The Sacred Heart Greenwich community gathered for the second annual Homecoming October 15, bringing the heart together on King Street.  Laughter and cheer filled the air as faculty, alumnae, and friends reunited.  In alignment with this year’s theme of Better Together, Homecoming festivities included sporting events and a dance for all Upper School students.  Upper School Head of Social senior Ines Araujo and Alumnae Board Member Ms. Kristina Benza ’07  discussed how this celebration contributes to the special nature of the school.

Ms. Benza explains why Homecoming is symbolic of what it means to be a part of the Sacred Heart community.  Especially as an alumna, she comments that returning to campus is a meaningful experience that unites all people who are connected to the school.

“One of if not the most unique thing about Sacred Heart is the sense of community, both when you are here and then even after you graduate, they encourage alumnae participation in a way that is special.  When you’re here there is a general sense of community in everything that we do from athletics to other events.  Everybody is encouraged to show up and support,” Ms. Benza said.

Throughout the day, spectators watched junior varsity and varsity field hockey, soccer, and volleyball games.  Varsity A field hockey faced off against the Hotchkiss School and hit the ball out of the field with a win 5 to 2.  Varsity A soccer also played Hotchkiss but lost 3 to 1.  Varsity volleyball entered competition with Kent and won all three sets in only 50 minutes.

After the sporting events, Upper School students attended a disco-themed dance that Ines organized with the help of the Student Council.  This was the first year the Homecoming dance was open to all grades.  The gathering of the entire Upper School is an ode to this year’s theme of “Better Together.”  Ines discusses why it was important for this year’s dance to include all grades, and why finding the time to come together for Homecoming is essential.

“I think it was a great addition this year to have all the grades come to Homecoming because it’s a great way to be inclusive of all the grades,” Ines said.  “There are not a lot of events and times when everyone can attend with scheduling, as everyone is super busy.  I think that is so special to have such a large community of Sacred Heart people that just love this school and embrace its message and goals.” 

Sacred Heart is a school that is built upon traditions for generations of community members to experience.  Ms. Benza reflects on her time at Sacred Heart and the continued appreciation she has for the school.

“I think it’s really great to be here and see the next generation of Sacred Heart students, and as much as things have changed in the last 15 years since I was here, things are still very much the same,” Ms. Benza said.  “It’s great to see everybody show up and participate at all levels.  The school is building the next generation of female leaders, and it’s really nice to see that”

Featured Image by Lili Jordan ’23