B-A Middle School Students Raise Money to Fight Cancer
National Junior Honor Society members from the Bellwood-Antis Middle School recently raised over $2,800 for the American Cancer Society.
The National Junior Honor Society raised over $2,800 for the American Cancer Society to help fight cancer through a Mini Relay for Life.
Students in grades five, six, seven and eight sold paper footprints for $10 each to people willing to participating in the Mini Relay.
The top money-raisers were sixth grader Drake Halverson and seventh grader Zion Poe with $130 each. Others who raised significant funds were Cynthea Baldwin and Alex Schmoke.
The top grade level winner was sixth grade, which received a afternoon movie with popcorn as a reward.
The event will be held on a date yet to be determined on the track at Memorial Stadium. BAMS students and community members will walk for an hour.
“I’m so proud of the students,” said NJHS advisor Kathy Burch.
This was entirely their project. (The students) did all the work and I can’t be more proud of their dedication and work ethic.
— NJHS Advisor Kathy Burch
According to the Relay for Life’s website, a Mini Relay for Life is “essentially a smaller version of a community Relay for Life. It is typically a noncompetitive walk event held during the school day to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. It unites students, teachers, administrators, staff, and parents together for a common cause.”
The students involved were happy to take part in the project.
“I like being able to do charity work,” said seventh grader Aubree Reiter. “I won’t be able to get out to the big relay, so I’m glad the school sponsors this.”
Robbin Byers, chair of Northern Blair Relay for Life, said in a note to the middle-schoolers, “You are the hope of the future. Come be a part of Relay this year; Relay is the start of a cancer free tomorrow.”
Carrie Wilkinson, Relay for Life Specialist, was especially moved by the students’ efforts.
“The truth is there are so many things I could say. I lost my father to cancer. Cancer is the scariest thing in the world to me,” she said. “I fight every day to try and find a cure for cancer. I cannot fight cancer alone; no one can. I need everyone’s help. We need to finish the fight together. Come join us at the relay!”
It’s always a good thing to raise awareness. Congratulations to the Middle School for your wonderful effort in the Mini Relay for Life! Also, good luck and have fun to those who plan to run in July!
