Bigger, Bolder, and Pinker than Ever!

Poly could not have asked for a better or brighter day to have our entire community come together for all the fun and activities at Homecoming 2024. It was also the pinkest of days in honor of our beloved colleague, teacher Patti Tycenski, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In fact, many attendees donned pink; and all the special pink Poly swag, including the 2024 Homecoming shirt, was scooped up early. Students also hosted a Think Pink table where they handed out ribbons, necklaces, and Poly Prep eye blacks, in pink of course. Collectively, the Poly community raised nearly $7K in donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Pumpkin Patch and Then Some

Homecoming was filled with traditional, action-packed athletic events on the fields and courts, and a massive family-friendly extravaganza in the Oval including Lower School’s Pumpkin Patch, a Halloween costume swap, crafts, Nory STEM where students could build DIY computer controllers, an illusionist who wowed kids with his card tricks, perennial favorites like the hydraulic rock climbing wall and the Eurobungy drew enthusiastic crowds, games like foosball, Basketball Pop-a-Shot, and so much more, energized the entire campus. Laughter and gleeful shrieks from the inflatable bouncy bull and bungy rides could be heard throughout the morning. Coach Matthew Durando led a baseball clinic for Lower School fans of the game. View a photo gallery from the day.

Members of the Class of 2025 arrived early for a new tradition–Senior Breakfast. They received sweatshirts created just for them and enjoyed mingling with family and faculty in the library and Quad.

As Pumpkin Patch wound down, fans of the arts found seats on the grassy knoll outside the new PolyArts Center and were treated to amazing music and dance performances by students.

The food truck convoy and our own Chef Lou and his team ensured everyone enjoyed a variety of tasty eats. Filled with new merch, the Poly Airstream gleamed in the back fields and in the Oval, our youngest Blue Devils were able to personalize hoodies, shirts, and more with iron-on patches of every ilk.

Blue Devil Action

Our Blue Devil sports team and fans were energized and played with heart. On the Homecoming athletics scoreboard, Boys’ Soccer vs. Trinity ended in a 1-1 tie, Girls’ Soccer was victorious vs. Trinity with a score of 2-1, Girls’ Volleyball fell to Trinity with a score of 0-3, and Poly Football won a close game against Morristown Beard (29-26).

Poly Spirit Award Honors

The day concluded with the always moving Poly Spirit Awards, an honor bestowed on faculty and staff who embody the values and spirit of our school and given by the Alumni Association Board of Governors. The pair were nominated by colleagues, alumni, and the Class of 2025. Host Peter Soto ’01 said these awards are his favorite as they are like a Poly version of the “People’s Choice” awards. This year’s honor was given to Assistant to the Head of Lower School Pat Harrigan P’01 and Middle School history teacher Caesar Fabella P’18. Head of School John Rankin and Peter Soto ’01 (Harrigan’s son) also paid tribute to Patti Tycenski who was a Poly Spirit Award winner in 2006.

Members of Poly’s current faculty and staff, family members of the honorees, former faculty members, administrators, and students filled the library to celebrate these remarkable members of our community for their dedication and contributions to our school. Among the speakers, former teacher Pat Morris and current history teacher Harry Bernieri ’85 told witty and endearing stories that illustrated Harrigan’s and Fabella’s love of children and colleagues. The recipients humbly accepted their award with beautiful speeches and acknowledgments. Attendees couldn’t help but feel their genuine compassion towards generations of Poly students and colleagues past and present. They both are a part of what makes Poly such a special and enduring place.

Watch the Spirit Award ceremony. Read more about this year’s winners. View photo gallery of the event.

Cheers and gratitude to all the volunteers, faculty, and staff who helped make this day joyful for everyone and an overwhelming success!