Hip, Hip, Hooray for EagleFest!

Community spirit, a labor of love and fierce fun may best describe this year’s EagleFest. With over 2,000 SBS students, parents, faculty/staff and dozens of sponsors and vendors, EagleFest 2023 is one for the books. The sights and sounds of children laughing on carnival rides, cheering at game booths, competing in the Blue/Gold games, and families and friends doing life together under blue skies were a few of the day’s blessings. 

“EagleFest is the pinnacle of celebrating the caring community at SBS,” Head of School Dr. Don Davis reminded us. “Our community is founded on unity and belonging; a unity under the blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Every member of our community is valued, and every one of us is the guardian of this community and the culture we build and develop at SBS.”

With every student donned in their EagleFest neon yellow t-shirts, the festivities began with the annual EagleFest parade. Each grade level paraded onto the football field. A treasured SBS moment was when seniors, wearing the college t-shirt of their choice, centered the field with PK3 and Bridge students holding their hands or carrying them on their shoulders. 

Then, by division level, the competitions began! From mountains/bowls to tug-o-war, the games were fierce. The Blue vs. Gold games ignited the fun and excitement. The competition, an SBS tradition, came down to the wire this year with the senior boys determining the tie-breaker. The Blue Team was crowned the coveted EagleFest Spirit champion.

Following the Blue/Gold games, students enjoyed lunch with their parents as they eagerly awaited the carnival to begin. From decorated tents, neon balloons, and stilt walkers entertaining crowds to water slides and hamster balls, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was fun for everyone!

This year, two events were included in the afternoon fun, adding to the EagleFest traditions. 
The freshmen and sophomores played dodgeball in the E Gym, and seventh and eighth graders played Matball on the baseball field. However, the highlight may have been when Dr. Davis was smacked in the face with a pie for the first “Pie the Head of School” auction item. Kindergartner Vivienne Dior Deal won the honor and seemed to enjoy getting to pie Dr. Davis in the face during the Blue/Gold games - so much so that she did it twice!

EagleFest 2023 was a memorable one, with underwriting gifts from SBS families and businesses setting a new record. Director of Advancement Dyanne Kimmel gave props to all who made it happen. “The EagleFest committee, led by co-chairs Devon Corley and Kristen Davis did an incredible job planning and executing a memorable event. Many volunteers gave their time to make the day a success. The EagleFest auction increased by 16% over last year’s record, and underwriting gifts increased 50% over last year’s amount.” 

Thank you to the Office of Advancement, EagleFest Committee and all of our faithful parent, faculty and staff volunteers. We could not have done it without you.

“Hip, Hip, Hooray” for a successful EagleFest 2023! 

Photos from EagleFest 2023