It’s been an exceptional week for our spring athletes, as two varsity teams captured region championships, both against a major in-town rival and both at The 805!

On Tuesday, April 14, the boys soccer team returned to campus to finish a match against Lovett that had been suspended due to darkness. The Golden Bears wasted no time securing the win, defeating the Lions 1–0. Sairis Panah '26 delivered the game-winning goal off an assist from Evan Wandtke '26, while goalkeeper Jackson Mullins '28 held strong with a shutout. The victory marks a milestone moment for the program, as it is the first boys soccer region championship in nearly 20 years!

Just one day later, on Wednesday, April 15, varsity baseball claimed its own region title. Facing Lovett in the deciding game of a best-of-three series on our home field, the Bears powered their way to a 12–2 victory. In that final game, Bryce Floyd '28 led on the mound, striking out five and allowing just four hits over five innings, while Robby Chiaffredo '27 closed things out in the sixth with one strikeout. At the plate, Taylor Fuller '26 and Ryan Dunham '28 each recorded two hits, with Dunham driving in two runs. Grant Bradley '27, Cole Hatfield '27, Dawson Radaszewski '26 and Xavier Wilson '26 each added a hit to round out the offensive effort.

And it's not just our newest Region Champs headed for postseason play: boys tennis, girls tennis and girls soccer are also headed for their respective state tournaments later this month. Please join us in congratulating all of these amazing teams on their accomplishments. We can’t wait to cheer them on as they continue their runs! Go Bears!

10 of our outstanding student-athletes from the Class of 2026 are moving on to college athletics! These Golden Bears were honored in a special ceremony in the Main Gym on National Signing Day on Tuesday, April 14. Each student was announced and celebrated for their accomplishments by friends, coaches, teachers and family members. Please join us in congratulating these soon-to-be college athletes:

Chase Anarumo: Baseball, Williams College
Gavin Evans: Baseball, Sewanee: The University of the South
Taylor Fuller: Baseball, Kennesaw State University 
Devin Hutcherson: Basketball, Kansas State University
Myles Jackson: Football, Columbia University
Fallon Kaufman: Lacrosse, Presbyterian College 
James LaBruyere: Football, Sewanee: The University of the South
Jordan Mays: Football, Davidson College
Sophia Ocampo: Lacrosse, Shorter University
Dawson Radaszewski: Baseball, Westmont College

You can read more about each athlete here. Go Bears!

On Wednesday, April 15, a group of talented Golden Bears brought this year’s Middle School play, "The Neverland Project," to life. Offering a fresh, imaginative take on the classic "Peter Pan" story through Wendy’s eyes, the production captivated audiences with its humor and heart. The cast and crew demonstrated impressive creativity, collaboration and stage presence throughout. The production will conclude this evening with a final sold-out performance. Bravo to these talented students! You can view a full list of the cast and crew here.

Second-grade students and their families stepped into a bit of magic on Thursday, April 16, when the HIES Cross Country course became the whimsical "Fairy Tale Trail!" Over the past few weeks, students have been immersed in classic folklore and fairy tales, such as "The Princess and the Pea," "Three Billy Goats Gruff" and "The Three Little Pigs." During Thursday’s event, parents were invited to stroll along the trail and hear the second-grade students bring these stories to life at storytelling stops throughout the woods. At the end of the path, families found a QR code for each child. When scanned, it revealed a fun surprise—an alternate ending to the tale, imagined, written and recorded by their student! It was a joyful celebration of imagination and a meaningful opportunity for students to share their creativity with their families.