Raiders Celebrate Homecoming Week

October 10, 2018

School spirit and Raider energy were alive last week as the Cretin-Derham Hall community celebrated Homecoming Week.

The CDH Student Council worked tirelessly to put on many events throughout the week. Each day of the week had a theme, including Roll Out of Bed Day, Minnesota Day, Beach Day, Monochromatic Day, and Raider Pride Day. Games and music were on hand during lunch periods.

Students Share Personal Stories at Homecoming Mass

Father Pat Kennedy ’69 led an all-school Homecoming Mass on Tuesday. In a powerful moment, several students shared their thoughts about being a part of the CDH community, and what it meant to them.

“The sense of community makes me a proud member of CDH. I came from a public high school and transferred here. I could automatically sense how welcoming everyone was, and how everyone treated each other with love and compassion. Even outside of Cretin-Derham Hall, when I wear my sweatpants or sweatshirt, people comment on how lucky I am to go to this school. Or, alums approach me and start a conversation. I am a proud member of the CDH community.” ~ Caitlin Bruns ’12

“I am proud to be a part of CDH because I am able to live out my family’s legacy of faith and community. My grandfather, my mom and dad, ten aunts and uncles, 11 cousins, and my brother and sister all attended either Cretin, Derham Hall, or CDH, and I am honored to carry on this tradition. What I’ve realized from my own family’s experiences is that some of the bonds formed here are life-long bonds that you will carry for the rest of your life. I feel I am already on my way to creating life-long friendships here. This proves how valuable the time you spend here is, and how much the friendships you make truly do matter. I am proud to be a part of CDH and unbelievably fortunate to be included in such a community and family.”
 ~ Maddie Quicksell ’21

"Even though I grew up in Maplewood, my family insisted I come here. My mother, who was born in Laos, and does not speak much English, wanted me to go to a high school that would challenge me, but more importantly, a school that would help me to develop good character. I am thankful for the sacrifices my family made so that my brother and I can attend CDH. I have learned a lot from the loving and caring faculty and staff, the challenging but fun curriculum, and most importantly, the friendly student population. This is because at CDH we are taught to help one another, to be respectful, to serve our community, and to understand that that is the Raider way." ~ Sean Xiong ’21

Purple and Gold Energy at Pepfest

The week ended with the highly-anticipated Pep Fest. Mr. Mark McGuire, was the emcee for the afternoon and, with the help of Ms. Lou Anne Tighe, led CASA houses in some fun team-building games. The crowds cheered on the annual CDH Captains' dance, the CDH Dance Team, and the brave faculty and staff dancers. Thank you to the Student Council and their advisors for all of their work!

Annual Coat Drive 

The Student Council Service Committee held their annual Homecoming Coat Drive. The committee collected gently-used coats, jackets, heavy sweatshirts, mittens, gloves, and hats.

Sports and More

In addition to many home sports contests, soccer fans gathered on campus to support the Girls and Boys Soccers teams for Senior Night, along with the Purple People Feeders Food Truck. The football team was victorious over Stillwater, with a very spirited student section, supportive parents, and cheering alumni.