On Saturday, October 26, the Dana Hall campus teemed with commotion, excitement, and team spirit. The Dana Dragons and the Newton Falcons were facing off for the second time this year at Dana Hall Homecoming. The day opened with Saturday classes, with Middle School games in the morning, Junior Varsity at 1:30 PM, and Varsity at 3:30 PM. Overall, it was one of the more successful homecomings Dana has had, according to John Suby, Athletic Director.

Athletically, Dana had a “rather rough time,” says Margot Palandjian ’14, Varsity Volleyball captain. Varsity Cross Country, Field Hockey, and Volleyball all had losses, but Varsity Soccer came through with a successful win. “Soccer had our best homecoming in four years,” says Varsity Soccer captain Lucy Maloney ’14.

With the Dana Dash, multiple food trucks, the hospitality tent, and clothing sales, there were many attractions on campus. “The Dana Dash was great. Graham [Masiwaa, fitness director and coach of varsity volleyball] came in third and a Dana student won,” Suby commented. The food trucks included the much anticipated whoopee pies.

Crew, the student spirit committee, led by Paige McAvinn ’14 and Sidney Bowdin ’14, had members throughout the campus cheering on the athletes as they played. The Dana Dragon even made an appearance. “There was so much excitement on campus that day. I loved seeing everyone in blue, white, and pink, supporting Dana and breast cancer awareness,” according to McAvinn.

After Newton’s homecoming on September 21, Dana’s seemed to be an improvement, according to Suby, who noted, “I always feel that ours is more comprehensive. We have four fields and their volleyball is off campus. It’s always more peppy.”

The success of Homecoming may be attributed to “community. The sense of community. We have so many good things going on. And attendance wise, that was one of the best homecomings we’ve had,” Suby reflects.

Photo: The Dana Dragon roars at Homecoming. Photo credit: Ashley Rohall.