When you hear “dance or aerobics,” “plaque,” and “Keds,” what’s the first thing that comes to every NDP girl’s mind? That’s right: Gym Meet! One of our school’s most beloved traditions took place on Friday, March 6th, and Saturday, March 7th, this year. The freshmen’s theme was “Fresh and Furious,” and they certainly showed us their speed and determination during their performances! The sophomores’ theme was “’28 Empire State,” and they proved to the audience that their personalities were just as big and bold as the Big Apple! The juniors’ theme was “’27 Days of Christmas,” and they brought holiday cheer to all! Finally, the seniors’ theme was “We Go Together!”, and they certainly embodied that spirit during their performances!
The competition was very fierce, as each grade wanted to prove just how capable they were! In the end, the juniors won the poster contest and took home the March and Song plaques, while the seniors took home the Aerobics and Dance plaques along with the Silver Cup! The freshmen earned 324 points, the sophomores earned 411 points, the juniors earned 492 points, and the seniors earned an impressive 538 points!
However, Gym Meet wouldn’t be possible without some very special people. The Gym Meet Captains (Reese B. ‘29, Carolina R. ‘28, Carley C. ‘27, and Bethany C. ‘26) led their respective class during all aspects of Gym Meet with patience, determination, and hard work, even when obstacles presented challenges. The committee members created march formations, song lyrics, aerobics and dance routines, posters, and costumes. Not only did they pour so much creativity into these things but, also had to teach routines to the entire class in just a month, and let me tell you, that is no easy feat! The Gym Meet Manager (Ava L. ‘26), the Gym Meet Assistant Manager (Lelia W. ‘27), the AA President (Maggie M. ‘26), and the AA Vice President (Maddie H. ‘27) helped guide all grades whenever questions about anything related to Gym Meet arose. Finally, our very own Mrs. Anton helped to make sure the entire event was running smoothly and was there for anything we needed. Make sure that you take the time to thank these important people for all they did to help make Gym Meet 2026 a success!
As a freshman who participated in her first Gym Meet this year by playing the piano for March and Song, I can certainly see just why this tradition is so beloved across NDP. When I saw the Dress Rehearsal as a Middle-Level student, I knew that Gym Meet was important, but now, I understand why. Gym Meet brings about a sense of community, sisterhood, and teamwork that can’t be achieved through any other activity. While competition does arise as each class tries to win the coveted Silver Cup, the love for everyone is omnipresent, no matter who turns out victorious.
My first Gym Meet will serve as a core memory, and I can’t wait for the next years of this beloved tradition! Congrats to everyone who participated in Gym Meet this year!