News & Events

Norfolk Academy’s varsity boys lacrosse team honored family members, teachers, coaches, and other loved ones on April 26, during a special Play to Honor event.

This annual event was inspired by a thoughtful and courageous gesture of gratitude by a former player toward one of Academy's coaches. The coach, wanting to pay that gesture forward, created the game in which seniors dedicate their efforts to someone who has helped them through their lives. As such, they give a tiny, tiny bit more effort than usual (since they always give their best) in honor of their special guest.

On April 26, the Bulldogs gave a stellar effort, defeating Catholic High School 21-12.

The team as a whole honored two people. The players thanked Dance Master Elbert Watson for his support of them and so many other students at Norfolk Academy. In addition to leading Academy's Dance Team, Mr. Watson coaches flexibility and conditioning for many Bulldog athletic teams. As the team said, “He is always available to help us and is an impeccable role model. Coach Watson has been essential in helping us maintain a strong body, mind, and spirit during our season. On behalf of so many students, thank you, Coach Watson!"

Players also honored Sam Shumadine ’24, who recently received news that he will need to undergo cancer treatment. “We want Sam and his family to know that they have the full support of our team. We will also be donning special helmet stickers in support of Sam and the NA Livestrong Club is already procuring special t-shirts to raise funds for the pediatric cancer ward at CHKD. You’ve got this, Sam!" the team said.

Also honored were:

• Lee Shearin '22: Mr. M. Lee Shearin Jr.
• Cooper Reed '22: Mr. Robert Arthur Reed
• Ian Fitzgerald '22: Coach Antoinette Bailey, Academy's Head Athletics Trainer
• Nate DeLorenzo '22: Dr. Kenneth DeLorenzo
• Ben Lagow '22: Mr. Chris Lagow
• Ethan Standing '22: 2020 Norfolk Academy Lacrosse Seniors
• David Smythe '22: Mr. Chris Smythe
• Ben Roberts '22: Academy Teacher-Coach Scott Fowler
• Ross Hope '22: Mr. Keith Hope '83
• Gavin Goss '22: Mrs. Deniz Goss
• Emma Clark '22 (Manager): Academy Teacher-Coach Catherine McCallum
• Melia DiGeronimo '22 (Manager): CDR (SEAL) Bernie McMahon, USN (Ret.), Academy Teacher-Coach
• Sacha Konikoff '22 (Manager): Mrs. Bess Oswald '00, Academy Teacher-Coach