Thurgood Marshall Academy

Homecoming Recap

Thurgood Marshall Academy's inaugural Homecoming celebration on December 4th and 5th really showcased the excitement for our new gym and the talent of our students. Friday the 4th began with a morning pep rally featuring class competitions that pitted grades against one another in games like tug-of-war and shooting free throws while the onlookers frantically cheered them on.

The Thurgood Marshall Academy Cheerleaders and Pep Squad also performed, getting the crowd excited for the Gym Celebration and the first home basketball game later in the day!

 

In the afternoon, students, faculty, and staff celebrated the opening of our new gymnasium, in partnership with A. Kiger Savoy Elementary School.  The Thurgood Marshall Academy Choir, the A. Kiger Savoy Tigers, and the Thurgood Marshall Academy Cheerleaders performed.

Speakers included Dr. Kerri Briggs, State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia, Councilmember Marion Barry, Former Mayor Anthony A. Williams, and Allen Lew, Executive Director of the DC Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization.

 

Alumnus Lawrence Chambers '05 also spoke.

The celebration was not the end of a day of firsts, however. The Thurgood Marshall Academy Warriors played Maya Angelou in the first-ever home game. Those who stayed know it was a nail-biter, but the Warriors came through with a 58-51 victory! Thank you to everyone who attended this historic game--the game was sold out, and it was great to see so many people involved with the school show their support.

 

Fall Sports Roundup: Football and Volleyball

The fall sports season has come to a close, and teams at Thurgood Marshall Academy have some victories under their belts and goals for next year.

Although many of the players on the Flag Football team were new Warriors (including the coaches), the team fared extremely well in the league, with a 5-2-1 season record. As the saying goes, however, it's not about winning or losing, but keeping all of each student's responsibilities in balance.

"One of our challenges was making sure our young men were able to balance their schoolwork with football," said Assistant Coach Randy Preston. "Our success comes from them being successful in school."

The hard work paid off--the Warriors made it to the final round of the Charter School Athletic Association League Championships, losing in the last few minutes to Maya Angelou.

Coach Preston called it "Disappointing, but not the end of the world. It came down to one play, which is how it should be."

He's optimistic for next year and hopes to turn the League Runner-Up title into Champions.

Women's volleyball kicked off its inaugural season with lots of interest in the game and enthusiasm from the start. Out of thirty-five potentials, 13 players were chosen for the team. Their season record doesn't represent what the team gained in the last few months. "Although our record was not stellar, I know that the young ladies learned a wealth of social and athletic skills through participation," said Head Coach Marielys Garcia.

In terms of understanding the game, the team came a long way over the course of the season. As Coach Garcia recalls, "Our funniest moment was during our first game when the girls (and coaches alike) were not aware of how to substitute players for each other. The referee had to show us and made our girls repeat it five times before we got it correct. It was embarrassing yet funny and made us realize how much we had to learn." Their last game against Cesar Chavez Charter School showed off the team's best game of the season, showcasing their serves, digs and spikes.

 "All in all, they grew together as a team and we're looking forward to having a competitive season next fall," as Athletic Director Michele Thompson said.