Approximately 200 Norwell District High School students took to the track to help raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer on June 1.
Students participating the school’s Relay for Life from 9am to 3pm raised over $17,000.
The day kicked off with the opening ceremony where survivors and participants were welcomed, and featured a moving speech by former Norwell faculty and two-time cancer survivor, Beth MacDonald.
In her speech, MacDonald spoke of the many advancements in research, diagnosis and treatments that have been made between her two diagnoses.
“Thanks to events such as this one, the money raised does make a difference,” she said.
Survivors of cancer and those walking in memory of those lost to cancer walked the first lap of the relay – and then everyone was invited to join in.
Throughout the day a variety of events took place, including live music from the teacher band; student performances from Colton Tilker, Alyssa DeMarzo and Peter Hildebrandt; inflatable basketball; three-legged races; Zumba; the frozen T-shirt game and more.
Every hour a prize package was awarded to a student who was on the track. All prizes were donated by local businesses. Students received a free lunch provided compliments of T&M BBQ Catering, and had the opportunity to purchase other snacks throughout the day.
A highlight of the event showcased three students who either cut their hair, shaved their beard or shaved their entire head in support of cancer awareness. Madison Armstrong had four inches of her hair cut off, Peter Hildebrandt shaved his beard and Jarrod Dobben shaved his whole head in front of the large crowd of enthusiastic students.
The closing of the event saw students return to the school gym where the luminary ceremony took place.
Initial reports suggested the school had raised a total of $17,776 in support of cancer research.
“This number is expected to go up as the last of the pledge envelopes and donations come in this coming week,” said finance chair Breanna MacDonald.
