Homecoming 2025: Putting in the Time to Connect

Every year we host Homecoming, to welcome back alumni, celebrate stories and connect. Everett Brubaker opened the homecoming chapel speaking to current students, with a charge to put in time together to connect, it will effect the rest of your life.

Homecoming Picnic

This Homecoming 2025, held on October 17 and 18, was a celebration of connections and memories for alumni, students, faculty, and families. The weather was perfect in the valley as the weekend was packed with events, from reunions to sporting matches, all promoting a sense of community and nostalgia.

Kicking off the weekend on Friday, five-year reunions brought together graduates from classes ending in 5 and 0, rekindling friendships and sharing stories. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and their families gathered and ate in and out of the Gathering Space, we also celebrated the Elementary School’s 20th Birthday.

A highlight of Friday was the chapel service held in the EMS Auditorium, featuring alumni guests Everett Brubaker, Wendy Hochstedler, and Virgil Miller, whose presence added a special kickoff for the weekend.

The Homecoming Pep Rally energized the student community, with students from 4th to 12th grade, along with faculty and staff, coming together to express their school spirit through games and very loud cheering. The day continued with the Homecoming Picnic, where former faculty and staff mingled with current alumni, sharing laughs and stories in the crisp autumn evening.

Homecoming Pep Rally

Finally, the EMS Auditorium resonated with the harmonies during the Homecoming Concert. The choral and instrumental ensembles showcased their beautiful music and the halls filled with stories of touring choir, the many places students traveled together, and stories about the many bus trips, silly stories, and how these trips impacted their learning and development for all of life, including their love of music.

Saturday morning began with the Homecoming Breakfast, where Head of School Paul Leaman shared insights and reflections. The breakfast was also a platform to celebrate alumni to share their inspiring stories, celebrating their journeys and achievements.

Color Run 2025

The Color Fun Run added a splash of joy and vibrancy to the day, with participants of all ages enjoying the colorful event. Throughout the day, self-guided building tours and tours of The EMES Gathering Space allowed attendees to explore the campus and witness its evolution with many folks marveling at the obvious accommodations in the elementary school like flexible seating including yoga balls at some of the desks and wobble chairs. As touring groups emerged with smiling faces, they also were asking questions, “Tell me about the boots lined up outside the kindergarten classroom!” “Tell us about the students, what do they love about their school?” They also had a chance to tour the new Gathering Space and see the beautiful stained glass window with full sun shining through.

Varsity Volleyball

Sports enthusiasts were treated to thrilling matches. The Girls J.V. and Varsity Volleyball teams faced off against Broadway, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and support for one another. Meanwhile, the Varsity Boys Soccer team took on Hargrave, with a special ceremony honoring seniors and celebrating the 2025 soccer champions alongside their award-winning coach, Andrew Gascho.

Class reunions, both formal and informal, peppered the weekend, as classmates from years ending in 5 and 0 gathered to reminisce and reconnect. These gatherings underscored the enduring bonds formed within the school community and were evidence of time put in, both then with school traditions and events, and now, as they recommit to connect every 5-10 years and keep showing up to to share their stories and share life together.

Homecoming 2025 this year showed us that once you’re a flame, you’re a flame for life; it was a heartfelt celebration of connections, shared experiences, and the enduring spirit of the EMS community. As attendees departed, they carried with them cherished memories and a strengthened sense of belonging.

Mark your calendars now to join us for Homecoming 2026: October 16 and 17!