Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy’s Homecoming Festival has become the unofficial harbinger of the fall season, and this year was no exception. On October 6, 2023, students, alumni, family, friends, and others gathered at MSL for a night of food, fun, and football. 

For more than 30 years, Homecoming Festival has seen guests gather on a dusky fall afternoon for games, food, and fellowship before the much-anticipated game. This year’s festivities featured more than 25 games and entertainment by the Upper School pep band, cheerleaders, and Isaiah the Eagle. Food trucks, the CHCA teaching kitchen pizza oven, and a food booth—which served treats generously donated by Dope, Decibel Korean Fried Chicken, Silver Spring House, and Montgomery Inn—kept hungry guests full. The energy was contagious as students past and present mingled with community supporters, all gathered to cheer on the CHCA Eagles. 

The fun continued as guests made their way into the stadium, where four of CHCA’s choirs—Melody Makers, Armleder Celebration Choir, Eagle Ensemble, and Men’s and Women’s Choir—came together to sing the National Anthem. Their intergenerational voices opened a night primed for God-honoring competition against the Roger Bacon High School Spartans.  

The game began with Eagles and Spartans both showcasing deft skill and determination. Scores were tight for most of the first half, the tension lifting slightly at halftime as Homecoming Court nominees made their way to the center of the field for the crowning of the King and Queen, Clete Reinberger and Cortney Arnold. 

The third and fourth quarters kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Tied at 35-35 with just three seconds left, CHCA scored the winning touchdown. Fans rushed the field and celebrated the Eagles’ victory as fireworks lit up the sky. 

“What a fun night it was: festival, fellowship, football, and fireworks!” says Julie Carnes, Associate Director of Events and Engagement. She credits dedicated volunteers for making the entire festival possible. “Thank you to the 200-plus volunteers who gave their time in the planning and prep leading up to the event, and all those who served at the festival—especially those who stayed to help with clean-up afterwards. Without your help, the festival would not be possible.” 

View our SmugMug for photos and relive the night!