South Lancaster Academy's Alumni Association held its annual homecoming event on October 7-9. This event was particularly special because the school celebrated 140 years since its founding.
Attendees, graduates, and the community came from across the country to reconnect and enjoy a weekend of fun activities. The event also raised critical funds for the continued support and growth of the school.
Friday night's events started with a spaghetti dinner hosted by SLA's senior class. The supper was followed by a vespers program featuring a praise team composed of alumni voices. Both the Youth Ensemble of New England and the school's choir, bells, and orchestra delighted the audience with several musical selections.
On Saturday, alumni gathered for a morning service at the College Church, where longtime SLA teacher (1965-2000) and keynote speaker Paul Kryger delivered an inspiring message. The alumni luncheon kicked off afternoon events, followed by a special history presentation about South Lancaster Academy given by honorary alumnus John Schumacher-Hardy.
Saturday evening began with a moving vespers service at the Village Church, where the local music group King’s Kids Community Gospel Choir performed, directed by Kirosha (Huggan) Sidelca (‘03). Pastor Daniel Duran ('02) gave a moving keynote about the importance of unity, which was especially significant given the current social and political climate.
After the vespers program, alumni gathered for the annual reunion banquet, followed by the Association's annual business meeting. Festivities then shifted to South Lancaster Academy's campus for alumni vs. student volleyball and basketball games.
Sunday's main focus was the 140th-anniversary celebration held on South Lancaster Academy's campus. The event featured food, games, and music for the entire community to enjoy.
The weekend was a resounding success, and alumni appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and classmates. The work of the Alumni Association is vital in supporting the school, and this event was a great way to celebrate South Lancaster Academy's rich history.
South Lancaster Academy alumni generously donated more than $12,000 this weekend to support the school's music, missions, athletics, and worthy student scholarship programs. Additionally, we raised over $1,000 for the Alumni Association’s operating budget.
What a difference alumni can make! Thank you to everyone who attended and for all that you continue to do to support our alma mater, South Lancaster Academy.
Author - Jeffrey Lambert, South Lancaster Alumni Vice President