Sewickley Academy Marks 175th Anniversary with Founder's Day

Sewickley Academy will kick off its 175th anniversary year with a new tradition called Founder’s Day, coinciding with annual Reunion Weekend festivities. 

Special events marking the anniversary are planned Friday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 6. Many of the events slated to take place highlight the history of the school.

"The Sewickley Academy community is looking forward to kicking off the school’s special anniversary year during the school’s first-ever Founder’s Day," said Mandi Semple, director of community and media relations.

Founder's Day

Founder's Day on Friday involves an all-school day of games and community-building fun. All students—from pre-kindergarten to grade 12—along with faculty, staff, and some alumni, will participate in history trivia contests, athletic competitions, and art and music activities.

Friday morning, the entire school community will come together for a photo in the shape of a “1-7-5” on Frick Field. Founder’s Day culminates on the field with popsicles for everyone.

"After Friday," Semple said, "we also look forward to celebrating this special anniversary year with a number of events that highlight the history of the school, strengthen the bonds between community members and our shared traditions, and reflect our continuing commitment to the core values we hold dear."

Reunion Weekend

Kick-off festivities continue with the annual Reunion Weekend Friday evening on campus. The Reunion Gala will be attended by several generations of Sewickley Academy alumni and includes a brief program recognizing dignitaries and community members who have played a role in the academy's success and growth.

Some highlights:

• State Rep. Mark Mustio, R-Moon, will present a proclamation commemorating the 175th anniversary.

• On Saturday, a full day of reunion activities continue with brunch, a lecture about the Academy's history, a special “Then and Now” tour of campus led by Head of School Kolia O’Connor, and the dedication of the new Sewickley Academy archives.

• Alumni will also venture into town to participate in the Sewickley Village Crawl, a Sewickley Academy-themed scavenger hunt, and Oktoberfest.

• At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, a special 175th Anniversary concert free and open to the public will take place in Rea Auditorium. The concert features the inaugural performance of Sweetwater Anthem, an original composition by Music Teacher Vanessa Candreva, written in honor of the 175th anniversary and performed by Sewickley Academy alumni, students and faculty.  Other featured performers include Sewickley Academy alumni and orchestra, band and chorus. A reception with refreshments takes place after the performance.