An evening of “play” at annual Charlie David event. Courtesy/Mrs. Bening
The weather may have been frigid, but the atmosphere at Columbus Academy on Friday, October 12, was nothing but lively. The Academy community gathered together on this date to support the school’s athletic programs and clubs at our annual Charlie David Dinner.
What began as a pregame “chicken dinner” for the football team decades ago has evolved into a fall tradition for students, family, faculty and friends at CA. The event has maintained its culinary basis, as City Barbeque provided truckloads of their delectable chicken, as well as pulled pork, applesauce, mac and cheese, baked beans and cornbread for the hungry patrons.
The event, hosted by the Parents’ Association of Columbus Academy, is dedicated to funding all of the school’s athletic programs through the dinner itself, a string of silent auctions and the raffle. Items up for bid this year included everything from Ohio State men’s basketball tickets to a CA football signed by team members to Jimmy Buffett signed memorabilia.
The highlight of the dinner occurred around 6 p.m, as Head of School, Melissa Soderberg, congratulated Dominic Facciolla, Head Athletic Director, on his retirement after his 20 years of outstanding service to the school. Mrs. Soderberg reflected on Facciolla’s success by reading off the many state champions, both individual and team, during his time.
The high school pep band also contributed to the enthusiastic energy in the Dining Hall, as it–per tradition– “Go Academy!,” “Seven Nation Army” and more.
The festivities continued in the Jones Gym where upper school clubs hosted students of all ages to their respective booths to participate in themed activities. Groups in attendance included the East Asia Club, the Black Organization of Students, Science Olympiad, Victorian International Political Simulation, and many more. The annual “boardwalk” tradition that these clubs partake in provides an opportunity for additional funding as well.
The jubilation of the night certainly carried over to Hondros Field when the day’s events culminated in a dominant 52-9 victory for the football team: a perfect sendoff for our cherished director, Mr. Facciolla.
