Highlighting the winners of homecoming by Donell James & Michael Roustemis

SEASONED VETERANS | After four years of collective experience, class of 2025 advisor Jillian McDonald is proud of her class's victory in winning this year's float building. “We worked really hard this year and I think our experience paid off as well,” McDonald said. “We know what we’re doing and how to do it well by now.”

PURE JOY | With nothing but pride for her juniors, Mandolyn Grattan was thrilled with the work put into the student union decoration and even more so the winning result. “They have worked to win it every year, and seeing them erupt into cheers at finally achieving that goal just made my heart very happy,” Grattan said. "I love these kids so much, so when they are happy, I am happy too.”

A HEARTFELT MOMENT | At this year’s pep assembly, band teacher Tom Torrento was awarded with GPN’s Spirit Award, which he got to celebrate with his three sons, Colin, Caden, and Crosby. “North is a very special place because of all of the amazing people who come in every day, staff and students alike, and I am blessed to get to call it my home away from home,” Torrento said.

A LONG TIME COMING | Since September of 2022, the class of ‘26 has fought hard for the spirit jug, and this year they won and junior Paige Martin was overjoyed to be a part of the celebration. “Winning the spirit jug gave me chills, I was so proud of the junior class but I’m not surprised because we are the best class,” Martin said.

A KING IS CROWNED | After the suspense of who will win the homecoming court, senior Andrew Bernard was crowned the 2024-25 homecoming king. “Truly surreal hearing that many people cheer for me and celebrating with my friends at the fence and afterward in the crowd,” Bernard said.

BREAKING THE STREAK | After decades of students losing to the teachers in the pep rally Tug O’ War, senior Jack Sendoykas led the seniors and freshman to victory. “The atmosphere was crazy,” Sendoykas said. “I loved it. I am all about getting hype and it was just a great moment to see.”

A TRUE SEND OFF | After the retirement of Television Production teacher Brian Stackpoole, he was named one of this year's Grand Marshals in the parade, along with Dr. Kate Murray and Michelle Davis. His former student Colin Smith was given the honor of introducing him. “I felt like it was a full-circle moment,” Smith said. “After years of learning from him not just as a student but also as a person, I was honored when I was asked to write his introduction.”