The Loyola Blakefield community came together to partake in its annual Blakefest celebration last Saturday, which included carnival games and t-shirt decorating in the Dan McNeal ‘90 Family Fun Zone, great food by the Fathers' Club and watching varsity lacrosse defeat Archbishop Spalding 12-2 on a beautiful spring day.
Before the teams took the field, there was a special presentation for both the McNeal family and America's VetDogs Association.
As a way to honor our country and the freedom we cherish, the varsity lacrosse team made a visit to the United States Military Academy at West Point over spring break. They made a very special visit on the way to the Ground Zero Memorial and the Freedom Tower that is being constructed. It was there that the team honored fellow Don, Dan McNeal '90 who lost his life on 9/11/01. They honored him with prayers, flowers and taking an etching of his name from the memorial site. During the ceremony on Saturday, the team presented a plaque with the etching to his mother, Kitty. He will forever be in our hearts as a true Man for Others.
In keeping with the theme of Men for Others, the lacrosse team spearheaded a campus-wide effort to raise awareness and funds for those who served in the armed forces in the aftermath of 9/11. America’s VetDogs uses guide dogs, service dogs and innovative technology to help disabled Veterans, once again live the lives they used to. The team presented a check for $1,200 to support this great organization and the work they do. Accepting the check was Kathleen Spears and her dog, Bob, who she is training to join the The Veterans K-9 Corps. Bob also received a Loyola dog collar. Many thanks go out to Chick-Fil-A and The Greene Turtle for their support.
View pictures from the event here.