The annual Nykerk Cup pits the freshman women (representing the odd or even graduation year) head-to-head against sophomore women in a three-category event (song, oration and play) that allows the teams only 21 days of intense preparation. About 30 total women on each team participated. Supporting the Nykerk participants are another 30-40 "Moralers" and “Nykrew” student volunteers who build sets, handle stage management, sound, lights and other behind-the-scenes work. Each team is also supported by junior and senior female student coaches and an executive board.

The “song” portion is a non-auditioned, large-group choral and musical act performed by 15-25 women. The song is arranged, directed and choreographed by the coaches. The “Even Year” team performed their song to an “Oldies But Goodies” medley while the “Odd Year”team performed to a Disney medley.

Auditions are held for the “play” and “oration” components about three weeks prior to the performance date.  The play portion is written and directed by the junior and senior coaches, and features a short-theatrical play acted out by a team of several women. The “Even Year” team’s play was titled “Panic in the Pine Grove,” while the “Odd Year” team performed “Once Upon a Nykerk.”  

The oration component is an original seven-minute individual persuasive monologue that’s based on a new theme each year – which was “Open Space,” as organized by the 2026 junior and senior coaches. Freshman Isabella Redder addressed the theme by referencing a stargazing experience, and choosing silence over multi-tasking to allow better thinking and creativity to occur. Sophomore Talitha Pendleton’s monologue addressed how finding community and appreciating relationships can result when one allows themselves an “open space.”

A panel of three judges from the Hope and Holland community score each category and through their assessments, they determine the Nykerk Cup winner. Photos from the event are available here in this gallery.

Founded in 1936 by Dr. John Nykerk (a professor, college dean and founder of the Hope College Department of Music), the event evolved from an initial physical contest into a prestigious theatrical and musical showcase, which continues to attract strong student interest each year.

Ellen Tanis ‘90 Awad — associate dean for student life – has served as the Nykerk Cup adviser for nearly 20 years, after competing in the Nykerk Cup as a student and then later as a judge. “This tradition is such a great way to showcase and celebrate student talent,” she said. “Each year, these students form such close connections and friendships even in such a short amount of time, and their Nykerk Cup spirit lives on.”

• Share
• Tweet
• Post