebration of joy, school pride, and unity. While we revel in the excitement of the week, we also remained deeply aware of the challenges Hurricane Helene brought to many in our community. As we reflect on the fun and cherished memories, we stay grounded in our commitment to support those affected by the storm. Here’s a look back at a week that united us in both celebration and solidarity.
The week began with a burst of creativity and teamwork. Our fifth graders displayed their scientific knowledge by crafting solar ovens, which lined the Character Courtyard, delivering some deliciously gooey treats after hours of baking in the Florida sun. Middle schoolers took to Wagner Field for a fierce tug-of-war competition, battling not only their peers but also teachers and administrators. Upper school students brought their competitive spirit to volleyball matches in the gym, while the entire school embraced the cozy vibes of Pajama Day, a fun and comfortable way to kick off the week.
Tuesday was full of lively activities. Middle school sibling groups tested their wits in a “Family Feud” game, drawing laughter and bonding within their classes. Meanwhile, upper school students immersed themselves in the unique and unforgettable silent disco, where they danced to their own beats on wireless headphones, with DJs from the Senior Class choosing music across multiple genres. The day's Cowboys vs. Aliens dress-up theme sparked creativity, with imaginative costumes adding an extra layer of fun to the day.
On Wednesday, our youngest students in the Early Childhood Center welcomed the upper school football team and cheerleaders for the annual ECC Pep Rally. Dressed as Minions, the ECC students cheered alongside our mascot, Riot, setting a spirited foundation for our littlest Patriots. At the main campus, students in upper school faced off in a high-energy dodgeball tournament, bringing competitive intensity to the courts. Minion Day, a school-wide favorite, added a cheerful and playful vibe, with students in bright yellow outfits creating a fun atmosphere across both campuses.
By the close of Wednesday, a sense of uncertainty hung in the air as Hurricane Helene strengthened in the Gulf. While our campus was spared from the storm’s direct impact, many in our community faced devastating winds and flooding. With families staying home on Thursday and Friday, CDS’s dedicated security and facilities teams worked around the clock to ensure the campus was safe for the Homecoming festivities to continue on Friday.
In a show of unity and support, the CDS Booster Club hosted a pre-game dinner on Friday, giving our community the chance to gather and share in a moment of togetherness. At the Homecoming game, a Hurricane Relief Drive was held, collecting donations for those affected by the storm. The outpouring of generosity was a powerful demonstration of what it truly means to be a Patriot. Friday’s Homecoming game was the week's most anticipated event, with excitement buzzing through the air as the Patriots took the field with heart and determination, and a victory over Lakeland Christian. The halftime show, featuring the presentation of the Homecoming Court, was a proud moment that showcased our school's enduring spirit and sense of tradition.
Saturday kicked off with the annual Patriot Run, where students, parents, alumni, and the community joined together for a morning of fun activities. A 5k race, mile fun run, DJ, breakfast, and a continuation of our Hurricane Relief Drive, reminded us of the strength of our community and our ability to come together in times of joy and loss. The week wrapped up with the Homecoming Dance on Saturday night. Students dressed to impress and danced the night away, closing out the week with a magical evening. It was the perfect finale to a week of celebration, while also reminding us of the compassion and care we share for one another—especially in challenging times.
As Homecoming 2024 drew to a close, we reflected on how fortunate we are to be part of such a strong, supportive community at Carrollwood Day School. While we celebrated the fun and joy of the week, we remained mindful that many are still facing great challenges. We stand by those affected by Hurricane Helene and encourage anyone in need to reach out to CDS for assistance and support.
This week was a true reflection of who we are as Patriots - resilient, united, and filled with heart. We also want to share our gratitude for the CDS Board of Trustees, as many of them sprung into action to help our faculty and staff in need. As always, our community stands strong with unwavering Patriot Pride.