Home Sweet Homecoming 2025
This year’s Homecoming weekend delivered all heart, all hustle, and everything that makes this community unmistakably Nightingale.
Just moments after Nightingale’s historic groundbreaking on its new athletics facility on East 108th Street, families and community members from all classes, K–XII, gathered on 92nd Street for one of Nightingale’s most beloved events.
Families and children—dressed head to toe in navy and silver—poured onto the block on Saturday, September 27, ready to rally and cheer on Nighthawk athletics as they took on Spence. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as classmates, teammates, parents, and alumnae reunited for one of the most spirited days of the year.
Nighthawk pride had already been building the day before, when students from all three divisions gathered in the gym for pep rallies on Friday. Led by the athletics department and athletics boards, each rally brought music, cheers, and friendly competitions that set the tone for the weekend ahead. Later that afternoon, community members headed to Asphalt Green to support varsity soccer, where the team put up a valiant fight against the Sabers, bringing energy, teamwork, and spirit to every moment on the field.
“It was amazing to feel the Nighthawk spirit in full force and see everyone come together to support the soccer game. The energy on the sidelines made the whole event feel even more special,” reflected Waverly M. ’27.
As families arrived at Homecoming the following day, they were welcomed by a festive lineup of spirit tables, games, and food, all generously staffed and organized by the Parents Association. Students created sun catchers, decorated pennant flags, applied temporary tattoos, assembled flower crowns, had their faces painted, and struck a pose at a photobooth and groundbreaking station. Families were also invited to participate in the inaugural Taste of Tailgate Showdown, competing for a special prize for their daughter’s class. Families had the chance to enter their dish to the Best Dessert, Best Side, and Best Chili competitions—adding a fun and friendly layer of competition to the day.
“Could there be a better day in the fall? The joy and camaraderie of homecoming is always palpable and 2025 was simply amazing. Celebrating the groundbreaking of our new athletics facility and all to come has me even more excited (if that’s even possible) for next year and beyond," Parents Association Vice President and Vice President of Community and Belonging Ian Peers P’33 P’35 said.
“Homecoming is one of those moments that truly reflects who we are as a parent community: engaged, supportive, and deeply connected,” Parents Association President Aruna Chavali P’26 P’28 shared.
As the tailgate was underway, students and families popped over to Spence 412 to cheer on Nightingale’s JV and varsity volleyball games. The energy in the gym built steadily as the varsity match unfolded, with our athletes battling back from a 1-2 set deficit, focused and determined to secure a Homecoming win. With each point, players gathered at center court to celebrate and encourage one another, demonstrating the resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship that define a Nightingale athlete. In a nail-biting finish, varsity volleyball secured a thrilling victory in the decisive fifth set.
“[This] game is by far one of my favorite memories. Even though we weren’t on our home court at Nightingale and lost the first two sets, the crowd was unbelievably energetic and we were able to push through for the last three sets and win,” Lily K. ’27 shared. “It was definitely a nail-biter, but I had so much fun and shared spirit with my team.”
After the festivities wrapped up and the Taste of Tailgate votes were counted, Homecoming excitement carried into the following week as the community eagerly awaited the results. Lauren Hobbs P’34 claimed the title of Best Chili with a crowd-favorite recipe for the fall tailgate. Her win earned Class IV a highly anticipated “Pajama Day,” much to the delight of all Class IV students. Sarah Pal P’37’s layered dip took home the award for Best Side Dish securing an “Out of Uniform Day” for Class I. Closing out the competition on a sweet note, Rekha Nair P’33 P’36 won Best Dessert with her beautifully crafted mini apple pies. As a result, students in her daughters’ classes, Class II and Class V, later enjoyed a joyful ice cream and pizza party.
“[Homecoming is] more than an event; it’s a reflection of the partnerships, the pride, and the sense of belonging that define Nightingale,” Aruna reflected. “I’m grateful to our families for the generosity and spirit they bring to making our school feel like home.”
