Relay for Life was held at our very own school on May 11th, 2019, from 6pm to 6am. This year’s Relay for Life theme was Disney! The event was a great turn out with a total of around 25 teams. Mrs. Wargin had set a goal of raising $20,000 and together, all teams had raised nearly $30,000 by the end of the event.

Relay for Life started with an indoor kick-off party by introducing cancer survivors from our community of Oak Lawn. One of our very own staff members, Mrs.Mannion, shared her story and encounter with cancer. All participants then, lined the indoor track, where they all cheered on the cancer survivors kicking off Relay with the first lap around the track.

Before Relay was officially started, there was a ceremony where each student stood in front a luminaria bag. Luminaria bags are paper bags specifically designed to honor a cancer survivor or a cancer victim. The track was lined with luminaria bags that each had a name on the bag of a cancer survivor or a cancer victim. The students were then instructed to light the glow stick that was in every luminaria bag to illuminate and honor all those who have fallen victims to cancer. As the glow sticks were lit, the students began to walk the track in silence, altogether, as the names of the cancer victims and cancer survivors were read. This ceremony was the most touching and heartfelt event of the night.

Throughout the night, at least one member from every team had to walk the track while the rest of the team was able to enjoy plenty of fun activities that were set up in the student cafeteria as well as outside. Students were able to play video games inside, play sports out on the field, and race on the blow-up obstacle course. Later in the night, a talent show was held. Many students participated in the talent show, but Abby Moore and her sister, Ella Moore, won the talent show with their beautiful duet. More competitions such as the donut eating (off a string) competition made the night very interesting and fun. In the early morning, the movie “Toy Story” was played on the side of the Performing Arts Center.

Overall, Relay for Life was a fantastic event where students were able to have fun with friends and activities, but also honor cancer victims and cancer survivors at the same time. Majority of students are hoping that Relay continues to happen not only next year but the years following. Thank you to those who donated and participated in Relay! It truly was an amazing experience!