A New Twist on an Old Tournament

The Blue versus Gray competition was revived this past fall with a new twist when Director of Student Life Jared Winston launched the Poly Spirit Cup. The competition has been fierce and fun and if the students’ determination to earn points is an indication, it is a unqualified hit.

Over the summer, Winston moved from the World Languages Department to assume the student life position. “What makes Poly, Poly?” is something he always considers as he works with faculty, staff, and students on programming and initiatives. “I heard countless stories of a Blue-Gray competition that galvanized the student body each year,” said Winston. “As I entered this role, I hoped to revitalize traditions that bring the community together, and thought that a Spirit Cup concept would build upon tradition and chart a new course in the years to come. For current students, I hope to create a connection to Poly alumni and future Blue Devils, alike.”

“From what I understand, past programming was athletics-based field day events,” Winston continued, “so I wanted to reimagine a yearlong competition that highlighted the great variety of talent we have. On our Spirit Cup schedule, you will find that we have field days, a spelling bee, a Poly’s Got Talent showcase, and a winter clothing drive. The hope is to shine a spotlight on the pillars that define this community: academics, arts, athletics, service.”

“Change is inevitable,” Winston said. “Teachers will come and go and our student body will change, but we have it within our power to curate cultural programming that stands the test of time. I hope the Spirit Cup does just that.”

FIELD DAY FUN

Gray took the early lead with the first Spirit Cup event of the year, Middle School Field Day. The backfields had an Olympic atmosphere—players putting forth their best effort, cheering spectators, and refs thoughtfully conferring on plays. Activities included student favorites such as capture the flag, dodgeball, knockout, newcomb, line soccer, Ultimate, gaga ball, and pillow polo.

SPELLING BEE BONANZA

It wasn’t your typical bee. Blue and Gray each presented a team of super spellers who had the opportunity to spell every word. Points were awarded for every correctly spelled word. In Upper School, Blue Team dream team Alex Xiao ’24, Lulu McDonald ’24, Nathan Ben-Ur ’22, and William Ling-Regan ’24 edged out Gray for the win.

POLY’S GOT TALENT

We all know Poly’s got talent so the anticipation for this event was palpable. While Middle School performers warmed up, Upper Schoolers opened the show. Jack Yan ’22 sang “Evermore” from Beauty and the Beast. Sophomores Lulu McDonald and Zeke Wise did a duet from Wicked, and the entire audience erupted into song along with Hannah Smith ’22 who played Taylor Swift’s “Love Song” on ukulele.

Competition was fierce and Spirit Cup points were awarded to the top three performances—all Blue team members. Seventh graders Lester Shamos and Spencer Udin won with their rendition of diablo to “Eye of the Tiger.” “It was bone-chillingly fantastic,” raved Mr. Winston of sixth grader Tyler Chan’s original piano composition. Fittingly, the third winner, Kailynn Hernandez ’27, closed the show to thunderous applause with Rhianna’s “Take a Bow.”

COSTUME SPECTACULAR

Halloween is always a big day at Dyker Heights, but with Spirit Cup points on the line this year, Poly kids BROUGHT IT and 24 students walked away with top prizes. Standouts for originality included MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24 and Sadie Schoenberger ’25. Hicks came as “work from home on Zoom” while Schoenberger’s Polyglot had an interactive element. Students were invited to sign her clothing. In the same category, we applaud fifth grader Deven Mukherjee for his take on death and on the other end of the spectrum, sixth grader Aviva Treister, who for many portrayed life itself—caffeine—in the form of a Starbucks Frappuccino®.

YOUR LEGACY. YOUR WAY.

Planned Giving is simpler than you think, especially at Poly Prep. If your goal is to conserve your estate, create life income, or reduce future tax liabilities for heirs, it’s time to consider the Joseph Dana Allen Society. Named in honor of Poly’s longest serving head of school, the JDA Society recognizes donors who have named the school as a beneficiary in their will, insurance policy, or retirement account. Charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and the donation of non-cash assets are also practical options for alumni and friends.

Working with your financial planner, we can structure a legacy gift that will memorialize the values most important to you, maximize your philanthropic giving, and make a smart plan for the future. If you’ve already included Poly Prep in a bequest or other planned gift, please let us know so we can express our gratitude and recognize you for your generosity as a member of the JDA Society. We’re happy to help you get started on a legacy gift to Poly Prep. Go to polyprep.mylegacygift.org or contact:

Peggy Cook, Chief Advancement Officer pcook@polyprep.org (347) 394-1169 Donna Muoio P’13, ’17, Director of Alumni Relations dmuoio@polyprep.org (718) 663-6031 Keith Wiggs, Director of Major Gifts kwiggs@polyprep.org (347) 394-1164

“Creating a legacy is important to me.

As a member of the

JDA Society, I’m proud to support future generations of Poly students.”

- Peter Malkin ’51