On Sept. 27-28, the SSA gates welcomed hundreds of alumni and their families back home to celebrate Homecoming 2013. Beautiful, sunny and blue skies added to the excitement of the already anticipated weekend reunions, athletic contests and community events.

Homecoming 2013 kicked off Friday morning during the first period of classes. Several alumni visited classrooms and had the opportunity to feel what it was like to be a student at SSA in 2013. For some alumni, it had been 50 years since they walked the halls of Rowe, for others it was an opportunity to visit a teacher that had a profound effect on their lives. Many of the visiting alumni also attended the community assembly where this year’s alumni artist, Caroline Washburn ’08, addressed the students, faculty and staff. Washburn spoke about her mentor, art teacher Cari Batchelar, and how she played a significant role in her love of art. She also shared with the audience her journey as an artist and her impressive portfolio. Her work was on display in McCune Dining Hall and the Benedum Visual Arts Center for homecoming and throughout October. That same morning, a group of alumni, past parents and grandparents were teeing off at the annual Alumni Golf Outing held at the Fox Chapel Golf Club. Alumnus Kevin Kelly ’73 scored the lowest round of the group.

On Friday evening, alumni, faculty and guests gathered in Memorial Hall to celebrate and remember the lives of those alumni who passed away this year. The presider of the Memorial Service was Rev. Tom E. Johnson ’73.

At the conclusion of the Memorial Service, alumni and faculty made their way over to the Alumni and Faculty Mixer at McCune Dining Hall. The mixer brought alumni and faculty together for a night of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and conversation. The evening also included a brief welcome address from Academy President Tom Cangiano, where he presented the Robert E. Walker Award and the Paul R. Pigman ’52 Prize. This year’s recipient of the Walker Award was Barb (Pippin) Thai ’83 for her dedication, commitment and service to the Academy as an alumna and parent. Thai spoke about how receiving the award was an honor and reflected on the sacrifices her parents made for her to attend SSA. The Pigman Prize was awarded posthumously to Major Benjamin H. Follansebee ’99 for his devoted and noble service to our country. His brother, Christopher W. Follansebee ’01, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Ben and his family. Follansbee expressed the impact that SSA had on Ben’s life and the appreciation his family felt from the outpouring of support from the community.

Saturday morning festivities were off to running start as alumni, students, parents and faculty participated in the Al Stewart Memorial Shady Stride. Will Stewart ’17, grandson of Al Stewart, officially started the race. Zac Prizant ’14 was the first to cross the finish line with Connor Colombo ’16 a close second.

The President’s Coffee and Campus Walking Tours were well attended by groups of alumni and families. The tours were led by current student ambassadors, and provided alumni the chance to meet the Academy President before taking a walk down memory lane. This was a chance for alumni to meet the Academy President before taking a walk down memory lane. As the activities throughout the day continued, many Junior School students and children of alumni enjoyed the petting zoo, balloon artist, inflatable obstacle course, music and face painting at the Kids Karnival. Alumni and their families connected with fellow classmates and former faculty members at the Picnic Box Lunch and the Blue & Gold Alumni Faculty Tailgate.

Athletic contests were also a big attraction of the day. But the girls Varsity Field Hockey game against The Ellis School resulted in a disappointing loss for SSA. Boys Varsity Soccer scored big against Mars 3-1, and girls Varsity Soccer defeated St. Joseph High School, 9-0. The day concluded with the football game as the team swept Freeport with a win 28-0. During halftime, athletic team captains from reunion class years were recognized on the field for their leadership.

On Saturday evening, alumni gathered in various venues around Pittsburgh and on campus to reminisce and celebrate their time at SSA.