Amanda Jones ‘20, Trisha Tsundupalli ‘21:
A Variety of EA Alumni answer questions about their favorite Haverford/AIS Day Memories
“[We] painted anti-haverford cars, pep rallies on Thursday and Friday that involved hanging a Haverford dummy from a tree, then throwing it to the middle schoolers, who expertly ripped it apart.
“[Played] varsity soccer which was wonderful and terrible at the same time. We lost 1-0 and lost the Inter-Ac Championship.”
Carolyn Shaud, Class of ‘89
‘The Pep Rally. It was only one day but it was awesome. I loved that the seniors got to lead it and that Mr. Crawford would dress up every year. I loved the Can Drive that we competed with Haverford to collect food for the homeless.
Also, we used to get the Monday after Thanksgiving off from school if we won Haverford Day.
I played field hockey but there was no AIS day. It was all about the boys. I am so glad the girls are part of it now.”
Heather McMeekin, Class of ‘91
‘[Favorite parts were] Pep rally and cheering on your friends.
Girls teams weren’t included in the festivities. But the AIS game was always the last of the season and it was the biggest rivalry. Still remember beating AIS in field hockey for the Inter Ac title senior year.
Just getting pumped up with your friends – boys and girls together forming school spirit. …and anything else you would like to add! It was fun, but interestingly, it was only one day, not a week long event like it is these days.
Holly Rieck, Class of ‘91
“The Pep Rally on Friday (boys played that afternoon and girls were not part of it then) was the biggest deal – a whole school event, led by the Seniors. Lots of skits, cheers, and always capped off with Headmaster Jay Crawford rolling in to the event dressed as a character. I recall him once as Bart Simpson, I think.
He always put together a good speech, in character. It was always a big secret as to what he would do and his big reveal was the finale of the rally.
I also recall we always had a special chapel the morning of where Reverend Squire would lead us in prayer. The altar would always be chock full of cans as we culminated our can drive competition with Haverford.”
RIVALRY: Haverford/Agnes Irwin/Episcopal Academy Day, held every year in November, is one of the most spirited weekends of the year. Photo courtesy of John Halcovich ‘18Brett Meyers, Class of ‘03
“Clearly it’s the Haverford Day t-shirts – those that I’ve collected over the years, and those I inherited (stole) from my older brothers. ‘Have you beaten a Ford lately?’ ‘Got girls?’ Priceless.
Also, the “two hand touch” football games that took place when I was in Lower/Middle school. Completely unregulated and unsupervised, somebody was only ruled “down” if they were bleeding and/or crying.
I always attended the Can Dance. Always brought a lot more cans than I did dance.
I loved the Head of School costume tradition. I had just begun my Junior year when 9/11/01 hit. Haverford Day that year was Jay Crawford’s last as Head of School. I’ll never forget him rolling into the pep rally on a firetruck, sirens blaring, head to toe in full FDNY garb, axe in hand.
My favorite memory was watching the Lower School teachers march lines of young students all to take the train to Haverford. It was beautiful to see the pride, the display of the Stripes.
Keith Lunkenheimer, Class of ‘06
“My favorite tradition was head shaving. It was something I enjoyed and I had some hilarious cuts over the years.
[Played] Soccer. It was electric. There were really only three sports back then (water polo was added during my time but only just). Back then EA was dominant in American football and Haverford was dominant in track so soccer was usually the deciding game.
Oddly enough, my favorite memory was a loss my junior year at Haverford 4-0. But that year, at Haverford, I have never experienced a crowd so visceral.
We (Steve Gadsden and JP Galib) were the first year to really do a rally video. It was excellent. Hopefully it is in an archive somewhere. They put together an amazing production and everyone was in awe.
Kathleen Kneizys, Class of ‘12
“My favorite spirit week tradition was decorating the lockers. It was awesome how excited and close you got with your class.
Playing was nerve racking! During that week the entire school is coming to your games, checking you out at practice, and the younger kids are looking up to you like you’re a celebrity. But it’s such an incredible feeling once you step out on the field and you have your entire school behind you cheering you on.
I don’t think I can say anything other than the video! The dance off was a close second, but the video was always a great laugh and made you proud to be an EA student”
Bella Echevarria, Class of ‘16-
“My favorite spirit week tradition was lounge decorating because it was a chance for the whole class to come together and create something really fun.
Competing in AIS day was the best part of being a fall varsity athlete. It was so exciting to play in front of a crowd.
Another great memory is when we stormed the field after winning the football game my freshman year.
My favorite part of the pep rally was watching the video, for sure.”