Go Chargers!
Source/Author: Mike Murphy, Headmaster
September 07, 2018
Imagine a state finalist volleyball team. Imagine a championship level football team. And as in the past Shorecrest will have divers and swimmers advance to the State Championships this fall.
If you like watching winners, this is the fall to come out and see our volleyball, football and swim and dive teams! I know that Upper School students plan to support their peers. Our hope is that Middle School, Lower School and Experiential School students and families will take the opportunity to encourage our Shorecrest Chargers to build school spirit and a stronger community. [View athletics calendar.]
Our fall teams are loaded with talent. We could easily have 6-8 of our fall student athletes head on to universities to play on NCAA teams. Our female diver, Sophie Elwyn and male diver, Dominic Hoefer are amazing. It will be years until we see divers of their ability again.
Seven years ago, the volleyball team was not easy to watch. Except for our affection for our student-athletes, watching them play had many painful moments. If one could have been the Homecoming opponent for volleyball, we were it. Not anymore! Today, Shorecrest volleyball players are ready to go up against the best and we expect to win. Many of our girls play year-round volleyball. They play against club and championship team players to hone their skills. In a short time, our team has advanced from worst to first. The hard work and dedication has paid off.
Last year at this time, some were worried about the future of football at Shorecrest. Our 2018 Football Chargers have worked all summer and are united with their coaches and teammates to have a great year. The Middle School program is the largest we have had in over 10 years. They are CHARGED UP!
One of the advantages of being in a PK3-12 school is having programs where students of all ages can learn to appreciate each other. Young students can see what is possible if they pursue their interests while Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity student-athletes realize that they are part of something bigger than themselves and even bigger than just their teams.
I do not have at my fingertips any studies that show how school spirit impacts the academic and overall achievement of students. However, experience teaches us that success is often the springboard to greater success. I am convinced that those students and families who are most involved in their school community are enriched far beyond the experiences of those who hold back. Whether it be in academics, arts, service or athletics, the degree of involvement and engagement of students and their families impacts the individual and collective benefits received. Making time to support our children and their peers adds value to their educational experience.
Come out and Cheer on our Chargers!
Cheers!
Mike
