Maryland Chesterton Academies Share Field Day

Article by Daniel Hurson, Class of 2026

Last Friday, October 25, on the traditional feast of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, the students of Chesterton Academy of Annapolis joined the students of Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s and Chesterton Academy of the Annunciation for the first annual Maryland Chesterton Academies Field Day.

The day began with students of CAA attending a mass at St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park. Following the mass, CAA headed to Kinder Park to meet the other Chestertons for the first time. Mr. Thoits led prayer and all one hundred students across the Academies harmonized in singing “Salve Regina”-- a wonderful sight. Students then split into their respective houses, bonding with their new companions and readying themselves for the exciting day ahead.

Ten minutes later, the activities commenced. The Houses then participated in brief team-building activities, developing a sense of camaraderie they would carry throughout the day. The first main activity was a scavenger hunt designed by the Prefects, where students tackled a series of challenges to earn letters uncovering a mystery word.

Over the next hour, you could see people  running in all directions, determined to bring glory to their houses. Conveniently, the hunt finished right before lunchtime. After prayer, chaperones of the three Academies served pizza and drinks to all one hundred students, who joyfully chatted with one another about their schools. Then came the highly anticipated volleyball tournament, and it was time for everyone to put their skills to the test.

Houses Chrysostom and Augustine  defeated Athanasius and Ambrose in two close matches. That marked the end of the activities, meaning the winning house of Field Day had to be announced. Ultimately, it was House Chrysostom on top with Athanasius trailing just behind To finish the day, five CAA students recited the "St. Crispin's Day" speech from Shakespeare's Henry V, much to the delight of all who knew the speech.

The day as a whole proved to be a success, creating strong friendships and fostering fair competition in the presence of Christ. Hopefully, it will be the beginning of a joyful tradition of annual Field Days shared among the three schools.