On Saturday, February 14th, while many were celebrating Valentine's Day, Simon Field House was filled with something just as powerful: gratitude, respect, and community.
Principia School had the privilege of hosting the 2026 Honor Flight Shootout, and the day proved to be about far more than basketball. It was about using competition as a platform to serve and honor those who have served our country.
We welcomed outstanding programs including Orchard Farm Eagles, Columbia Eagles, MICDS Rams, Holt Indians, CBC Cadets, Kirkwood Pioneers, Rolla Bulldogs, and Troy Buchanan Trojans for a full day of high-level match ups. Each contest was competitive and hard fought, yet marked by sportsmanship and mutual respect.
Principia was proud to be part of the action on the floor as well. On the girls side, Principia faced Troy Buchanan with Paige earning Game MVP honors. On the boys side, Principia took on Rolla, with Gassim named Game MVP. Across the day, Orchard Farm opened strong with senior Colin Sinclair earning MVP honors, MICDS secured a win over Holt behind junior Brandon Clemens, and CBC closed out game four over Kirkwood with Stacy Sorrell III delivering an MVP performance. The basketball was excellent, but the mission was even greater.
Because of the generosity of our community and all who attended, we raised over $10,000, with every dollar donated directly to Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.
Greater St. Louis Honor Flight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing our veterans, most urgently our World War II veterans, with a day of honor, remembrance, and celebration. The organization provides a one-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where veterans visit the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. Each veteran travels at zero cost, accompanied by a Guardian who ensures their safety and helps make the experience meaningful and unforgettable.
Since launching in 2008, the St. Louis chapter has safely transported more than 3,000 local veterans. This year alone, four flights are scheduled with the goal of serving approximately 350 veterans. More than 1,000 veterans remain on the waiting list. The need is real. The impact is lasting.
During the Shootout, we had the profound privilege of honoring more than 12 veterans in attendance. Their presence elevated the day. Their courage and sacrifice reminded everyone in the gym that the freedoms we enjoy, including the ability to compete and gather as we did, were earned.
At Principia, we believe the object of the game is to win, but the purpose of playing is to grow. On February 14th, we witnessed growth in gratitude, awareness, and service. The Honor Flight Shootout was a reminder that athletics can be a vehicle for something far bigger than the final score.
Thank you to every athlete, coach, volunteer, fan, and veteran who made the day unforgettable.
