Loyola Celebrates Spirit Week 2024: CandyLAnd

The Class of 2028 helped kick off the week as they danced the night away at the annual Freshman Luau, a Hawaiian-themed party hosted by the student group Insignis, on Friday, September 6. The luau was filled with activities, including a DJ, table tennis, spikeball, and more.

Throughout the week, Ramblers enjoyed candy-themed dress-down days. On "Maroon and Gold Monday," students showed off their favorite Loyola Academy swag. Tuesday brought "Big League Chew Jersey Day," with students sporting their favorite team jerseys. "Firecracker Popsicle Day" on Wednesday saw red, white, and blue outfits across campus, while Thursday’s "Skittles: Taste the Rainbow Day" had each class dressed in assigned colors. The week wrapped up with "Peppermint White Out Day" on Friday, as students dressed in all white. Each day, students decked out to match the day's theme and were awarded candy prizes. Additionally, a candy salad was given as a smaller prize throughout the week.

To conclude Spirit Week, the entire Loyola Academy community gathered for an energizing fall pep rally on Friday afternoon. All week long, Ramblers were challenged to bring in pantry items for the Ignatian Serving Learning and Engagement Office to help our Arrupe partners. 578 items were collected for A Just Harvest and Care for Real. Freshmen and seniors won the competition and a chance for five students to pie a faculty or staff member in the face during the rally. Seniors Nora Emerson, Joey Herbert, and Tyler Isaacson served as emcees for the afternoon. Performances by the LA step team, cheerleaders, Ramblerettes, and senior football players kept the crowd engaged and cheering throughout the rally and set the stage for a spirited homecoming weekend. That evening, the varsity football team took on St. Francis, Wheaton, in a historic Homecoming game—the first football game under the new stadium lights on Hoerster Field. The Ramblers fought a tough battle but fell to the Spartans in a 35-21 loss, bringing their season record to 2–1.

On Saturday night, sophomores, juniors, and seniors returned to campus in semi-formal attire for a beautiful Homecoming dance in the West Gym, celebrating the end of an unforgettable Spirit Week.

Homecoming 2024 was a fantastic week for Loyola students, faculty, and staff. We extend our gratitude to Student Activities and Student Council for their tremendous efforts in organizing such wonderful events.

Go Ramblers!