This year, Nazareth Academy held its annual “Walk” the Friday before Homecoming. The Walk not only served as a fundraiser, but also as a way to build excitement before the homecoming game and dance, which took place the next day. As a whole the weekend perfectly embodied the contagious enthusiasm and positive experience Nazareth is known for.
Starting on the Monday before the Walk, students enjoyed the fun and excitement of homecoming week. This year’s theme was “A Hollywood Affair,” and the week included a celebrity look-a-like competition in which Juniors Renada Bakovich and Eddie Ashe won prizes for their costumes of Lady Gaga and Jimi Hendrix. Awards for the doppelganger contest, as well as the hallway-decorating contest, were announced at the pep rally before the Walk. The pep rally included a number of other red carpet related fun, which proved to be the perfect send off for the annual Walk.
As a school, the student body and staff walked around the La Grange and Western Springs area to raise money for the school. Each year, the money raised by students and faculty through the Walkis used to fund education and support financial aid, technology, curriculum, leadership opportunities and athletic offerings. All the money earned will be used for the 2011-2012 school year.
In an effort to encourage maximum enthusiasm and fundraising, incentives such as an Ipad, the day before Thanksgiving off, a week out of uniform, and free breakfast were offered to students. While every year the Walk is an exciting time, this year’s Walk turned out to be one of the most enthusiastic and spirited yet.
“I was so excited for the Naz Walk 2011! It’s always one of the most anticipated events of the year, and with what we planned, it turned out even better than ever” said Matt Serafin, a junior on the Student Walk Committee. One of the new elements the Student Walk Committee planned was having each grade level wear a different color Walk t-shirt on the day of the walk, which promoted spirit and unity.
The Walk was only the beginning of the fun. “It was a great way to kick off the homecoming weekend and a good way to spend time with all your friends,” said Frankie Imparo, a junior at Nazareth. It certainly was a great kick off, as the varsity football team beat Notre Dame 42-13 that Saturday afternoon.
In addition to the thrill of fundraising and football, the thrill of the homecoming dance also made the weekend memorable. “Student Council worked hard to make this homecoming one to remember,” said Aileen O’Carroll, a junior at Nazareth